Your account number is the second set of digits printed at the bottom of the cheque, between the routing number and the cheque number
The bottom of a cheque contains three separate numbers, and they are printed in a specific order from left to right. The routing number comes first — usually nine digits that identify your bank and branch. The account number comes second — typically between 7 and 12 digits, depending on your bank. The cheque number comes last, on the far right.
These numbers are printed in magnetic ink that cheque-processing machines can read. When you deposit a cheque using your phone, the app reads these numbers from the image you provide. Getting the account number right matters because it tells the receiving bank which account the funds should land in.
If you are depositing a cheque that someone else wrote to you, you do not need to locate your account number on that cheque — you need your own account number, which you would enter into your mobile banking app separately. The cheque itself contains the account number of the person who wrote it.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number on a cheque is the middle set of digits at the bottom, positioned between the routing number on the left and the cheque number on the right.
- Account numbers are typically 7 to 12 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank and account type.
- When depositing a cheque by phone, the mobile app usually reads these numbers automatically from the image, but you should verify they are correct before confirming the deposit.
- The account number on a cheque you received belongs to the person who wrote it, not to you — your own account number is separate and stored in your banking profile.
How the three numbers are arranged
The standard layout at the bottom of a cheque follows this pattern: routing number | account number | cheque number. All three are separated by a special symbol that looks like a colon with extra marks (⊢ ⊣). This symbol helps the machine know where one number ends and the next begins.
The routing number identifies the specific bank branch where your account is held. For example, if you bank with TD Canada Trust in Toronto, your routing number will be different from someone with a TD account in Vancouver. The account number is unique to your individual account at that branch. The cheque number is straightforward a sequential identifier for that particular cheque — the first cheque in your book is usually numbered 001, the second is 002, and so on.
On some older cheques or cheques from smaller institutions, the order or format may vary slightly, but the account number is almost always in the middle position. If you cannot locate it, your bank's customer service line can confirm which digits belong to your account.
Why mobile deposit apps need this information
When you photograph a cheque for mobile deposit, your banking app scans the image and attempts to read the routing number, account number, and cheque number automatically using optical character recognition (OCR). This technology reads the magnetic ink and converts it into the digits the bank's system needs to process the deposit.
The account number is critical because it tells the bank which account to credit. If the OCR misreads even one digit, the deposit could be sent to the wrong account — either yours with an incorrect amount, or someone else's account entirely. This is why most apps show you the numbers it detected and ask you to review them before you confirm the deposit.
If the app cannot read the numbers clearly — because the image is blurry, the cheque is damaged, or the ink is faded — you may need to enter the account number manually. Your own account number should already be stored in your banking profile, so the app may fill it in automatically when you are depositing a cheque written to you.
Locating your account number on cheques you write
When you order a new cheque book from your bank, the account number printed on your cheques is your own account number. This is the account the funds will come from when someone deposits one of your cheques. You can find it on any cheque in your book — it will be the same on every single cheque because they all draw from the same account.
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank (for example, a chequing account and a savings account), each one will have a different account number. The cheques for your chequing account will show that account's number; you cannot use a chequing account cheque to withdraw from your savings account.
Your account number is also printed on your bank statements, your debit card, and in your online banking profile. If you need to provide it to someone — such as setting up a direct deposit or a bill payment — you can reference any of these sources rather than a cheque.
What to do if you cannot read the numbers clearly
Cheques can become worn, faded, or damaged over time, making the numbers at the bottom difficult to read. If your mobile deposit app cannot scan the numbers automatically, you have a few options. First, try taking the photo again in better lighting or at a different angle — sometimes the magnetic ink becomes visible under different conditions. Make sure the entire bottom strip of the cheque is in the frame and that the image is in focus.
If the cheque is too damaged or faded to read, contact your bank's customer service. They can look up your account number in their system and confirm it for you. You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller to help you verify the numbers before you attempt the mobile deposit.
For cheques you have written that are damaged, you can order a replacement cheque book from your bank. The new cheques will have the same account number printed on them, but the cheque numbers will start fresh.
Account numbers and security
Your account number is not secret information in the same way your PIN or password is. It appears on every cheque you write, on your statements, and in your banking profile. However, you should still be cautious about sharing it unnecessarily. Someone who has your account number and routing number could potentially set up unauthorized payments or transfers from your account if they also have other identifying information.
When you deposit a cheque by mobile, the image is encrypted and transmitted securely to your bank. The app does not store the cheque image permanently on your phone — it is deleted after the deposit is processed. If you are concerned about privacy, you can delete the photo from your phone's camera roll after the deposit is confirmed.
If you suspect fraud or unauthorized activity on your account, contact your bank when ready. They can freeze your account, cancel your cheques, and issue you a new account number if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the account number on a cheque the same as the one in my online banking?
Yes. The account number printed on your cheques is the same account number you see in your online banking profile and on your statements. It is a permanent identifier for that specific account.
What if the mobile app reads my account number wrong?
Review the numbers the app displays before you confirm the deposit. If they look incorrect, you can edit them manually or cancel and try again with a clearer photo. If you are unsure whether the numbers are right, contact your bank before proceeding.
Can someone use my account number from a cheque to steal money?
Your account number alone is not enough to withdraw funds — a cheque also requires a signature, and online transfers require additional authentication. However, combined with other information, it could be used fraudulently. Do not share your account number with people you do not trust.
Do all banks print account numbers in the same location on a cheque?
The standard format places the account number in the middle of the three numbers at the bottom, and nearly all Canadian banks follow this layout. If you have an unusual cheque format, your bank can confirm which digits are your account number.
What if I am depositing a cheque from someone else — do I need their account number?
No. When you deposit a cheque written to you, the app needs the routing and account number from the cheque (which identifies the account it is drawn from), but it will credit the funds to your own account. Your account number is already stored in your banking profile.