Your account number appears in the lower left section of your check, after the routing number
The account number on a check is the second set of digits printed along the bottom edge. It comes right after the routing number (which identifies your bank) and before the check number (which identifies that specific check). On most checks, it is 10 to 12 digits long, though the length varies by bank.
The account number is yours alone—it belongs to no one else at your bank. When you write a check, the person or business receiving it uses both the routing number and account number to find your account and process the payment. If you look at any check from your account, the account number will be the same on every single check you have from that account.
You do not need to memorize it. You can find it on any check you have, or you can log into your bank's website or app and look it up there. Your bank statement also lists it, usually near the top.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the second group of digits printed at the bottom of your check, positioned between the routing number and the check number.
- Account numbers are typically 10 to 12 digits long, though the exact length depends on your bank.
- The same account number appears on every check from the same account, so you only need to find it once.
- If you do not have a check handy, you can find your account number by logging into your bank's website or app, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
- Banks use both your routing number and account number together to process payments and identify your account.
How to read the numbers at the bottom of a check
The bottom of a check contains three separate groups of numbers, printed in a special machine-readable format called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). From left to right, they are: routing number, account number, and check number.
The routing number comes first and is always nine digits. It tells the banking system which bank holds your account. The account number comes second and is the one you are looking for. The check number comes last and is unique to that individual check—it is also printed in the upper right corner of the check in regular numbers.
If the numbers are hard to read because of wear or fading, you can still find your account number through your bank. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, log into your online banking, or visit a branch in person.
Why banks need both the routing number and account number
The routing number alone is not enough to identify your account. Thousands of people may bank at the same institution, so the bank needs both pieces of information to know which account to pull money from or deposit money into.
Think of it this way: the routing number is like the address of the bank building, and the account number is like your apartment number inside that building. Together, they pinpoint exactly where your money is. When you give someone a check, you are giving them both pieces of information so they can deposit it into their bank and have their bank contact your bank with the correct routing and account numbers.
Finding your account number if you do not have a check
If you do not have a check in front of you, your account number is stored in multiple places you can reach quickly. Log into your bank's website or mobile app—your account number usually appears on the main dashboard or in an account details section. You can also call your bank's customer service number, which is printed on your debit card or credit card statement.
Your monthly bank statement also lists your account number, usually in the upper left or upper right corner. If you receive statements by mail, look at the most recent one. If you receive them by email, search your inbox for the most recent statement and open the PDF.
Some banks print the account number on your debit card itself, though not all do. Check the front or back of your card—if it is there, it will be clearly labeled.
What to do if you cannot read the account number on your check
Checks can become worn, faded, or smudged over time, making the numbers at the bottom hard to read. If this happens, do not try to guess or estimate the digits. Instead, contact your bank directly and ask them to confirm your account number.
You can reach your bank by phone, through their website, or by visiting a branch. Have your name, address, and a form of identification ready. The bank will verify your identity and give you the correct account number. This takes only a few minutes and is the safest way to get accurate information.
Keeping your account number find
Your account number is sensitive information. Do not share it with anyone unless you trust them completely and you know why they need it. Legitimate businesses—your employer for direct deposit, your landlord for rent payment, your utility company for bill payment—may ask for it. Scammers also ask for it, so always verify that you are dealing with a real company before you hand it over.
If you lose a check or think someone may have seen your account number, contact your bank. They can monitor your account for suspicious activity and issue you new checks if needed. You do not need to close the account—the bank can straightforward watch for fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account at that bank. They are printed separately at the bottom of your check, with the routing number first and the account number second.
Can someone use my account number to steal money from my account?
Your account number alone is not enough to steal money. A thief would also need your routing number, and even then they would typically need additional information like your name or signature. If you are concerned, contact your bank and ask them to monitor your account for fraud.
Why is my account number different from my check number?
The check number identifies that one individual check. The account number identifies your entire account. Every check from your account has the same account number but a different check number, so the bank knows which check is which.
Do I need my account number to use online banking?
No. You log into online banking with your username and password or through your bank's app. Once you are logged in, your account number is displayed, but you do not need to enter it to access your account.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own account number. If you have a checking account and a savings account, they will have different account numbers. The checks from your checking account will show only the checking account number.