Your account number is in the bottom left corner of the check, between two sets of routing numbers
On a Bank of America check, your account number appears in the lower left section, printed in magnetic ink. It sits between your routing number (which comes first on the left) and the check number (which appears on the right). The account number is typically 10 digits long and identifies your specific checking account.
The three numbers at the bottom of every check follow a standard order: routing number, account number, check number. This layout is the same across all Bank of America checks, whether you ordered them from the bank directly or from a third-party printer.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bank of America account number is the 10-digit number in the bottom left area of the check, positioned between the routing number and check number.
- The routing number (9 digits) always comes first on the left; your account number follows it; the check number appears on the right.
- You can also find your account number on your debit card, in your online banking portal, or by calling Bank of America customer service.
- The account number printed on your check matches the account number shown in your bank statements and online account.
Why the position matters when reading a check
The bottom of a check is read from left to right in this exact sequence: routing number, account number, check number. If you look at the magnetic characters at the bottom and see three separate groups of numbers, the middle group is your account number. Bank of America uses this standard format across all their personal and business checks.
The numbers are printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read automatically when the check is processed. This is why the placement is consistent—it allows banks and payment processors to sort and route checks correctly without human intervention.
Other places to find your account number if you don't have a check
If you don't have a check in front of you, your Bank of America account number appears in several other places. Log into your online banking account and look at the account summary page—your account number is displayed there. You can also find it on your monthly bank statement, usually near the top of the first page.
Your Bank of America debit card also contains your account number, though it is not printed on the front or back of the card itself. Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and a representative can read your account number to you over the phone if you provide your name and other identifying information.
The difference between routing number and account number
These two numbers serve different purposes and should not be confused. Your routing number identifies Bank of America as your bank and the specific branch or processing center. Bank of America's routing number is 026009593 for most accounts, though some specialty accounts may have different routing numbers. This number is the same for all Bank of America customers in your region.
Your account number is unique to you alone. It identifies your specific checking account within Bank of America's system. When you set up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic payments, you typically need both numbers: the routing number tells the other bank where to send the money, and the account number tells Bank of America which of their accounts should receive it.
What to do if you cannot read the numbers on your check
If the magnetic ink at the bottom of your check is faded, smudged, or difficult to read, do not guess. Contact Bank of America directly at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a local branch with your check. A representative can confirm your account number and routing number without any risk of error.
If you ordered checks from a third-party printer and the numbers appear incorrect or are missing, contact that printer when ready. Bank of America can also reorder checks for you through their online banking portal or by calling customer service. Checks with incorrect account numbers will not process correctly and can cause delays or failed transactions.
Using your account number safely
Your account number is not secret in the same way a password is—it appears on every check you write and on documents you send to employers or creditors. However, you should not share it casually or post it online. Someone with your account number and routing number can set up unauthorized transfers or payments if they also have access to your online banking login.
When you provide your account number to set up direct deposit, automatic bill pay, or other services, verify that you are communicating with the actual company or bank. Scammers sometimes pose as banks or employers to collect account numbers. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, hang up and call the organization directly using a phone number from their official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number is a separate 16-digit number printed on the front of your card. Your account number is 10 digits and appears at the bottom of your checks. They are linked to the same account but are different numbers used for different purposes.
Can I use the account number from an old check for a new transaction?
Yes. Your account number does not change when you order new checks. The account number on a check from five years ago is the same as the account number on a check you order today, as long as it is the same account. You can safely use the account number from any of your checks.
What if my check shows a different account number than my online banking portal?
Contact Bank of America when ready. This should not happen and suggests either a printing error on your checks or an error in your account setup. Call 1-800-432-1000 and speak with a representative who can verify which number is correct for your account.
Do I need my account number to use my debit card at a store?
No. Your debit card number is all you need for in-store purchases or online transactions. Your account number is used for direct deposits, wire transfers, automatic bill payments, and other banking services where the money moves directly from your account.