Your account number is on your checks, your bank statement, and in your online banking login
Your bank account number is a string of digits unique to your checking or savings account. It identifies which account at your bank receives or sends money. You can find it in at least three places without calling your bank: on a paper check, on any bank statement (paper or digital), or by logging into your online banking portal.
The account number is not the same as your routing number. Your routing number identifies the bank itself; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both to set up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of every check you write, after the routing number.
- Bank statements—whether you receive them by mail or view them online—display your account number on the first page.
- Your online banking dashboard shows your account number in the account details or summary section.
- If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number.
Finding your account number on a check
The easiest place to look is the bottom of any check from your account. The numbers printed along the bottom edge follow a standard order: routing number, then account number, then check number. The account number is typically 10 to 12 digits long, though this varies by bank.
If you have not ordered checks yet or have run out, this method will not work. But if you have even one check in a drawer, you have what you need. You do not have to write the check or deposit it—you just need to read the numbers.
Looking it up on your bank statement
Every bank statement lists your account number on the first page, usually near the top. This is true whether you receive statements by mail or read them from your bank's website. The account number appears alongside the account type (checking or savings) and the statement period.
If you receive paper statements, pull any recent one from the last few months. If you have switched to paperless statements, log into your bank's website, navigate to statements or documents, and open the most recent one. The account number will be in the same place on every statement your bank produces.
Viewing it in your online banking portal
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for an account summary or account details page. Most banks display your account number prominently on the dashboard that appears after you sign in, or in a section labeled "Account Information" or "My Accounts."
If you have multiple accounts—a checking account and a savings account, for example—each one will have its own account number listed separately. Make sure you are looking at the correct account before you copy the number down, especially if you are setting up a transfer or payment.
What to do if you cannot find it
If you do not have checks, cannot access your statements, and have forgotten your online banking password, call your bank's customer service number. This number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your identification ready—the bank will ask for your name, address, and possibly the last four digits of your Social Security number before they read your account number to you.
Some banks also allow you to view your account number by visiting a branch in person with a photo ID. This is slower than calling, but it is an option if you prefer not to use the phone.
Understanding what your account number is used for
Your account number is required whenever someone needs to move money into or out of your account. Direct deposit from an employer, automatic bill payments, wire transfers, and ACH transfers (the system most banks use for moving money between accounts) all need your account number plus your routing number.
Your account number is not the same as your card number. Your debit card has its own number, printed on the front. Your credit card, if you have one at the same bank, has yet another number. Each is used for different purposes, and mixing them up will cause a payment to fail.
Keeping your account number find
Your account number is not as sensitive as your PIN or password, but you should still treat it with care. It is safe to share your account number and routing number with your employer for direct deposit, with your landlord for rent payments, or with a business you are paying by ACH transfer. These are standard, expected uses.
Do not share your account number in response to an unsolicited email, text, or phone call, even if the sender claims to be from your bank. Your bank already has your account number and will never ask you to confirm it this way. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, hang up or close the message and call your bank directly using the number on your debit card or statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my card number?
No. Your account number identifies your bank account. Your card number is printed on your debit or credit card and is used for in-person and online purchases. They are separate numbers, and you need the account number for transfers and direct deposit, not the card number.
Can someone access my account if they know my account number?
Not without your routing number as well, and even then they cannot withdraw money or make purchases. They can only initiate ACH transfers or direct deposits into your account. To actually move money out, they would need your PIN, password, or online banking login credentials.
What if I have both checking and savings accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own account number. When you set up a transfer between them, you will need to specify which account number you are transferring from and which one you are transferring to. Check your statement or online banking portal to see all your account numbers listed separately.
Do I need my account number to use my debit card?
No. You use your card number, expiration date, and CVV for purchases. Your account number is only needed for bank transfers, direct deposit, and bill payments—not for everyday card transactions.
What should I do if I think someone has my account number?
Contact your bank and let them know. They can monitor your account for suspicious activity and help you set up alerts. You do not need to close the account unless fraudulent transfers have already occurred. Your bank can investigate and reverse unauthorized ACH transfers in most cases.