Your bank account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
If you have checks, look at the bottom of any check. You will see three sets of numbers separated by vertical lines. The middle set is your account number. It is usually 8 to 12 digits long, though the length varies by bank.
If you do not have checks or cannot find them, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Your account number appears on the account summary page, often labeled "Account Number" or "Account Details." Some banks show it prominently on the dashboard; others require you to click into a specific account to see it.
If you cannot access online banking, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Have your Social Security number and photo ID ready. The representative will read your account number to you over the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of any check you have, in the middle set of numbers between two vertical lines.
- Log into your bank's website or app and navigate to your account summary or account details to find the number online.
- Call your bank's customer service line if you cannot locate it in writing or online; have your ID and Social Security number ready.
- Your account number is different from your routing number, which also appears on checks but is the first set of numbers on the left.
Finding your account number on a paper check
The bottom of a check contains three groups of numbers. Read from left to right: the first group is your routing number, the middle group is your account number, and the third group is the check number. Your account number is always in the middle.
The account number on a check is printed in magnetic ink and is machine-readable, but you can read it by eye. Write it down carefully, as a single digit wrong will cause a transfer or payment to fail. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number, so make sure you are looking at the check for the correct account.
Locating your account number in online banking
Log into your bank's website using your username and password. Most banks display your account number on the main dashboard or account overview page. Look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Summary," or "My Accounts."
If you do not see it immediately, click on the specific account you need. A details page will open showing your account number, account type (checking or savings), balance, and recent transactions. Some banks require you to click a link that says "View Account Details" or "Account Number" to reveal the full number for security reasons.
Mobile apps work the same way. Open your bank's app, tap the account you need, and look for account details or information. The account number will be displayed there. If you cannot find it in the app, the website version usually shows it more clearly.
Getting your account number by phone
Call the customer service number printed on the back of your debit card or on a recent bank statement. Do not call a number you find in a search engine, as scam sites sometimes appear in results.
When you reach a representative, they will ask you to verify your identity. Be ready to provide your full name, Social Security number, and date of birth. Some banks also ask for your mother's maiden name or the answer to a security question you set up when you opened the account. After verification, the representative will read your account number to you. Ask them to repeat it so you can write it down correctly.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If you have no checks, no online access, and cannot reach customer service by phone, visit your bank in person with a photo ID. A teller can look up your account number in seconds and write it down for you. This is the most reliable method if other options have failed.
If your bank has closed or merged with another bank, contact the new bank or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to find out where your account records went. The FDIC maintains a database of failed banks and can direct you to the institution now holding your account.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number is sensitive information. Do not share it with anyone who calls you unsolicited, texts you, or emails you claiming to be from your bank. Banks never ask for your account number by phone or email unless you initiated the contact.
When you write your account number down, store it in a secure place — a locked drawer, a password manager, or a safe. If you suspect your account number has been compromised or used without your permission, contact your bank immediately and ask them to monitor the account for fraud.
Account number versus routing number
Your account number and routing number are two different things, and both appear on your checks. The routing number identifies your bank and the branch where your account is held. The account number identifies your specific account at that bank. You need both numbers to set up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments.
The routing number is always nine digits. Your account number varies in length by bank, usually between 8 and 12 digits. When you are setting up a payment or transfer, the form will tell you which number goes in which field. If you put them in the wrong order, the transaction will fail and you will need to try again with the correct information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my card number?
No. Your debit or credit card number is different from your account number. The card number is printed on the front of the card and is used for purchases and withdrawals. Your account number is used for transfers, direct deposit, and bill payments. You can find your account number on checks or in online banking.
Can I use my account number to make purchases online?
No. Online purchases require your card number, expiration date, and security code. Your account number is for bank-to-bank transfers and direct deposit only. Never enter your account number on a retail website or give it to a merchant.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own account number. If you have a checking account and a savings account, they will have different numbers. Make sure you use the correct account number for the transaction you are making, or the money will go to the wrong account.
Do I need my account number to set up direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer or the organization sending you money will ask for your account number and routing number to deposit funds directly into your account. Have both numbers ready when you fill out the direct deposit form.
What should I do if I think someone has my account number?
Contact your bank immediately by phone. Use the number on your debit card or statement, not a number from a search result. Tell them you believe your account number may have been compromised and ask them to watch for unauthorized transactions. They may close the account and issue you a new one.