Your checking account number is the unique identifier Bank of America assigns to your specific account
Your checking account number is a string of digits — typically 10 digits for Bank of America — that identifies your individual account within the bank's system. It is different from your routing number (which identifies Bank of America itself) and different from your debit card number. The account number is what the bank uses internally to know which account money should move into or out of.
You need this number when you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, receive wire transfers, or give someone else instructions to send you money. It is also the number you provide when you call Bank of America customer service and need to discuss a specific account, because your phone number or name alone is not enough to pull up the right account if you hold multiple accounts with the bank.
The account number stays the same for as long as you hold that account. If you close the account and open a new one, you get a new number. If you move money between your own accounts at Bank of America, each account has its own separate number.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bank of America checking account number is a 10-digit code that identifies only that specific account, separate from your routing number or card number.
- You can find your account number on the bottom left of your checks, in the Bank of America mobile app under account details, or by calling customer service.
- You need your account number to set up direct deposit, arrange bill payments, or receive transfers from other people or institutions.
- The account number remains the same throughout the life of the account and changes only if you close and reopen an account.
Where to find your checking account number
The easiest place to look is the bottom left corner of any check you have from that account. The account number appears after the routing number (which comes first) and before the check number (which comes last). The format is: routing number, then account number, then check number, all printed in magnetic ink at the bottom of the check.
If you do not have checks in front of you, open the Bank of America mobile app or log into your online banking account. Go to the account details or account information section — the exact label varies slightly depending on whether you are on mobile or desktop, but it is usually in a menu labeled "Accounts" or "Account Settings." Your account number will be displayed there in full.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Have your Social Security number and a form of identification ready. The representative will verify your identity and read your account number to you over the phone.
Why Bank of America uses a separate account number
Bank of America, like all banks, separates the routing number from the account number because they serve different purposes in the payment system. The routing number (for Bank of America, usually 026009593) tells the sending bank or institution where to send the money — which bank, which branch or processing center. The account number tells that bank which specific account within Bank of America should receive it.
Think of it like a postal address: the routing number is the city and zip code, and the account number is the specific house on the street. You need both pieces of information for money to arrive in the right place. Your debit card number is a third, separate identifier used only for card transactions and is not the same as your account number, even though the card is linked to the account.
What you should not do with your account number
Your account number is not secret in the way a password is, but it is not information you should hand out casually. If someone has your account number and routing number, they can set up unauthorized automatic withdrawals from your account or attempt transfers without your permission. You should share your account number only with people or institutions you trust and who have a legitimate reason to receive it.
Do not post your account number on social media, in public forums, or in emails to people you do not know. If you need to provide it to a business or service, verify first that you are communicating with the legitimate organization — scammers sometimes pose as banks or billers to collect account information.
If you believe your account number has been compromised, contact Bank of America when ready. They can monitor the account for unauthorized activity and, if necessary, close the account and issue you a new one with a new account number.
Account numbers for different types of Bank of America accounts
Each account you hold at Bank of America has its own account number, whether it is a checking account, savings account, money market account, or credit card. The account number format is the same — 10 digits — but the number itself is unique to that specific account. If you have both a checking and a savings account, you will have two different account numbers.
Credit card accounts work differently: they have an account number, but it is the 16-digit card number printed on the front of your card, not a separate banking account number. If you need to reference your credit card account in a conversation with Bank of America, use the card number, not a checking or savings account number.
Using your account number for direct deposit and bill payments
When you set up direct deposit — for example, to have your paycheck deposited directly into your checking account — your employer or payroll processor will ask for your account number and routing number. Provide both. The employer uses the routing number to identify Bank of America and the account number to identify which of your accounts the deposit should go into.
For automatic bill payments, you typically provide your account number to the biller (the utility company, insurance company, or other service provider). They use it to withdraw the payment amount on the schedule you agree to. You can also set up bill payments through your Bank of America online banking portal, where you enter the biller's information and authorize the bank to send payments from your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number is the 16-digit number printed on the front of your card. Your account number is a separate 10-digit code used for banking transactions like direct deposit and wire transfers. The card is linked to the account, but they are different identifiers.
Can I change my account number?
You cannot change an existing account number. If you need a different account number, you would have to close the current account and open a new one, which would generate a new number. Bank of America can help you understand whether closing and reopening is necessary for your situation.
What is the difference between my account number and routing number?
Your routing number identifies Bank of America as the institution (it is the same for all Bank of America customers). Your account number identifies your specific account within the bank. Both are needed for transfers and direct deposits to work correctly.
Do I need my account number to use my debit card?
No. You use your debit card number, expiration date, and CVV for card transactions. Your account number is not required for everyday debit card purchases. You only need the account number for banking services like direct deposit, wire transfers, or bill payments.
What should I do if I think someone has my account number?
Contact Bank of America right away through the number on your debit card or statement. They can review your account for unauthorized activity and discuss options like closing the account and issuing a new one with a new account number if necessary.