The fastest place to look is your checks or your bank's website
Your checking account number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have, right after the routing number. If you have checks in front of you, open a box and look at the first check — the account number is the second set of digits on that bottom line, usually 10 to 12 digits long.
If you do not have checks or do not want to dig through a drawer, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display your account number on the dashboard or account summary page as soon as you sign in. Some banks hide it behind a link labeled "Account Details" or "Account Information" — look for that if the number does not appear immediately on the main screen.
Calling your bank's customer service line is the slowest but most certain method. Have your ID ready, answer security questions, and ask for your account number. The representative will read it to you, and you can write it down or ask them to email it to you.
Key Takeaways
- Your checking account number appears on the bottom left of any check you own, printed after the routing number.
- Logging into your bank's website or app usually shows your account number on the main account page or under "Account Details."
- If you have no checks and cannot access online banking, call your bank's customer service line with your ID ready.
- The account number is typically 10 to 12 digits and is different from your routing number, which is always nine digits.
How to read your account number from a check
Look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group is the routing number (nine digits). The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number itself.
Write down the entire second group — that is your account number. Do not confuse it with the check number, which is much shorter and appears on the top right of the check as well.
Finding your account number online if you do not have checks
Open your bank's website in a browser or launch the mobile app on your phone. Sign in with your username and password. Most banks show your account number on the landing page after you log in, often labeled as "Account Number" or displayed next to your account type (like "Checking").
If you do not see it on the main page, look for a menu option like "Account Details," "Account Information," "My Accounts," or "Account Settings." Click that link and your full account number should appear. Some banks require you to click an eye icon or "Show" button to reveal the full number for security reasons.
Calling your bank to get your account number
Find the customer service phone number on the back of your debit card, on your most recent bank statement, or on your bank's website. Call during business hours — most banks operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in their local time zone, though many now offer 24/7 phone support.
When you reach a representative, they will ask you to verify your identity. Be ready to provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and possibly the answer to a security question you set up when you opened the account. Once verified, ask for your checking account number and write it down as they read it to you.
What to do if you cannot access your account online
If you forgot your online banking password, use the "Forgot Password" link on your bank's login page. You will usually be asked to verify your identity through email or a security code sent to your phone, then you can reset your password and log in to see your account number.
If you do not remember your username either, or if you have never set up online banking, call your bank's customer service line. They can walk you through creating an online account or simply read your account number to you over the phone. This takes about five to ten minutes.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number, combined with your routing number, allows someone to set up automatic payments or transfers from your account. Do not share it with people you do not trust, and do not type it into websites unless you initiated the transaction yourself.
If you write your account number down, store the paper in a safe place — not in your wallet or on a sticky note on your monitor. When you need to give it to a business (like your employer for direct deposit), make sure you are communicating directly with that business, not through an email or link that could be fraudulent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number is the 16-digit number printed on the front of your card. Your account number is different and is printed on your checks or visible in your online banking. They are linked to the same account, but they are separate numbers.
Can I find my account number on my bank statement?
Yes. Your bank statement, whether you receive it by mail or view it online, displays your account number at the top or in the account summary section. Look for a line that says "Account Number" or "Account #" followed by the digits.
What if my bank does not show the account number online for security reasons?
Some banks mask part of your account number on the website to prevent shoulder surfing or screen capture. If you see only the last four digits, call customer service with your ID ready and they will read the full number to you.
Do I need both my routing number and account number to set up direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer or the organization sending you money will ask for both. The routing number tells the system which bank to send the money to, and the account number tells the bank which specific account within that bank should receive it.