Your account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, and on statements your bank mails you

The easiest place to look is the bottom of a check from your checking account. The account number appears after the routing number — it's the second set of digits in that string at the bottom. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Account Details" or "Account Information." Most banks display it prominently on the dashboard or in a menu labeled "Accounts." Your most recent bank statement, whether printed or digital, also lists it near the top.

If you've lost access to all three of those, call your bank's customer service line. The number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. You'll need to verify your identity — usually with your Social Security number, date of birth, and answers to security questions — before they'll read it to you over the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number appears on the bottom left of checks, right after the routing number in that string of digits.
  • Online banking portals and mobile apps show your account number under Account Details or Account Information.
  • Bank statements, both printed and digital, list your account number near the top of the document.
  • If you can't find it anywhere, call your bank's customer service line and verify your identity to have them read it to you.
  • You need both your routing number and account number together to set up direct deposit or wire transfers.

What the account number looks like on a check

At the bottom of any check, you'll see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group is your routing number (nine digits). The second group is your account number, which is usually between 8 and 12 digits long. The third group is the check number itself.

Not all banks print account numbers the same way. Some show the full number; others show only the last four digits for security. If your checks show only partial numbers, use your online banking portal or call the bank instead.

Finding it in online banking

Log into your bank's website or app and look for a section called "Accounts," "Account Details," "Account Information," or "My Accounts." Most banks put this in the main menu or dashboard. Click on the specific account you need — checking, savings, or money market — and the account number will be displayed on that page.

Some banks hide the full number by default for security. If you see only the last four digits, look for a button or link that says "Show Full Account Number" or "Reveal Account Number." You may need to enter your password or answer a security question again.

Locating it on paper statements

Open any bank statement you've received in the mail or downloaded as a PDF. The account number usually appears in the top section, near your name and address. It may be labeled "Account Number," "Account #," or straightforward listed under your account type.

Digital statements work the same way. If your bank sends statements by email, open the PDF attachment and look at the header. The account number is almost always in the same spot on every statement your bank sends you.

Getting it by phone if you can't find it elsewhere

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your account number. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.

Have a pen and paper ready when you call. The representative will read the number to you slowly. Ask them to repeat it if you need to hear it again. Some banks can also email or text the number to you after verification, though this varies by institution.

Why you need both the routing number and account number

These two numbers work together. Your routing number tells the banking system which bank to send money to. Your account number tells that bank which specific account within the bank should receive the money. Without both, a transfer can't reach the right place.

When you set up direct deposit for a paycheck, a bill payment, or a wire transfer, you'll be asked for both numbers. Some forms ask for them separately; others ask for them together as "routing number/account number." Make sure you have both before you start the process.

What to do if your account number has changed

Your account number does not change when you update your address, phone number, or other personal information. It stays the same for the life of the account. If your bank closes your account and opens a new one, you'll get a new account number.

If you think your account number has changed, contact your bank directly. It's possible you're looking at a different account — many people have both checking and savings accounts, each with its own number. Verify which account you're trying to use before you assume the number has changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to share my account number?

Your account number alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account. Someone would also need your routing number, and even then, most transfers require additional verification. However, don't share it casually. Only provide it to people and organizations you trust, such as your employer for direct deposit or a utility company for bill payments.

Can I use my debit card number instead of my account number?

No. Your debit card number is different from your account number. Direct deposit, wire transfers, and ACH payments all require your actual account number. Your debit card number is for card transactions only.

What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?

Each account has its own account number. If you have a checking account and a savings account, they have different numbers. Make sure you're looking at the right account before you use the number for a transfer or direct deposit.

Do I need my account number to check my balance?

No. You can check your balance by logging into online banking with your username and password, calling your bank's automated phone line, or visiting an ATM with your debit card. You only need the account number when you're setting up a transfer or providing it to someone else.