Your account number is printed at the bottom left of your check, after the routing number
The bottom of a Bank of America check contains three sets of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. Reading from left to right, you'll see the routing number first (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 digits), and finally the check number on the far right. Your account number is the middle set of numbers — the one that comes after the colon or space following the routing number.
The account number identifies your specific checking account at Bank of America. You'll need it when setting up direct deposit, arranging automatic bill payments, or providing banking details to an employer or service provider. It's different from your debit card number and your online banking username.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears at the bottom of the check between the routing number and the check number, printed in magnetic ink.
- The account number is typically 10 digits long and identifies your specific Bank of America checking account.
- 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 routing number (always 026009593 for Bank of America) comes before your account number and is used to identify the bank itself, not your account.
How to read the numbers at the bottom of your check
Bank of America checks follow the standard format used by nearly all U.S. banks. At the very bottom, you'll see a series of numbers separated by special symbols that look like colons with extra marks (called MICR symbols). These symbols help bank machines read the numbers automatically.
The first set of nine digits is the routing number — this is the same on every Bank of America check you receive, regardless of which branch you use. The second set of numbers is your account number. If your account number is shorter than 10 digits, it may be padded with a leading zero. The third set, usually just two to four digits on the far right, is the individual check number that appears in larger print in the top right corner of the check.
Other places to find your account number
You don't need a check to find your account number. If you have a Bank of America debit card, the account number is printed on the front of the card, usually below your name. The card shows the full 16-digit card number, but your account number is embedded within it — your Bank of America representative can tell you which digits correspond to your account if you need clarification.
If you use Bank of America's online banking portal or mobile app, your account number appears in the account details section. Log in, select your checking account, and look for "Account Information" or "Account Details." You can also call Bank of America's customer service line at the number on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement, and a representative will provide your account number over the phone after verifying your identity.
Why you need your account number for different situations
Your account number is required whenever you need to connect your Bank of America account to something outside the bank. If your employer offers direct deposit, you'll provide your routing number and account number so paychecks go straight into your account. The same applies when you set up automatic bill payments through a utility company, insurance provider, or loan servicer — they need both numbers to pull payments from your account on schedule.
You may also need your account number when transferring money between banks, setting up a payment through a third-party app, or providing proof of your account details to a government agency or financial institution. Always verify you're giving this information to a legitimate organization before sharing it — never provide your account number in response to an unsolicited email or phone call.
The difference between routing number and account number
These two numbers work together but serve different purposes. Your routing number identifies Bank of America itself — every Bank of America customer has the same routing number (026009593). Your account number identifies your individual account within the bank, so it's unique to you. Think of the routing number as the bank's address and your account number as your mailbox number at that address.
When you provide both numbers together, the receiving bank knows exactly which Bank of America account to send money to or pull money from. If you give only one number without the other, the transaction will fail or be delayed. This is why forms asking for banking information always ask for both.
What to do if you can't find your account number on a check
Older or specialty checks may have a different layout, or the numbers may be harder to read if the check is worn or faded. If the numbers at the bottom of your check are unclear, use one of the other methods: check your debit card, log into online banking, or call customer service. You don't need to order new checks just to find your account number.
If you've lost access to your debit card and don't have online banking set up, calling Bank of America is the fastest option. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a form of ID ready so the representative can verify your identity before sharing your account number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number is 16 digits and is different from your account number. Your account number is embedded within the card number but is not the same thing. For banking transfers and direct deposit, always use your account number, not your card number.
Can someone use my account number to steal money from my account?
Your account number alone is not enough to withdraw money or make unauthorized transactions. A thief would also need your routing number and access to your account through online banking or a debit card. That said, don't share your account number with people or organizations you don't trust.
Why are there different numbers on the front and back of my check?
The numbers on the front (your check number) are just for your records and organization. The numbers at the bottom are the routing and account numbers that the banking system uses. The check number helps you track which check you wrote, but it's not used for electronic transfers.
Do I need both the routing number and account number for direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer or the organization setting up direct deposit needs both numbers. The routing number tells them which bank to send the money to, and the account number tells the bank which account within Bank of America should receive it.