Your account number is printed on the bottom left of every check you write
The account number is the eight to twelve digit code that identifies your specific checking account at your bank. It appears in three places: on the bottom of your checks, in your online banking portal, and on statements mailed to you. The bottom left corner of a check is the fastest place to look if you need it right now.
The number sits between two sets of colons or dashes. The first set of numbers (usually nine digits) is your bank's routing number. Your account number comes next. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number, though they all share the routing number.
You do not need a physical check in front of you to find this information. Your bank's website, mobile app, or a phone call to customer service will give you the account number in seconds. Many people keep a photo of a blank check on their phone for this reason.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of every check, between the routing number and the check number.
- You can find your account number by logging into your bank's website or app under account details or account information.
- Statements mailed to your home print your account number at the top or bottom of the first page.
- Calling your bank's customer service line will give you your account number within one minute, no account access required.
Reading the numbers on the bottom of a check
The bottom of a check contains three separate sets of numbers, and they appear in a specific order from left to right. Understanding which is which prevents you from giving the wrong number when you set up direct deposit or authorize a payment.
The first number (usually nine digits) is the routing number. It identifies the bank or credit union itself. The second number (eight to twelve digits) is your account number. The third number is the check number, which is unique to that single check and is not used for banking transactions.
Some banks print the account number in a slightly different position depending on their check design, but it always sits between the routing number and the check number. If you are unsure which is which, your bank's customer service can confirm it over the phone.
Finding your account number in online banking
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "My Accounts." Your account number will be displayed prominently on that page, usually near your account balance and recent transactions.
Most banks also show your account number on the dashboard or home screen after you log in. If you cannot find it, use the search function within the app or website and type "account number." The system will take you directly to the page where it is listed.
Some banks hide the full account number for security reasons and show only the last four digits on the main screen. If that is the case, click on the account name or the "Details" link to reveal the complete number.
Locating it on paper statements
Paper statements mailed to your home print your account number on the first page, usually in the upper right corner or along the top of the document. It may also appear at the bottom of the page near your bank's contact information.
If you have statements from the past few months, any of them will show your account number in the same location. You do not need the most recent statement—older ones work just as well for finding this information.
Getting your account number by phone
Call your bank's customer service number (printed on the back of your debit card or on your statement) and tell the representative you need your account number. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your name, date of birth, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
This process takes less than a minute once you have been verified. You do not need to be logged into online banking or have a statement in front of you. The representative can read your account number to you directly.
Why you need your account number
Your account number is required when you set up direct deposit for paychecks, authorize automatic bill payments, or transfer money between accounts at different banks. It is also needed when you give someone permission to deposit a check into your account or when you provide banking information to an employer or government agency.
The account number alone is not enough to access your account or move money without your permission. A person would also need your routing number, your PIN, your online banking password, or physical access to your debit card. Sharing your account number with your employer or a trusted payee is safe.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If you have no checks, no statements, and no access to online banking, call your bank directly. Have your debit card available—the customer service number is usually printed on the back. You can also visit a branch in person with a photo ID and ask a teller to write down your account number.
If you have forgotten your online banking password, use the "Forgot Password" link on your bank's website to reset it. Once you are logged in, your account number will be visible within seconds. This is often faster than waiting on hold with customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number is a separate sixteen-digit code printed on the front of your card. Your account number is eight to twelve digits and appears on checks and statements. They are linked to the same account but are different numbers used for different purposes.
Can someone access my account if they know my account number?
Not without additional information. Your account number alone does not allow someone to withdraw money or change your password. They would also need your routing number, PIN, online banking password, or physical access to your debit card. Sharing your account number with your employer or a bill payment company is safe.
Why do some banks show only the last four digits online?
Banks hide the full account number on the main dashboard for security reasons, especially if you use shared devices or public computers. Click on "Account Details" or a similar link to view the complete number. You can also take a screenshot or write it down for your records.
Do I need both my routing number and account number to receive a direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer or the organization sending the deposit needs both numbers. The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send the money to, and the account number tells the bank which account within that bank should receive it.
What if I have multiple checking accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own account number, but they all share the same routing number. When you set up direct deposit or authorize a payment, make sure you provide the account number for the specific account where you want the money to go.