A member number is a unique identifier your bank assigns to you when you open an account
Your member number is a code—usually between 6 and 10 digits—that your bank uses to identify you in their system. It is different from your account number. While your account number identifies a specific account (you might have multiple), your member number identifies you as a customer of that bank. Some banks call it a customer number, client number, or cardholder number depending on the institution.
You will see your member number on statements, in online banking, on debit cards, and sometimes on checks. It stays the same even if you open new accounts at the same bank or close old ones. The bank uses it to link all your accounts, cards, loans, and services under one customer profile.
Key Takeaways
- Your member number identifies you as a customer at your bank and appears on statements and in online banking portals.
- Member numbers are different from account numbers—you have one member number but may have multiple account numbers if you hold several accounts.
- You will need your member number when calling customer service, setting up online banking, or authorizing transactions with the bank.
- If you cannot find your member number, your bank can provide it by phone, email, or through your online account dashboard.
Where to find your member number
The easiest place to look is your bank statement. Your member number usually appears at the top or in a header section, often labeled "Member Number," "Customer Number," or "Client ID." Check a recent paper statement or log into your online banking account—most banks display it on the dashboard or account summary page.
If you have a debit card, the member number may be printed on the back near the magnetic strip or on the front below your name, though not all banks print it there. Your bank's mobile app often shows it under account settings or profile information. If you still cannot locate it, call your bank's customer service line and have your account number and identification ready—they can tell you your member number in seconds.
When you will need to provide your member number
You will need your member number when you call the bank's customer service line. Representatives use it to pull up your full customer profile quickly, which is faster than looking up only an account number. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, giving your member number ensures the representative can see all of them at once.
You may also need it when setting up online banking for the first time, authorizing a wire transfer, adding an authorized user to an account, or disputing a transaction. Some banks ask for it when you explore for a loan or credit card through their system. In most cases, the bank will ask for it—you do not need to volunteer it unprompted.
Member number versus account number
The difference matters because they serve different purposes. Your account number identifies one specific account—a checking account, savings account, or money market account. Your member number identifies you as a customer across all your accounts at that bank. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, you have one member number but two account numbers.
When you give someone your account number for a direct deposit or wire transfer, you are telling them which specific account to send money to. When you give your member number to the bank itself, you are identifying yourself as a customer. The bank uses your member number to manage your relationship with them; third parties use your account number to move money.
Security and your member number
Your member number is not secret in the same way your PIN or password is. It appears on documents you receive in the mail and in your online account, so it is not something you need to hide from people you trust. However, you should not share it with strangers or over unsecured channels.
If someone calls you claiming to be from your bank and asks for your member number, hang up and call the bank directly using the number on your statement or card. Legitimate bank employees already have your member number in their system—they do not need you to provide it to verify who you are. They will ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number or account number instead.
What happens if you forget your member number
Forgetting your member number is not a problem. You can retrieve it in several ways without any delay. Log into your online banking account and check the dashboard or account settings. Call your bank's customer service number and have your account number and identification ready. Visit a branch in person with a photo ID and ask a teller to provide it.
You can also check any recent bank statement, your debit card, or your monthly billing statement from a credit card issued by that bank. If you have set up online banking, the number is usually visible there. There is no penalty or consequence for not remembering it—the bank can confirm it for you in under a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my member number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies the specific bank branch or banking institution itself—all customers at that bank share the same routing number. Your member number identifies you individually as a customer. You need both pieces of information for direct deposits or wire transfers, but they serve different purposes.
Can I use my member number instead of my account number for a wire transfer?
No. Wire transfers require your account number because the money is going to a specific account, not to you as a general customer. If you give only your member number, the bank will not know which of your accounts to deposit the money into. Always provide the account number for transfers.
Do I get a new member number if I switch banks?
Yes. Each bank assigns its own member numbers to its customers. When you open an account at a new bank, you receive a new member number from that institution. Your old member number from your previous bank becomes inactive once you close your accounts there.
What if my bank merged with another bank—does my member number change?
Usually not when ready, but it may eventually. During a merger, banks often keep existing member numbers to avoid disrupting customer accounts. Over time, the merged institution may reassign numbers as part of system integration. Your bank will notify you if your member number changes and provide your new one.
Can someone use my member number to access my account?
Not on its own. Your member number alone does not grant access to your account. The bank also requires your password, PIN, or other authentication to log in or authorize transactions. Treat your member number like you would your name—it is identifying information, but it is not a secret credential.