Bank of America checking account numbers are 10 digits long

Your Bank of America checking account number is always 10 digits. You'll find it on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking dashboard, or by calling customer service. The number itself is unique to your account — no two Bank of America customers share the same 10-digit sequence, even if they bank at the same branch.

The 10-digit format is standard across Bank of America's checking products, whether you have a basic checking account, a premium account, or a student account. The length doesn't change based on account type or when you opened the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America checking account numbers are always 10 digits, printed on the bottom left of your checks.
  • The routing number (9 digits) and account number (10 digits) are two separate pieces of information you need for transfers and direct deposits.
  • Your account number stays the same for the life of the account unless you close it and open a new one.
  • When you set up direct deposit or wire transfers, you'll need both your routing number and your 10-digit account number.

Where to find your 10-digit account number

The easiest place to locate your account number is on a check. Look at the bottom of the check — you'll see three groups of numbers. The first group (9 digits) is the routing number. The second group (10 digits) is your account number. The third group is the check number itself.

If you don't have checks handy, log into your Bank of America online banking account or mobile app. Your account number appears on the account summary page and in your account details. You can also call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card, and they'll read it to you over the phone.

Why the routing number and account number are different

Bank of America's routing number is 9 digits and identifies the bank itself — specifically, which Bank of America location or processing center handles your account. Your 10-digit account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Together, they tell the financial system exactly where your money should go.

When you set up direct deposit with an employer or receive a wire transfer, you'll need to provide both numbers. The routing number tells the sending bank which institution to send the money to. The account number tells Bank of America which account within the bank should receive it. Providing only one is not enough — the transfer will fail or be delayed.

What happens if you close and reopen an account

If you close your Bank of America checking account and open a new one later, you'll receive a new 10-digit account number. The old number is retired and cannot be used. This matters if you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up — you'll need to update them with your new account number before the old account closes, or the payments will fail.

Bank of America typically gives you a grace period of a few days after closing to redirect payments, but it's safer to update them before you close. If you forget and a payment tries to go to the closed account, contact the company making the payment and provide your new account number.

Account numbers and security

Your 10-digit account number is not secret in the same way your PIN or password is. It appears on every check you write, and you have to share it with employers, utilities, and other organizations for direct deposits and bill payments. However, someone with only your account number cannot access your account without also having your online banking password or other verification.

Bank of America uses additional security layers — your login credentials, multi-factor authentication, and fraud detection — to protect your account. If you're concerned about sharing your account number, remember that it's designed to be shared for legitimate transfers. The real security risk is sharing your online banking password or PIN, which you should never do.

International transfers and account number format

If you're receiving money from outside the United States, the sender may need additional information beyond your 10-digit account number. International transfers often require your SWIFT code (a code that identifies Bank of America globally) and sometimes an IBAN, depending on the country sending the money. Bank of America can provide these codes when you ask for them.

For domestic transfers within the U.S., your routing number and 10-digit account number are all that's needed. But if money is coming from another country, check with Bank of America about what information the sender needs — it varies by the sender's location and their bank's requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my account number without closing my account?

No. Your account number is permanent for the life of that account. If you want a different number, you must close the account and open a new one, which creates a new 10-digit number. This is rarely worth doing — changing account numbers means updating direct deposits, bill payments, and other automatic transfers.

Is my 10-digit account number the same across all my Bank of America accounts?

No. Each account — checking, savings, money market — has its own unique 10-digit number. If you have multiple checking accounts, each one has a different number. Make sure you're using the correct number for the account you want to transfer to or receive money in.

What if I give someone the wrong 10-digit account number?

If the number doesn't match a real Bank of America account, the transfer will fail and the money will be returned to the sender. If the number matches someone else's account, the money goes to that account instead — which is why it's important to double-check before you share your number or before you send money to someone else.

Do I need my account number to use my debit card?

No. Your debit card works with your PIN and the card number printed on the front. You only need your account number for transfers, direct deposits, bill payments, and when you're setting up automatic transactions. Everyday purchases at stores or online don't require your account number.