Your account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it in your bank's mobile app or online portal

The easiest place to locate your account number depends on what you have access to right now. If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom of any check — you'll see three sets of numbers. The first set (usually nine digits) is your routing number. The second set, which comes after a colon or space, is your account number. It's typically between 8 and 17 digits long, depending on your bank.

If you don't have checks handy, log into your bank's website or open their mobile app. Your account number appears on the account summary page, usually near the account name or balance. Some banks label it "Account Number" or "Checking Account Number" — others put it under "Account Details" or "Account Information." You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read it to you; they'll verify your identity first.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number is the second set of digits on the bottom of a check, after the routing number.
  • You can find your account number in your bank's mobile app or website under Account Details or Account Summary.
  • Calling your bank's customer service line is a safe way to get your account number if you don't have checks or online access.
  • Never share your full account number with someone unless you initiated the contact and trust the recipient.

How to read the numbers on a check

The bottom of a check contains three separate pieces of information, printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read. From left to right, you see the routing number first (nine digits), then the account number (variable length), then the check number on the far right.

The account number is the longer middle section. It identifies your specific account at that bank — your routing number tells the system which bank, but your account number tells it which account within that bank. When you give someone your routing and account numbers for a wire transfer or direct deposit, you're giving them the information they need to move money in or out of that specific account.

Finding your account number online or in the app

Log into your bank's website using your username and password. Look for a section labeled "Accounts," "Account Summary," "Account Details," or "Dashboard." Your account number should appear on the main page or within a few clicks. Most banks display it prominently near your current balance.

If you use your bank's mobile app, the process is usually faster. Open the app, tap the account you want information for, and look for an "Account Details" button or menu option. Some apps show the account number right on the home screen; others hide it one tap deeper. If you can't find it, try searching within the app for "account number" — most apps have a search function.

What to do if you can't locate it

If you've lost access to your online account or don't have checks, call your bank's customer service number. You'll find this number on your bank statement, on the back of your debit card, or on the bank's website. Have your Social Security number and a form of ID ready — the bank will ask you to verify your identity before reading your account number aloud.

Some banks also let you request a new checkbook through their website or app, which will arrive with your account number printed on it. This takes a few business days but gives you a permanent record you can reference later. If you need the number when ready, the phone call is your fastest option.

Why you need both routing and account numbers

Many financial transactions require both numbers working together. Direct deposit from your employer, for example, needs both your routing number (so the payroll system knows which bank) and your account number (so it knows which account at that bank). A wire transfer, an ACH payment, or setting up automatic bill pay all work the same way.

Your routing number stays the same for every account you have at that bank. Your account number is unique to each individual account. If you have both a checking and savings account at the same bank, they share the routing number but have different account numbers.

Keeping your account number safe

Your account number is not as sensitive as your PIN or password, but it's still information you should protect. Never share it with someone who contacted you first — legitimate companies already have this information if they need it, or they'll ask you to log into your account directly to provide it.

If you're giving your account number to set up direct deposit or a payment, make sure you initiated the contact and you trust the recipient. Scammers sometimes pose as employers or utility companies to collect account numbers for unauthorized withdrawals. When in doubt, hang up and call the company directly using a number from their official website or your bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my account number the same as my debit card number?

No. Your debit card number is printed on the front of the card and is different from your account number. Your account number is what's used for bank transfers and direct deposits. Your debit card number is what you use for purchases and ATM withdrawals.

Can someone withdraw money if they have my account number?

They would need both your account number and your routing number, plus authorization. Having just the account number alone is not enough to move money. However, don't share it casually — if someone has both numbers and claims to be from your bank or a trusted company, they could potentially set up unauthorized transfers.

What if my bank doesn't show the account number online?

Call customer service and ask them to provide it. Some smaller banks or credit unions have older systems that don't display account numbers in their apps or websites, even though the information exists in their records. A phone call will get you the answer in minutes.

Do I need my account number to use an ATM?

No. ATMs only need your debit card and your PIN. Your account number is for bank-to-bank transfers, direct deposits, and bill payments — not for everyday ATM or debit card use.