Where to find your account number and routing number
Your account number and routing number are printed on the bottom left of every check you receive from your bank. The routing number comes first (usually nine digits), then your account number (typically ten to twelve digits). If you don't have checks, log into your online banking portal or mobile app — both display these numbers in the account information or settings section, often labeled "Account Details" or "Account Summary".
You can also call your bank's customer service line, which appears on the back of your debit card or on your bank statements. Have your account holder name, Social Security number, and a form of ID ready when you call. The representative will verify your identity and read both numbers to you over the phone.
If you opened your account online and haven't received physical checks yet, your bank may have emailed you a welcome packet with these details. Check your email inbox and spam folder for messages from your bank sent within the first few days after account opening.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling customer service.
- The routing number identifies which bank branch holds your account; the account number identifies your specific account within that bank.
- You will need both numbers to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments.
- Your bank's website and mobile app are the fastest way to find these numbers without making a phone call.
What each number means and why you need them
The routing number tells other banks and employers which financial institution holds your account. Every bank has its own routing number, and some large banks have multiple routing numbers for different regions or branches. This number is public information — it appears on checks and is searchable on the Federal Reserve's website.
Your account number is unique to you within your bank. It identifies your specific account among all the accounts that bank holds. This number is more sensitive than your routing number because it, combined with your routing number, allows someone to send money to or from your account.
You need both numbers together when setting up direct deposit from an employer, receiving a wire transfer, or authorizing automatic bill payments. Some services ask for just the routing number to identify the bank, but most require both to process the transaction correctly.
Verifying your information is correct before using it
Before you give your account details to an employer, lender, or service provider, double-check that you've written them down correctly. A single digit wrong in either number can send money to the wrong account or cause a transaction to fail. Compare the numbers you've written against the source you found them in — check, online portal, or the bank statement — and verify they match exactly.
If you're setting up direct deposit, many employers allow you to enter the information and then preview the transaction before it processes. Use this preview step to confirm the account number and routing number appear correctly on the screen. If something looks off, contact your bank before the employer submits the deposit.
When you receive a wire transfer or ACH payment, the sender's bank will ask for these numbers. If you're unsure whether you've given the right information, call your bank and confirm the numbers match what you provided. Banks can sometimes reverse a transaction if money goes to the wrong account, but the process takes time and isn't may provide.
What to do if you can't find your account details
If you've checked your checks, your online portal, and your email and still haven't found your account number, visit your bank's physical branch with a photo ID. A teller can print your account information on the spot or write it down for you. This is the most reliable way to get accurate information if you're stuck.
Some banks also display account details on your monthly statement, either on the first page or in a section labeled "Account Information." If you receive paper statements, look there before calling. If you receive statements by email, search your email for the most recent statement and check the same sections.
If you opened your account very recently and haven't received any statements or checks yet, calling customer service is your fastest option. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the phone number or address you used when opening the account ready to provide.
Keeping your account details find
Your routing number is safe to share — it's public information and appears on every check. Your account number is more sensitive. Share it only with people and organizations you trust, such as your employer, your bank, or a service provider you've chosen to work with.
Never share your account number in response to an unsolicited email, text, or phone call, even if the message appears to come from your bank. Real banks do not ask for account numbers via email or text. If you're unsure whether a request is legitimate, hang up or close the message and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's official website.
When you write down your account details, store the paper in a safe place — a locked drawer or safe, not on your desk or in your wallet. If you no longer need the written information, shred it rather than throwing it away.
Understanding your bank statement and what it shows
Your monthly bank statement lists all the transactions that occurred in your account during that month — deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and fees. At the top of the statement, you'll see your account number, the statement period (the dates covered), and your account balance as of the last day of that period.
The statement also shows your routing number, usually near your account number. If you've misplaced your checks or can't access your online portal, your most recent statement is a reliable place to find both numbers. Statements arrive by mail or email, depending on how you set up your account.
Review your statement each month to confirm all the transactions listed are ones you made or authorized. If you see a transaction you don't recognize, contact your bank when ready. Banks have time limits for disputing unauthorized transactions, so reporting them quickly protects your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?
Not always. Large banks with multiple branches sometimes have different routing numbers for different regions. The routing number on your checks or statement is the correct one for your specific account. If you use a different routing number, the transaction may fail or go to the wrong place.
Can I change my account number if I want to?
Most banks do not allow you to change your account number. If you want a fresh start or have security concerns, you would need to close your current account and open a new one. This creates a new account number automatically, but it also disrupts any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to your old account.
What if someone has my account number?
Contact your bank when ready. Your account number alone cannot be used to withdraw money without your PIN or signature, but it can be used to send money into or out of your account if combined with your routing number. Your bank can monitor your account for suspicious activity and help you dispute any unauthorized transactions.
Do I need my account number to use my debit card?
No. Your debit card has its own number (printed on the front), separate from your bank account number. You use the card number for purchases and online transactions. You only need your account number and routing number for direct deposits, wire transfers, and automatic bill payments.
Where do I find my account details if I bank online only?
Log into your online banking portal and look for a section called "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Settings." Most online banks display your routing number and account number prominently on the dashboard or in a dedicated account information page. If you can't find it, call the bank's customer service number listed on their website.