Your account number appears in the bottom left corner of your check, printed in magnetic ink
The account number on a Bank of America check is the nine-digit number printed at the bottom left of the check, just after the routing number. It is printed in the same magnetic ink as the other numbers at the bottom — the ones that look slightly raised or embossed. This number identifies your specific checking account.
The bottom of every check contains three sets of numbers in this magnetic format, read from left to right: the routing number (nine digits), your account number (nine digits), and the check number (four to five digits). Your account number is always the middle set. It stays the same for every check you write from that account.
You will need this number when you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or give someone permission to deposit a check on your behalf. It is also the number Bank of America uses to identify your account when you call customer service or visit a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the nine-digit number printed in the bottom left area of your check, between the routing number and the check number.
- The account number appears on every check from your account and remains the same throughout the life of the account.
- You can also find your account number on your Bank of America debit card, in the mobile app, or by logging into your online account.
- Never share your full account number with someone unless you trust them completely — it is the key identifier for your account.
The three numbers at the bottom of your check and what they mean
The magnetic numbers at the bottom of a Bank of America check follow a standard format used by all U.S. banks. From left to right, you see the routing number first. This nine-digit number tells the banking system which Bank of America branch or processing center handles your account. For most Bank of America checking accounts, the routing number is 026009593, though it can vary depending on which state your account was opened in.
After the routing number comes your account number. This is unique to you and your account alone. No other Bank of America customer has this same nine-digit number. When you write a check, the account number tells the receiving bank exactly which account to pull the money from.
The third set of numbers, on the far right, is the check number. This is a smaller number — usually four or five digits — and it straightforward identifies which check this is in the sequence you have written. Check number 1001 is your first check, 1002 is your second, and so on. The check number helps you track which checks you have written and match them to your bank statement.
Other places to find your account number besides a check
If you do not have a check in front of you, Bank of America provides your account number in several other places. Log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app, and your account number appears at the top of your account summary page. You can also see it on your monthly statement, printed near the top.
Your Bank of America debit card also displays your account number, though not in the same format as the check. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a Bank of America branch in person, and a representative can give you your account number when ready.
Why you should protect your account number
Your account number is not a secret in the same way a password is — it appears on every check you write, and anyone who receives a check from you will see it. However, you should still be thoughtful about who you give it to. Someone with your account number and routing number can set up unauthorized automatic withdrawals from your account if they also have your permission or can forge your signature.
When you provide your account number to set up direct deposit with an employer or automatic bill payments with a utility company, you are trusting that organization to use it only for the purpose you agreed to. Before you share your account number, make sure you recognize the organization and that the request comes through an official channel — not through an unexpected email or phone call.
If you suspect someone has misused your account number, contact Bank of America when ready. You can call the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch. Bank of America can monitor your account for suspicious activity and help you dispute unauthorized transactions.
What happens when you write a check with your account number
When you write a check and hand it to someone, that person or business deposits it into their own bank account. Their bank scans the magnetic numbers at the bottom — including your account number — and sends the check through the clearing system. The clearing system is the network that moves money between banks.
The receiving bank's computer reads your routing number and knows to send the check to Bank of America. It reads your account number and knows which account to take the money from. Bank of America then deducts the amount from your balance and sends the funds to the receiving bank. This process usually takes one to three business days, depending on when the check is deposited and processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies which bank or branch processes your account — all Bank of America customers in a region often share the same routing number. Your account number is unique to you alone. Both numbers appear at the bottom of your check, with the routing number first and the account number second.
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they have my account number?
Not without additional information or your permission. They would need your routing number as well, and they would still need authorization to set up a withdrawal. However, you should still be careful about sharing your account number with people or organizations you do not trust completely.
What if I cannot read the numbers at the bottom of my check?
Log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app and look at your account summary — your account number is displayed there. You can also call Bank of America customer service or visit a branch, and they will provide it to you when ready.
Do all my checks have the same account number printed on them?
Yes. Every check from your Bank of America checking account has the same account number printed at the bottom. The only number that changes is the check number on the far right, which increments with each check you write.