The account number is the second set of digits on the bottom left of your check, between the routing number and the check number
When you look at the bottom of a check, you will see three groups of numbers printed in magnetic ink. The first group (on the far left) is your routing number. The second group, in the middle, is your account number. The third group, on the far right, is the individual check number. Your account number is typically 10 to 12 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank.
The account number identifies your specific checking account at your bank. When someone deposits a check you write, the bank uses this number to know which account to pull the money from. If you are receiving a check, you may need to provide your account number to the payer so they can set up a direct deposit or electronic transfer instead.
The numbers are printed in a special format called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition), which allows bank machines to read them automatically. This is why the numbers look slightly different from regular printed text — they have a distinctive blocky appearance.
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, though this varies by bank and account type.
- You can also find your account number on your bank statement, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank.
- Never share your account number with someone you do not trust, as it can be used to set up unauthorized transfers or payments.
How to read the three number groups on a check
The bottom of every check contains three distinct number groups in this order from left to right: routing number, account number, check number. Learning to identify each one takes only a moment.
The routing number (leftmost) is nine digits and identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. It tells the Federal Reserve and other banks where to send the money. The account number (middle) is your personal identifier within that bank — it is unique to your checking account. The check number (rightmost) is printed in regular ink above the MICR line and identifies this specific check so you can track it in your records.
If you are looking at a check and the numbers are hard to read, the account number will always be longer than the routing number (which is always exactly nine digits). The check number is usually the shortest of the three.
Other places to find your account number
You do not need a check to find your account number. Your bank provides this information in several places, and you can retrieve it in minutes without writing or depositing anything.
Your bank statement — whether printed or online — displays your account number at the top or in the account information section. Your online banking portal shows your account number in the account details or dashboard, usually visible as soon as you log in. Your debit card may have your account number printed on it, though not all banks include this. You can also call your bank's customer service line and provide your name and identifying information; they will read your account number to you over the phone.
If you have recently opened an account, your bank likely sent you a welcome letter or email that included your account number. Check your email inbox or any paperwork from your bank's opening process.
Why you might need to share your account number
There are legitimate reasons someone may ask for your account number. Understanding when it is safe to provide it protects you from fraud.
You may need to share your account number when setting up direct deposit with an employer or government agency. You will also provide it when arranging automatic bill payments with utilities, insurance companies, or loan servicers. If you are receiving a wire transfer or ACH transfer from someone, they may ask for your account number and routing number together. In all these cases, the person or organization requesting the information is initiating a transfer into your account, not out of it.
Be cautious if someone asks for your account number in other contexts. Scammers sometimes pose as banks or service providers to collect account numbers for unauthorized withdrawals. Legitimate companies will never ask for your account number via unsolicited email, text, or phone call. If you are unsure whether a request is genuine, hang up and call the organization directly using a phone number from their official website.
What information is safe to share and what is not
Your account number alone is less dangerous than your account number combined with other information, but it still carries risk. Understanding what to protect helps you avoid fraud.
Sharing your account number and routing number together is generally safe when you are setting up a legitimate transfer into your account — direct deposit, for example. However, sharing your account number with someone you do not know, or in response to an unsolicited request, is risky. A scammer with your account number and routing number can attempt to set up unauthorized ACH transfers or bill payments from your account.
Never share your account number along with your PIN, password, or online banking credentials. Never provide it to someone who contacts you unexpectedly claiming to be from your bank. Never enter your account number on a website unless you initiated the visit and the site is find (look for "https://" in the address bar). If a payment processor or service asks for your account number and you are uncomfortable, ask if they accept other payment methods instead.
Account numbers on different types of checks
Most personal checks follow the same format, but some variations exist depending on your bank and account type.
Business checks display the account number in the same location as personal checks — the middle set of digits on the bottom. The routing number and format are identical. Cashier's checks and certified checks (checks issued by the bank itself rather than from your account) also show an account number, though it may be the bank's operational account rather than yours. Starter checks provided when you open a new account follow the standard format.
If you receive a check and cannot locate the account number, the routing number and check number will still be visible. You can contact the check writer's bank directly with the routing number, or you can ask the check writer to provide the account number separately if you need it for a specific purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they only have my account number?
They would also need your routing number to attempt an ACH transfer or bill payment. Even with both numbers, most banks require additional verification before processing a transfer. However, it is still unwise to share your account number with strangers. If you suspect unauthorized activity, contact your bank when ready.
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank (nine digits). Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank (typically 10 to 12 digits). Both appear on your check, but they serve different purposes.
What if I cannot find the account number on my check?
The numbers may be faded or difficult to read. Try looking at the check under bright light or with a magnifying glass. If the check is old or damaged, contact your bank directly — they can provide your account number when ready.
Do I need my account number to deposit a check?
No. When you deposit a check into your own account, you only need to endorse the back and provide it to your bank or ATM. Your bank already knows which account to deposit it into. You would need the check writer's account number only if you were processing the check for them.
Is it safe to write my account number on a bill payment check?
Yes, when paying a bill by check, writing your account number on the check itself (usually in the memo line) is standard practice. The payee uses it to match the payment to your account. This is different from sharing your account number with an unknown person.