Your account number is the second set of digits on the bottom of your check

Look at the bottom left of any check. You will see three separate groups of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. The first group is your routing number (nine digits). The second group, usually between 10 and 12 digits long, is your account number. The third group is the check number itself.

The account number identifies your specific checking account at your bank. It is unique to you — no one else has the same combination of your routing number and account number. You will use these two numbers together whenever you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic payments, or send money to someone else's bank account.

If your checks are hard to read or you cannot find them, your bank can tell you your account number in seconds. You can call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, log into your online banking, or visit a branch in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number is the middle set of digits on the bottom of your check, between the routing number and the check number.
  • Account numbers are typically 10 to 12 digits long and are unique to your specific checking account.
  • You need both your routing number and account number together to set up direct deposit or send money between bank accounts.
  • If you cannot locate your account number on a check, your bank can provide it through online banking, a phone call, or a visit to a branch.

Why banks print account numbers on checks

Checks are a written instruction to your bank to move money from your account to someone else's. For the bank to know which account to take the money from, that account number has to be printed on the check in a format the bank's machines can read quickly. The magnetic ink and special positioning make it possible for banks to process thousands of checks per day without human hands touching each one.

This is also why the numbers are always in the same order and position on every check — it is a standard that all U.S. banks follow. Once you know where to look, you will find your account number in the same spot on every single check you own.

What the three number groups mean

The first group of nine digits is the routing number. This identifies your bank or credit union — it tells the banking system which institution holds your account. All customers of the same bank share the same routing number.

The second group is your account number. This is what separates your account from every other account at your bank. Even if two people bank at the same branch, they have different account numbers.

The third group is the check number. This is just a reference for you and the person you are paying. It helps you track which check you wrote and when. The check number also appears in the top right corner of the check in larger print.

How to read your account number if the check is worn or faded

Older checks or checks that have been handled a lot sometimes become hard to read. If the magnetic ink has faded or smudged, you have several options. The fastest is to log into your online banking account — your account number will be displayed clearly on the main dashboard or in an account details section.

You can also call your bank's customer service line, which is usually printed on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. A representative can read your account number to you over the phone in under a minute. If you prefer to do it in person, any teller at a branch can write down your account number for you.

When you need to give out your account number

You will need to provide your routing number and account number together in several common situations. The most frequent is setting up direct deposit for your paycheck — your employer's payroll department needs both numbers to route your pay to the correct account. You will also need them to set up automatic bill payments through your bank, to receive a wire transfer from someone, or to send money to another person's bank account through your bank's online system.

Some people worry about safety when sharing their account number. The truth is that your routing and account number alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account — a thief would also need your PIN, your online banking password, or physical access to your debit card. Sharing these numbers with your employer, your bank, or a trusted person is safe.

Account numbers on different types of checks

Personal checks, business checks, and cashier's checks all have account numbers printed on the bottom in the same format. If you have ordered checks from your bank, they will all have the same account number printed on them. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank — for example, a checking account and a savings account — each one has its own separate account number, and checks for each account will show the correct number for that specific account.

Some banks print additional information on checks, like your name or address, but the three number groups at the bottom are always there in the same order: routing number, account number, check number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone take money from my account if they have my account number?

No. Your routing and account number alone are not enough to withdraw money. A person would also need your PIN, your online banking password, or physical possession of your debit card. Sharing your account number with your employer or your bank is safe.

Why is my account number different from my debit card number?

Your debit card number and your account number are two separate identifiers. The debit card number is for card transactions only. Your account number is used for bank transfers, direct deposits, and other transactions that go directly through the banking system. Both connect to the same account, but they serve different purposes.

What if I cannot find the account number on my check?

Look at the very bottom left of the check. The account number is the middle set of digits, between the routing number and the check number. If the print is too faded to read, log into your online banking, call your bank's customer service line, or visit a branch — any of these will show you your account number when ready.

Do all my checks have the same account number?

Yes. Every check from the same checking account will have the same account number printed on it. If you have ordered new checks from your bank, they will have the same account number as your old checks.