Your Bank of America checking account has three main numbers you need to know

Bank of America gives you three separate numbers for your checking account, and each one does a different job. The first is your account number, which identifies your specific account at Bank of America. The second is your routing number, which tells other banks and payment systems how to find Bank of America itself. The third is your check number, which appears on each physical check you write and tracks individual payments.

You will use these numbers in different situations. Your account number and routing number together are what you give someone when you set up a direct deposit, pay a bill by bank transfer, or receive a wire transfer. Your check number is just for keeping track of checks you have written. All three appear on your statements and checks, but they serve completely different purposes in the banking system.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number is a unique identifier for your specific checking account at Bank of America, usually between 10 and 12 digits.
  • Your routing number identifies Bank of America to other financial institutions and is the same for all Bank of America customers in your region, typically 9 digits.
  • Your check number appears on each physical check and is straightforward a sequential tracker for the checks you write.
  • You can find all three numbers on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling Bank of America customer service.

Where to find your account number

Your account number is printed on the bottom left of every check you receive from Bank of America. It appears after the routing number and before the check number, separated by colons or special symbols. The account number is usually 10 to 12 digits long, though the exact length can vary slightly depending on your account type.

You can also find your account number in your Bank of America online banking portal. Log in, go to your checking account, and look for account details or account information. Your statement also lists it at the top. If you do not have checks or online access, you can call Bank of America at the number on the back of your debit card and a representative will read it to you.

Understanding your routing number

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies Bank of America as an institution to the broader banking system. It is not unique to you — every Bank of America customer in your region shares the same routing number. Bank of America has different routing numbers depending on which state your account is based in, so if you move or open an account in a different state, your routing number may change.

You need your routing number whenever money is coming into your account from outside Bank of America. This includes direct deposits from an employer, automatic bill payments from another bank, wire transfers, or ACH transfers (a common way to move money between banks). The routing number tells the sending bank exactly where to send the money. Like your account number, it appears on the bottom left of your checks, and you can find it in your online banking portal or by calling customer service.

What your check number means

Your check number is straightforward a sequential identifier printed on each physical check you write. It starts at 1001 or a similar number and increases by one with each check in your book. The check number appears on the bottom right of the check and serves as a record-keeping tool — it helps you track which checks you have written and match them to your bank statement.

The check number is not required for the check to work. The routing number and account number are what actually process the payment. The check number is purely for your own organization and for the bank's record-keeping. If you write checks out of order or skip numbers, it does not affect how the check clears.

How these numbers appear on your checks

All three numbers appear in a specific order on the bottom of your checks, printed in a special magnetic ink that banking machines can read. From left to right, you will see the routing number first (9 digits), then your account number (10 to 12 digits), then your check number (usually 4 digits) on the far right. The numbers are separated by colons or special symbols that the banking system recognizes.

This layout is standard across all U.S. banks, not just Bank of America. The magnetic ink and specific positioning allow check-processing machines to read and sort checks automatically, which is why the numbers must be in exactly the right place and format.

Finding your numbers if you do not have checks

If you have not ordered checks yet or do not use them, you can still find your account and routing numbers through Bank of America's online banking portal. Log in to your account, select your checking account, and look for account information or account details. Both numbers will be displayed there.

You can also call Bank of America's customer service line at the number on the back of your debit card. A representative can read both your account number and routing number to you over the phone. Some Bank of America branches will also print this information for you if you visit in person with your ID.

Why you should not share these numbers carelessly

Your account number and routing number together are sensitive information. Anyone who has both can set up transfers out of your account or create unauthorized payments. You should share these numbers only with people and organizations you trust — your employer for direct deposit, your utility company for bill payments, or financial institutions you are working with intentionally.

Your check number, by contrast, is not sensitive. It appears on checks you write and give to other people, so it is already semi-public. However, you should still be cautious about who you give your full checking account information to. If you are unsure whether a request for your account and routing number is legitimate, contact Bank of America directly using the number on your debit card or statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my account number or routing number?

You cannot change your routing number — it is assigned to Bank of America based on your account location. Your account number is also permanent and tied to your specific account. If you want a different account number, you would need to open a new account, which is rarely necessary.

Do I need my routing number if I use online banking to pay bills?

Not always. If you are paying a bill directly through Bank of America's online portal, the system already knows your routing number. You only need to provide your routing number when you are setting up a payment through another institution or when someone outside Bank of America needs to send you money.

What if I give someone the wrong account number?

If you give the wrong account number, the payment will either go to the wrong account or be rejected by the banking system. Contact the person or organization when ready and provide the correct number. If money was sent to the wrong account, the receiving bank can sometimes reverse it, but it is faster to correct it before the payment is processed.

Is my check number the same as my account number?

No. Your check number is a sequential identifier on each individual check, while your account number identifies your entire account. They are separate numbers that appear in different locations on the check.

Do I need to memorize these numbers?

You do not need to memorize them, but it is helpful to know where to find them quickly. Keep a record of your account and routing number in a safe place, or know how to access them through your online banking portal or by calling customer service.