The three numbers and where they sit on your check
Your routing number appears in the bottom left corner of the check, printed in magnetic ink. It is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union issued your account. Your account number appears to the right of the routing number, also in magnetic ink at the bottom of the check. The third number you will see there is the check number itself, printed in the top right corner and again at the bottom left — this one is not magnetic ink.
The order from left to right at the bottom of the check is always: routing number, then account number, then check number. All three are printed in the same small font and are meant to be read by bank machines, so they look different from the rest of the check text. If you are looking at a personal check, these numbers will be present even if the check has not been filled out yet.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number (nine digits) is in the bottom left corner and identifies your specific bank or credit union.
- The account number (usually 10 to 12 digits) sits when ready to the right of the routing number at the bottom of the check.
- Both numbers are printed in magnetic ink and are meant to be machine-readable, so they look distinct from regular printed text.
- The check number appears in the top right corner and again at the bottom right, and is not the same as your account number.
Why these numbers matter and what they do
The routing number tells the banking system which financial institution to send money to or pull money from. If you are setting up direct deposit at a new job or paying a bill by check, you will need this nine-digit code. Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, so the routing number on your check is specific to the branch where your account is held.
Your account number is the identifier for your specific account within that bank. It is unique to you and stays the same for as long as you hold that account. When you give someone your routing and account number — for direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments — you are giving them the information they need to move money in and out of your account.
What happens if you cannot read the numbers clearly
If the magnetic ink numbers are faded, smudged, or hard to read, you have two straightforward options. The first is to contact your bank directly by phone or through your online banking portal and ask for your routing and account number. They will provide both numbers over the phone or in writing, and this is a normal request that takes less than a minute.
The second option is to look at your bank statements or online banking dashboard. Both your routing number and account number appear on monthly statements, usually near the top or in a summary section. Your online banking portal almost always displays your account number prominently, and many banks show the routing number there as well. If you have a debit card issued by the bank, the account number may also be printed on the back or side of the card.
Differences between personal checks and business checks
The layout is identical on both personal and business checks — routing number on the bottom left, account number to its right. The difference is in whose name appears on the check and whose account the numbers belong to. A business check will have the business name and address printed on it, and the routing and account numbers will route to the business's bank account, not a personal account.
If you are writing a check on behalf of a business but do not have a business check in front of you, you will still need the business's routing and account number. You can get these from the business owner, accountant, or bookkeeper, or by calling the business's bank directly if you have authorization to do so.
Using these numbers safely
Your routing number is public information — it is printed on every check you write and is not sensitive. Your account number, however, should be treated with more care. Do not share your account number with anyone you do not trust, and be cautious about typing it into websites or over the phone unless you initiated the contact and you are certain you are dealing with your actual bank.
If you are paying a bill or setting up direct deposit, the organization requesting your information should be one you recognize and have a reason to do business with. Scammers sometimes call or email asking for routing and account numbers under false pretenses. Your bank will never call you out of the blue asking for your account number — they already have it.
What to do if your checks are lost or stolen
If you lose a checkbook or suspect someone has stolen checks with your routing and account number on them, contact your bank when ready. Your bank can flag your account and watch for unauthorized activity. You may want to order new checks with a different account number, though this is not always necessary — your bank can monitor the old account number and catch fraudulent activity.
If checks have already been cashed fraudulently, your bank's fraud department will investigate and may reverse the charges. This process takes time, usually several weeks, but you are generally protected under banking regulations from losses due to check fraud. Report the fraud in writing as well as by phone, so there is a documented record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone use my account if they only have my routing and account number?
Yes, they can attempt to set up automatic payments or transfers using those numbers. This is why you should not share your account number casually. If unauthorized activity occurs, contact your bank when ready — they can reverse fraudulent transactions and issue you a new account number if needed.
Are the numbers on a check the same every time I order new checks?
Yes. Your routing number and account number do not change when you order a new checkbook. The only thing that changes is the check numbers themselves, which start over from 1001 or whatever number your bank assigns to the new batch.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own account number, but they all share the same routing number because they are all at the same bank. If you order checks for a different account, the routing number will be the same but the account number will be different.
Do I need both numbers to set up direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer or the organization setting up direct deposit will ask for both your routing number and account number. They need the routing number to find your bank and the account number to deposit money into the correct account within that bank.
What if my check is from a credit union instead of a bank?
The layout is exactly the same. Credit unions issue checks with routing numbers and account numbers in the same positions as bank checks. The routing number will identify your credit union instead of a bank, but the process is identical.