What an account number is and where to find it
Your account number is a unique identifier that a bank, credit union, or other financial institution assigns to your specific account. It is not the same as your routing number — the routing number identifies the bank itself, while your account number identifies your account within that bank. You will need both pieces of information together to receive payments like tax refunds, stimulus checks, or insurance payouts by direct deposit.
Your account number appears on several places you already have. The easiest place to look is the bottom left of any check you have from that account — it is the second set of numbers, after the routing number and before the check number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or account summary. Most banks display it prominently on the main dashboard.
If you cannot access your account online or do not have checks, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your ID ready. They will verify your identity and read your account number to you over the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, right after the routing number.
- You can find your account number by logging into your bank's website or app and looking at account details or account summary.
- If you do not have checks or online access, call your bank's customer service line with your ID ready and they will provide it.
- You need both your routing number and account number together to set up direct deposit for refunds or government payments.
- Account numbers vary in length — some banks use 8 digits, others use 12 or more — but your bank will provide the correct full number.
Where account numbers appear on your documents
If you have a checkbook, the fastest way to find your account number is to look at any check. At the bottom of the check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or vertical lines. The first group is your routing number (nine digits). The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number. Write down the entire account number as it appears — do not leave off any leading zeros.
Your bank statement also contains your account number, usually at the top of the first page or in the account summary section. If you receive paper statements in the mail, look there. If you have switched to digital statements only, log into your online banking portal and download or view your most recent statement.
Debit cards do not print the account number on the card itself, only the card number, which is different. Do not confuse the two.
How to find it through online banking
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. Most banks display your account number on the main dashboard or home screen, often labeled "Account Number" or "Account Details." If you do not see it immediately, look for a menu option called "Account Information," "Account Summary," "My Accounts," or "Account Settings."
Some banks require you to click on a specific account tile or card to see the full account number. If the number is partially hidden for security reasons, there is usually a button or link that says "Show" or "Reveal" that will display the full number temporarily. Take a screenshot or write it down carefully, including any leading zeros.
If you have trouble finding it online, most banks have a live chat feature on their website or a phone number you can call. Customer service can walk you through where to look or provide the number directly.
Calling your bank to get the number
The phone number to call is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's official website. Do not use a number from a search result or email, as scammers sometimes create fake bank numbers. Call during business hours and have your ID and Social Security number ready — the bank will ask for these to verify your identity before giving out account information.
Tell the representative you need your account number for direct deposit purposes. They will read it to you slowly. Ask them to repeat it and write it down as they say it. Confirm the number back to them before you hang up. If you are setting up direct deposit for a tax refund or government payment, ask the representative if there is anything else you need to know about your account type — some accounts have restrictions on direct deposit that you should know about before you submit the information.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If you have recently opened the account and have not received checks or statements yet, call the bank. They can provide your account number immediately. If you have closed the account and need the number for a refund that was sent to it, contact the bank's customer service line — they can look up closed accounts and provide the number so you can trace where the money went.
If you have moved and lost your statements, or if your online access is not working, calling remains your fastest option. Have your ID, Social Security number, and the phone number on the back of your debit card ready. If you do not have a debit card, you can still call — the bank will verify your identity through other information like your address or recent transactions.
If you are trying to track down a refund that was sent to an old account, the bank can tell you whether the deposit was received and when. They can also sometimes help you contact the sender (like the IRS or your insurance company) to redirect the payment to your current account.
Account numbers for different account types
Checking and savings accounts both have account numbers, and they are usually different even if they are at the same bank. If you are setting up direct deposit, make sure you are using the account number for the account where you want the money to land. If you want the refund in your savings account, use the savings account number, not your checking account number.
Money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and other account types also have their own account numbers. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has a separate number. Your online banking dashboard will show all of them if you have more than one.
If you are unsure which account number to use, call your bank and tell them what the money is for and where you want it to go. They can confirm you have the right account number before you submit it to the IRS, your insurance company, or another organization sending you a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my card number?
No. Your card number is the 16-digit number printed on the front of your debit or credit card. Your account number is different and is not printed on the card itself. You will find your account number on checks, statements, or through your online banking portal.
Can I use my account number to make purchases online?
No. Your account number is used for direct deposit, wire transfers, and bank-to-bank transactions. For online purchases, you use your card number, expiration date, and CVV. Never give your account number to a merchant or website.
What if I give my account number to the wrong person?
Account numbers alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account — a thief would also need your routing number and usually your name and authorization. If you are concerned, contact your bank immediately. They can monitor your account and help you if unauthorized activity occurs.
How many digits should my account number be?
Account numbers vary by bank. Some are 8 digits, others are 10, 12, or more. Your bank will provide the correct full number. When you submit it for direct deposit, include all the digits your bank gives you, including any leading zeros.
Do I need my account number to check my balance?
No. You can check your balance by logging into your online banking app or website with your username and password, or by calling your bank's automated phone line. You only need your account number when setting up direct deposit or making transfers between banks.