Your account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, in your bank's mobile app, and on paper statements mailed to your address
The fastest way to find your account number depends on what you have access to right now. If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom of any check — you'll see three groups of numbers separated by colons or vertical lines. The middle group is your routing number; the group after that is your account number. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Account Details," "Account Information," or "My Accounts" — the account number appears there without any login required once you're in.
Paper statements also show your account number at the top or in a summary section, usually labeled clearly. If you've thrown away recent statements, you can request a replacement from your bank by phone or through your online banking portal. Some banks mail them automatically; others charge a small fee for paper copies.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the second set of digits on the bottom of a check, after the routing number.
- Log into your bank's website or app and navigate to Account Details or Account Information to see your account number without a checkbook.
- Paper bank statements display your account number at the top or in the account summary section.
- Call your bank's customer service line with your name and address to request your account number over the phone.
- Never share your full account number with anyone who contacts you unsolicited, even if they claim to be from your bank.
Finding your account number in online banking
Log into your bank's website using your username and password. Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled "Accounts," "My Accounts," "Account Summary," or "Account Details" — the exact wording varies by bank. Click on the specific account you need the number for if you have multiple accounts.
Your account number will be displayed prominently, often with the last four digits highlighted or the full number shown in a box. Some banks also display it in a collapsible menu next to your account name. If you can't find it on the main account page, check under "Account Settings" or "Account Information." Most banks also show your routing number on the same page, which is helpful if you need both numbers at once.
The mobile app works the same way — open the app, navigate to your account details, and the number appears there. Many banks let you copy the number directly from the app, which is faster than writing it down by hand.
Reading your account number from a check
Look at the bottom of any check you have. You'll see a series of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink format. These numbers are arranged in groups, usually separated by a colon or vertical line.
The first group of numbers (typically nine digits) is your routing number. The second group is your account number, which is usually between eight and twelve digits long. The third group is the check number. Some checks print the account number in a different order depending on the bank, so if you're unsure, count: routing number first, account number second, check number last.
If your checks are old or faded, the numbers may be hard to read. In that case, use your online banking portal or call your bank instead — both are faster and more reliable than squinting at faded ink.
Calling your bank to get your account number
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your name, address, and date of birth ready. The bank will verify your identity before giving you any account information.
Tell the representative you need your account number. They'll provide it over the phone and may also offer to email or mail it to you if you prefer a written record. This method works even if you don't have online access, checks, or recent statements. The call usually takes fewer than five minutes.
Some banks also allow you to retrieve your account number through their automated phone system by pressing menu options, though this varies by institution. If the automated system doesn't offer this option, wait for a representative.
Getting your account number from paper statements
Open any bank statement you've received in the mail. Your account number is typically printed at the top of the first page, often next to your account name or in a box labeled "Account Number" or "Account Information."
If you've discarded recent statements, contact your bank and ask for a duplicate. Some banks email statements automatically if you've set up paperless delivery; others will mail a copy for free or a small fee. You can also request a statement summary that includes just your account number without the full transaction history.
What to do if you can't find your account number
If you've lost access to checks, statements, and online banking, call your bank's main customer service line. You'll need to verify your identity with your name, address, and possibly your Social Security number or date of birth. The bank will confirm your account number over the phone.
If you're locked out of your online account, use the "Forgot Password" or "Unlock Account" option on your bank's website to regain access. This usually takes a few minutes and requires you to verify your identity through email or a security question. Once you're back in, your account number is visible immediately.
If you're trying to find the account number for someone else's account, you'll need written permission from the account holder. Banks will not release account information to anyone but the account owner or an authorized representative.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number is sensitive information. Don't share it with anyone who calls or emails you unsolicited, even if they claim to be from your bank. Real banks never ask for your full account number over the phone or email — they already have it on file.
When you give your account number to a legitimate business (like your employer for direct deposit or a utility company for bill payment), make sure you're communicating through a secure channel. Use your bank's official website or app, not a link in an email or text message.
If you suspect someone has your account number, contact your bank immediately. They can monitor your account for unauthorized activity and issue you a new account number if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom of checks, but in different positions. The routing number comes first (nine digits), and the account number comes second (usually eight to twelve digits).
Can I find my account number on my debit card?
Not usually. Your debit card shows your card number, which is different from your account number. Your account number appears on checks, statements, and in online banking. Some banks print the account number on the back of the card in small text, but this is uncommon.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own unique account number. Log into your online banking and select the specific account you need — the account number for that account will display. If you use checks, each checkbook is tied to one account, and the account number appears on those checks.
Do I need both my routing number and account number?
Often yes. Employers, bill payment services, and other businesses usually ask for both when setting up direct deposit or automatic payments. Your routing number tells them which bank to send money to; your account number tells them which account at that bank. You can find both on a check or in your online banking portal.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your account number typically stays the same after a merger, but your routing number may change. Log into your online banking or call your bank to confirm both numbers are current, especially if you have automatic payments or direct deposit set up. You may need to update these numbers with your employer or service providers.