Your account number is the second set of digits on the bottom of the check
The bottom of a check has three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group is your bank's routing number. The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number itself.
Your account number is usually 10 to 12 digits long, though this varies by bank. It identifies your specific account at that bank — the one where your money actually sits. When you give someone your account number, you are telling them which account of yours to send money to or take money from.
The account number appears in two places on a check: once on the bottom in machine-readable form, and once printed in regular digits in the upper right corner. Both are the same number. Use whichever is easier for you to read.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the middle set of digits on the bottom of your check, between the routing number and the check number.
- The account number also appears in the upper right corner of the check in regular printed digits.
- Your account number is usually 10 to 12 digits long and identifies your specific account at your bank.
- You will need your account number when setting up direct deposit, arranging wire transfers, or giving payment instructions to employers or creditors.
How the three numbers on the bottom work together
The bottom of a check is printed in a special machine-readable format called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). Banks scan this line to process the check automatically. The three numbers tell the bank where the money is coming from and which check it is.
The routing number (first group) identifies your bank itself — the physical institution. If you have an account at Chase, the routing number tells the processing system "this is a Chase check." If you have an account at a credit union, the routing number identifies that credit union. The same bank may have different routing numbers for different branches or regions, so the routing number can be more specific than just the bank name.
The account number (second group) identifies your account within that bank. Your bank may have thousands or millions of customers. The account number is what separates your money from everyone else's money at the same bank.
The check number (third group) identifies this particular check. If you write 50 checks from the same account, each one has a different check number. This helps you and your bank track which specific check was cashed or deposited.
Where to find your account number if you do not have a check
You do not need a physical check to find your account number. Your bank statement shows it — usually at the top of the first page, or in a section labeled "Account Information." Online banking also displays it. Log into your bank's website or app, go to account details or account settings, and you will see the account number listed there.
You can also call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement) and ask them to read your account number to you. Have your ID ready, because the bank will verify who you are before giving out account information.
Why you need to know your account number
Your account number comes up whenever money needs to move in or out of your account. If your employer sets up direct deposit, you will give them your account number and routing number so they know where to send your paycheck. If you are paying a bill by bank transfer, you will provide your account number to the company collecting the payment.
You may also need it to set up automatic payments, arrange a wire transfer, or link your account to another financial service. Some online payment systems ask for your account number instead of a debit card number. In each case, the account number tells the other party exactly which account of yours they are dealing with.
The difference between account number and routing number
People often confuse these two because they appear together on the check. Think of it this way: the routing number is like the address of the bank building. The account number is like your apartment number inside that building. You need both pieces of information for money to reach the right place.
The routing number stays the same for everyone at your bank (or at least everyone at your branch). Your account number is unique to you. If you move to a different bank, you get a new account number and possibly a new routing number. If you open a second account at the same bank, you get a second account number but the routing number stays the same.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number is not as sensitive as your PIN or password, but you should still treat it with care. It is printed on your checks, which you may hand to people or mail through the post. It appears on your bank statements. It is not a secret in the way your password is.
However, do not share your account number with someone you do not trust. A scammer with your account number and routing number could potentially set up unauthorized transfers or payments. If you are unsure whether a request for your account number is legitimate, call your bank directly using the number on your card or statement — do not use a phone number the other person gave you.
What to do if you cannot read the numbers on your check
The MICR line at the bottom of a check is printed in special ink and a special font designed to be read by machines. If the print is faded, smudged, or damaged, you may have trouble reading it. The account number in the upper right corner is usually easier to read because it is in regular print.
If neither location is legible, your bank can print you a new set of checks. You can also contact your bank and ask them to confirm your account number over the phone. They will verify your identity first, then read the number to you or send it to you in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone take money from my account if they have my account number?
Not easily. They would also need your routing number, and even then they would need to set up a transfer or payment method that your bank would process. Your bank has security measures to prevent unauthorized transfers. If you notice suspicious activity, contact your bank when ready.
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number is a separate number printed on the front of your card. Your account number is what sits behind the scenes at the bank. Some transactions use the debit card number, others use the account number and routing number. They are different identifiers for the same account.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own account number. The routing number stays the same because it identifies the bank, not the specific account. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they have different account numbers but the same routing number.
Do I need my account number to use my debit card?
No. When you swipe or insert your debit card, the card reader uses your card number, not your account number. You only need the account number when setting up transfers, direct deposit, or other bank-to-bank movements of money.
Where is the account number on a mobile check deposit?
If you are depositing a check through your bank's mobile app, you do not need to find or enter the account number yourself. The app already knows which account you are depositing into because you logged in. The app reads the check image and processes it automatically.