Your account number is on your checks, your bank statement, and your online banking portal
Your bank account number is a unique identifier for your specific account at your bank. It is not the same as your routing number, which identifies the bank itself. You can find your account number in at least three places without calling your bank or visiting a branch.
The fastest route is usually your online banking portal or mobile app. Log in, go to account details or account information, and your account number will be listed there. If you do not use online banking, a paper check or your most recent bank statement will have it printed on them.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of your checks, after the routing number and before the check number.
- Bank statements—whether paper or digital—display your account number in the account details section, usually near the top.
- Your online banking portal or mobile app shows your account number in the account information or account details page.
- You may need your account number to set up direct deposit, authorize wire transfers, or receive payments from employers or government programs.
Finding your account number on a check
If you have a checkbook, the account number is printed on the bottom of every check. Look at the bottom left of the check. You will see three sets of numbers separated by colons or spaces. The first set is your routing number (nine digits). The second set, usually longer, is your account number. The third set is the check number itself.
The account number on a check is typically 10 to 12 digits long, though this varies by bank. Write it down carefully—a single digit wrong will cause a payment to fail or go to the wrong account.
Finding your account number on a bank statement
Your bank statement—whether you receive it by mail or view it online—lists your account number near the top, usually in a section labeled "Account Information" or "Account Details." Paper statements print it clearly. Digital statements display it in the same location, often as a clickable field you can copy.
If you receive statements by mail, you do not need the most recent one. Any statement from the past year will have the same account number. If you have deleted your digital statements, you can request a copy from your bank, though logging into your online portal is usually faster.
Finding your account number in online banking
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and navigate to your account overview or account details page. Most banks display your account number prominently on the dashboard or in a dedicated account information section. Some banks require you to click a "View Account Details" button or similar link to see the full number.
If your bank's interface is unfamiliar, look for a menu labeled "Accounts," "My Accounts," or "Account Settings." Your account number should be visible within seconds. Many apps allow you to copy the number directly to your clipboard, which reduces the risk of typing it wrong.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If you do not have checks, cannot access your online banking, and have not received a statement in years, call your bank's customer service line. The number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your identification ready—your driver's license or passport—because the bank will verify your identity before releasing account information.
You can also visit a branch in person with your ID. A teller can print your account number for you on the spot. This takes a few minutes and requires no advance notice.
Why you need your account number
Your account number is required for direct deposit setup, wire transfers, and ACH transfers (payments that move between bank accounts electronically). Employers, government agencies, and other organizations may ask for it to send you money. You may also need it to authorize automatic bill payments or to receive refunds.
Never share your account number with someone you do not trust. Combined with your routing number, it can be used to withdraw money from your account or set up unauthorized transfers. If you believe your account number has been compromised, contact your bank when ready.
The difference between account number and routing number
Your routing number identifies your specific bank or credit union branch. Your account number identifies your individual account within that bank. Both are needed together for most transfers. The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank (or sometimes varies by branch). Your account number is unique to you.
On a check, the routing number comes first, then the account number. When setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer, you will usually be asked for both. If you provide only one, the transaction will fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my card number?
No. Your debit or credit card number is printed on the front of your card and is different from your account number. Your account number is used for bank transfers and direct deposit. Your card number is used for purchases and ATM withdrawals. You can find your account number on your checks or statement, not on your card.
Can someone steal money using just my account number?
Your account number alone is not enough to withdraw money, but combined with your routing number it can be used to set up unauthorized ACH transfers or direct debits. If you believe your account number has been compromised, contact your bank right away. They can monitor your account and reverse any unauthorized transactions.
Do I need my account number to use an ATM?
No. You use your debit card and PIN at an ATM. Your account number is not required. You only need your account number when setting up transfers, direct deposit, or payments that move money between accounts electronically.
What if my account number changed?
Your account number does not change unless you close your account and open a new one. If you switched banks or opened a new account at the same bank, you have a new account number. Check your new statement or online banking portal to confirm the new number before setting up direct deposit or transfers.