Your credit card account number is on the front of your card, usually a 15 or 16-digit string printed below your name
The account number is the long string of digits embossed or printed on the front of your physical card. It runs horizontally across the middle-lower section, below your cardholder name. On most cards, it is 15 or 16 digits long, though American Express uses 15 and Visa, Mastercard, and Discover typically use 16. This is the number you need when you are setting up automatic payments, disputing a charge, or providing card details over the phone to a merchant or your bank.
Do not confuse your account number with the three or four-digit security code on the back of your card (the CVV or CVC). The security code is separate and shorter. Your account number is what identifies your specific card to the issuing bank.
Key Takeaways
- Your credit card account number is the 15 or 16-digit number printed on the front of your physical card, below your name.
- You can also find your account number on your monthly statement, in your online banking portal, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
- The account number is different from the CVV security code on the back of your card.
- If you have lost your card or cannot read the number clearly, your bank can provide it by phone or through your online account.
Finding your account number on your monthly statement
Your credit card statement lists your account number near the top, usually in the upper right corner or in a section labeled "Account Information." Paper statements and digital statements both include it. If you receive statements by mail, look at the first page. If you view statements online through your bank's website, the account number appears in the same location on the digital version.
Statements are useful when you no longer have your physical card or when the numbers on the card have worn away and become hard to read. You can also request a replacement statement from your bank if you need to verify the number and your current statement is not available.
Checking your online banking account or mobile app
Log into your bank's website or open their mobile app and navigate to your credit card account. The account number is typically displayed on the main account page or in a section labeled "Account Details" or "Card Information." Some banks show the full number; others display only the last four digits for security reasons, with the option to view the full number by clicking a button or link.
This method is fast and does not require you to have your physical card or a paper statement. You can access it from any device with internet access, and the information updates in real time.
Calling your bank's customer service line
The phone number for customer service is printed on the back of your credit card. Call that number and speak with a representative, who can confirm your identity and provide your account number over the phone. This is the safest route if you are concerned about sharing the number in writing or online.
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, or other identifying information ready. The bank will verify who you are before sharing the account number. This process typically takes a few minutes.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If your card is lost or damaged and you cannot read the number, and you do not have access to a statement or online banking, call your bank using the number on a previous statement or from your bank's website. You do not need the card itself to reach customer service or to receive your account number.
If you are locked out of your online account, use the "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username" option on your bank's login page to regain access. If that does not work, call the bank directly. They can reset your password and help you log back in.
Protecting your account number when you share it
Your account number is sensitive information. Share it only with trusted merchants, your bank, or organizations you initiated contact with. Do not share it via email, text message, or social media unless you initiated the conversation and are certain of the recipient's identity.
When you provide your account number over the phone, make sure you are calling a number you found yourself—not a number from an unsolicited call or email. Scammers sometimes pose as banks and ask for account numbers. If you are unsure, hang up and call the number on the back of your card or on your statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my credit card account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your account number identifies your specific credit card. A routing number identifies your bank and is used for wire transfers and direct deposits to a checking or savings account. Credit cards do not have routing numbers.
Can I use my account number to make purchases online?
Yes, your account number is one of the pieces of information merchants ask for when you pay with your card online. You will also need the expiration date and CVV security code. Never share all three pieces of information with anyone except a merchant you trust.
What if my account number has changed?
If your bank issued you a replacement card due to fraud or loss, your new card will have a different account number. The old number is no longer active. Update any automatic payments or stored payment methods with the new number to avoid failed transactions.
Is it safe to write down my account number?
Writing it down is safer than storing it digitally in an unencrypted file or email. Keep a written copy in a secure location like a locked drawer or safe, separate from your physical card. Do not leave it visible on a desk or in a wallet alongside your card.