Your account number is the second set of digits on the bottom of your check
The bottom of a check has three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. Reading left to right, you see the routing number first, then your account number, then the check number. Your account number is always in the middle. It is typically 10 to 12 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank.
The account number identifies which specific account at your bank the check is drawn from. If you have multiple checking accounts, each one has its own account number. This is the number you need when you set up direct deposit, arrange bill payments, or receive a wire transfer.
The routing number (on the left) tells the banking system which bank to send the money to. The check number (on the right) is just for your own record-keeping. But the account number in the middle is what connects the check to your money.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears as the middle set of digits on the bottom of your check, between the routing number and check number.
- Account numbers are usually 10 to 12 digits long, but the length depends on your bank.
- You need your account number whenever you set up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, or receive transfers from another person or organization.
- Your account number is unique to that specific checking account — if you have two checking accounts, each has a different number.
How to read the numbers in order
Stand the check in front of you and look at the bottom left corner. You will see a series of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink font. The first group of numbers, usually four digits, is your routing number. There is a vertical line after it.
when ready after that vertical line comes the second group of numbers — this is your account number. Count the digits: most banks use 10, 11, or 12 digits for the account number. After your account number, there is another vertical line.
The third group of numbers, usually four or five digits, is the check number. This number also appears in the top right corner of the check in regular print. The check number is just for your records and does not identify your account to the bank.
Why you need to know which number is which
Banks and other organizations ask for your account number when you want money to go into or out of your checking account automatically. If you give them the wrong number, the transaction may go to someone else's account or fail entirely. Getting this right matters.
Your employer needs your account number to set up direct deposit of your paycheck. Your utility company needs it to take automatic payments from your account. If you are receiving a wire transfer from another bank, the sender needs your account number to route the money correctly.
The routing number tells the system which bank to use. The account number tells it which account within that bank. Together, they are like an address: the routing number is the city, and the account number is the specific house.
Finding your account number if you do not have a check
If you have not received checks yet or do not have one handy, you can find your account number in other places. Log into your bank's website or mobile app — your account number usually appears on the account summary page or in your account settings. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read it to you.
Your bank statement also lists your account number, usually near the top. If you signed up for online banking, the account number is typically visible as soon as you log in. Some banks print it on your debit card, though not all do.
Common mistakes when reading the bottom of a check
The most common mistake is confusing the check number with the account number. The check number is small and appears on the right side of the bottom line. It is also printed in large type in the top right corner of the check. Do not use this number when someone asks for your account number.
Another mistake is misreading the routing number as the account number. The routing number is always on the left and is always nine digits. If the first group of numbers you see is nine digits, that is the routing number, not your account number. Your account number comes next.
Some people also accidentally include the vertical lines or dashes when writing down their account number. The lines are just separators — they are not part of the number itself. Write only the digits.
What happens if you give the wrong number
If you accidentally give someone your routing number instead of your account number, the transaction usually fails or gets rejected. The bank will not process a payment or deposit without both the correct routing number and the correct account number.
If you give a number that matches a different account at the same bank, the money could go to that account instead of yours. This is rare but possible. That is why it is worth double-checking before you submit the information, especially for large transactions.
If you realize you gave the wrong number after submitting it, contact the organization when ready. Most can correct the information before the transaction processes. The sooner you catch the error, the easier it is to fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number is different from your account number. The card number is printed on the front of your card and is used for purchases and withdrawals. Your account number is used for direct deposits, bill payments, and transfers. You can have the same account number for years, but your debit card number changes when you get a new card.
Can someone access my account if they know my account number?
They would need both your account number and your routing number to send money to your account, but they cannot withdraw money with just those two pieces of information. However, you should still keep your account number private. Do not share it with people you do not trust, and be careful when typing it into unfamiliar websites.
What if the numbers on my check are smudged or hard to read?
Contact your bank and ask them to provide your account number and routing number. They can read it from their system and give you the correct numbers. You can also log into your online banking account, where both numbers are usually displayed clearly.
Do I need my account number to deposit a check into my account?
No. When you deposit a check, you only need to sign the back and provide it to your bank or deposit it through an ATM or mobile app. The bank reads the routing and account numbers from the check itself. You do not need to write or say these numbers.