Your bank account number is on your checks, your bank's website, your mobile app, and your bank statement—the fastest route depends on what you have in front of you right now.
If you need the number when ready and you have a checkbook, look at the bottom left of any check. The account number appears after the routing number and before the check number. If you do not have checks or prefer not to write one, your bank's website or mobile app will show it in seconds—usually under "Account Details" or "Account Information" once you log in. Your most recent paper statement also lists it, though that takes longer to locate.
The account number is a string of digits unique to your specific account at your bank. It is not the same as your routing number (which identifies your bank itself) or your card number (which is for debit or credit cards). You will need the account number when setting up direct deposit, arranging wire transfers, paying bills by bank transfer, or authorizing automatic payments.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of any check you have, right after the routing number.
- Logging into your bank's website or mobile app shows your account number under Account Details or Account Information within seconds.
- Your paper bank statement lists the account number, usually near the top or in the account summary section.
- You can call your bank's customer service line and provide your name and identifying information to have the number read to you.
- The account number is different from your routing number and your debit or credit card number.
Finding it on your checks
The bottom of a check contains three numbers in order: the routing number (nine digits), your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), and the check number (typically four to six digits). The account number sits in the middle. If you have a checkbook in front of you, this is the fastest way to find the number without logging in anywhere.
If your checks are old or you are not sure which number is which, the routing number always comes first and is always nine digits. Your account number follows when ready after. If you are still unsure, your bank's customer service line can confirm which number is your account number.
Logging into your bank's website or app
Once you log in with your username and password, look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "My Accounts," or "Account Summary." Most banks display your account number prominently on this page, sometimes alongside your account type (checking, savings) and current balance. The exact location varies by bank, but it is usually one or two clicks from the main dashboard.
Mobile apps tend to show the account number more quickly than websites. Open the app, log in, and tap the account you need information for. The account number typically appears at the top or in a details section. If you cannot find it, use the app's search function or help menu to search for "account number"—most banks' apps will direct you to the right page.
Checking your bank statement
Paper statements mailed to your address list your account number, usually in the top section near your name and address or in an "Account Information" box. Online statements (which you can view through your bank's website) show it in the same location. If you have a recent statement, this is a reliable way to confirm your number, though it requires finding the physical or digital document.
Statements are typically mailed monthly, so if you need the number urgently, the website or app route is faster. However, if you are already looking at a statement for another reason, the account number is there.
Calling your bank directly
If you do not have access to checks, your online account, or a statement, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. The representative will verify your identity and read your account number to you over the phone.
This method takes longer than the others—you may wait on hold—but it works when you have no other option. Some banks also allow you to retrieve your account number through their automated phone system by entering your PIN or answering security questions, though this varies by institution.
What to do if you cannot find it
If you have tried the methods above and still cannot locate your account number, contact your bank directly. This can happen if you recently opened the account and have not received your first statement or checks yet, or if you are trying to access an account you have not used in years. Your bank can confirm the number and explain why it may not be visible in the usual places.
If you are trying to find the account number for someone else's account (a family member, for example), you will need their permission and proof of authorization. Banks do not release account numbers to third parties without the account holder's consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my card number?
No. Your account number identifies your specific account at the bank. Your card number is printed on your debit or credit card and is different. You need the account number for bank transfers and direct deposit; you use the card number for purchases and ATM withdrawals.
Can I use my account number to make purchases online?
Not in the way you use a card number. Some online retailers allow you to pay by entering your account number and routing number (called an ACH or bank transfer payment), but this is less common than card payments. Always check the retailer's payment options before entering your account information.
Is it safe to share my account number?
It depends on who is asking and why. Sharing your account number with your employer for direct deposit or with a business to set up a payment is normal and safe. Never share it with someone who contacts you unexpectedly claiming to be from your bank. Legitimate banks already have your account number and will not ask you to provide it unsolicited.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own unique account number. When you log into your bank's website or app, you will see all your accounts listed separately, each with its own number. Make sure you are looking at the correct account before using the number for a transfer or payment.
Do I need both my routing number and account number?
For most bank transfers and direct deposit setups, yes. The routing number tells the system which bank to use; the account number tells it which account within that bank. Both are required together. You will find both on the bottom of your checks or in your online account details.