Your account number is printed on every check you write and on your monthly bank statement
The fastest place to look is a check from your checking account. Open your checkbook and look at the bottom left of any check. You will see three sets of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The middle set is your routing number; the set after that is your account number. Account numbers are typically 8 to 12 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank.
If you do not have checks handy, your monthly bank statement shows your account number on the first page, usually near the top. Paper statements print it clearly; online statements display it in the account summary section. You can also find it by logging into your bank's website or mobile app — most banks show your account number in the account details or settings area without requiring you to download anything.
If you have lost access to your account or cannot find the number anywhere, call your bank's customer service line. You will need to verify your identity with your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions. The bank will read your account number to you over the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom of every check you write, in the second set of numbers after the routing number.
- Your monthly bank statement prints your account number on the first page in the account summary section.
- You can log into your bank's website or mobile app and find your account number in the account details or settings menu.
- If you cannot locate it anywhere, call your bank's customer service line and they will provide it after you verify your identity.
Finding your account number on your bank's website
Log into your bank's website using your username and password. Most banks display your account number prominently on the dashboard or home page that appears after you log in. Look for a section labeled "Account Summary," "Account Details," or "My Accounts" — this is where the full account number is usually shown.
If you do not see it on the main dashboard, look for a settings or profile menu, often found in the top right corner of the page. Some banks hide the account number behind a "View Account Details" link or a gear icon. You may also find it under a "Documents" or "Statements" section if you download a recent statement.
Mobile banking apps follow the same pattern. Open your bank's app, log in, and look at the account summary screen. Tap on your account name or a details button to see the full account number. Some apps show only the last four digits by default for security — if that is the case, look for an option to "View Full Account Number" or "Show Account Number."
Reading your account number from a paper check
A check has three groups of numbers printed along the bottom in a special magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) format. From left to right, they are: routing number, account number, and check number. The account number is always the middle group.
Account numbers vary in length depending on your bank. Most are 8 to 12 digits, but some banks use longer or shorter numbers. Write down all the digits in that middle section exactly as they appear — do not add or remove any numbers, even if they seem like a mistake.
If the numbers are hard to read because the check is old or faded, use a check from earlier in the same checkbook. All checks from the same account have the same account number printed on them.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
Call your bank's main customer service number, which is usually printed on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued ID ready. The bank will ask you to verify your identity before they provide your account number.
You can also visit a branch in person. Bring a photo ID and ask a teller to provide your account number. This is the slowest option but works if you do not have phone or internet access.
If you have online banking set up but forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on your bank's login page to reset it. Once you regain access, you can find your account number in your account details within minutes.
Account numbers for different types of accounts
Each account you hold at the same bank has its own account number. If you have a checking account and a savings account, they will have different account numbers even though they share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank; the account number identifies which specific account within that bank.
When you need to provide your account number for a wire transfer, direct deposit, or automatic payment, make sure you are using the number for the correct account. Using the wrong account number will send the money to the wrong place or cause the transaction to fail.
If you have accounts at multiple banks, each bank will have a different routing number and each account will have a different account number. Keep them organized in a safe place so you can find them quickly when you need them.
Keeping your account number secure
Your account number is not as sensitive as your full banking login credentials or your Social Security number, but you should still treat it with care. Do not share it in emails or text messages unless you initiated the contact with a trusted organization.
When you provide your account number to set up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, or wire transfers, make sure you are communicating with the correct organization. Scammers sometimes pose as employers or utility companies to collect account numbers for fraudulent transfers.
If you suspect someone has your account number and may use it fraudulently, contact your bank immediately. They can monitor your account for suspicious activity and issue you a new account number if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number is printed on the front of your card and is different from your account number. Your account number appears on checks and statements. Some transactions require your account number; others require your card number. Always confirm which one you need before providing it.
Can I find my account number on my debit card?
No, your debit card does not display your account number. It shows your card number, expiration date, and cardholder name. To find your account number, check a canceled check, your bank statement, or log into your online banking account.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own account number. Your checking account, savings account, and money market account will all have different numbers. When you set up direct deposit or automatic payments, confirm you are using the account number for the account you want the money to go into.
Do I need both my routing number and account number?
For most banking transactions like direct deposit and wire transfers, yes. The routing number tells the system which bank to use; the account number tells it which account within that bank. Both numbers together ensure your money goes to the right place.
What should I do if I lose a check with my account number on it?
There is no need to panic. Your account number is printed on every check you write and on every statement you receive. You can find it on any other check, your latest statement, or by logging into your online banking. If you are concerned about security, contact your bank, but a single lost check with your account number on it does not typically put your account at risk.