A permanent account number is a unique identifier your bank assigns to your specific account
A permanent account number (often called a PAN in banking contexts, though this term varies by country and institution) is a code that belongs to one account at one bank. It stays the same for the life of that account, even if you change your name, address, or the account holder's other details. Banks use it internally to track transactions, link deposits and withdrawals, and connect your account to your routing number.
The permanent account number is different from your routing number. Your routing number identifies the bank or branch itself — the same routing number is shared by thousands of customers at that institution. Your permanent account number identifies only your account. Together, they form the pair that tells any payment system exactly where your money should go.
You will not see "permanent account number" printed on most checks or statements. Banks may call it an account number, account ID, or internal account identifier depending on the system. What matters is that it exists and stays constant, which is why it is called permanent.
Key Takeaways
- A permanent account number is assigned by your bank to your specific account and does not change during the account's lifetime.
- It differs from your routing number, which identifies the bank itself rather than your individual account.
- Banks use the permanent account number to track all transactions tied to your account and to connect it to other banking systems.
- You may not see this number labeled as "permanent account number" on statements or checks, but it is the account identifier your bank maintains internally.
How a permanent account number connects to your routing number
Your routing number and permanent account number work as a pair. The routing number directs a payment to the correct bank. The permanent account number then directs it to your specific account within that bank. Without both pieces, a transfer or direct deposit cannot reach you.
When you set up direct deposit for a paycheck or tax refund, you provide both numbers. The employer or government agency uses the routing number to find your bank, then uses the permanent account number to deposit the money into your account instead of someone else's at the same bank. If either number is wrong, the deposit fails or goes to the wrong place.
The same applies to automatic bill payments, wire transfers, and ACH transfers (the system that moves money between banks electronically). Each one requires both the routing number and the permanent account number to work correctly.
Where to find your permanent account number
Your permanent account number is usually printed on the bottom left of your checks, after the routing number. The order is typically: routing number, then permanent account number, then check number. If you do not have checks, you can find it by logging into your bank's online portal or mobile app — most banks display it in the account details or settings section.
You can also call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Have your ID ready. The bank will confirm your identity and provide the number. Some banks print it on statements, though not all do by default.
If you are setting up a refund delivery method — such as for a tax refund or insurance refund — and the form asks for your account number, this is the number they want. Do not confuse it with your debit card number or any other identifier.
Why the permanent account number stays the same
Banks assign a permanent account number when you open the account and keep it for as long as the account exists. If you close the account and reopen it later, you get a new permanent account number. But while the account is active, the number never changes.
This permanence is intentional. It allows the bank to maintain a complete history of all transactions tied to that account. It also allows outside systems — payroll processors, government agencies, insurance companies — to reliably send money to the same place year after year without having to update their records.
If your bank merges with another bank, your permanent account number may change as part of the system integration. The bank will notify you of any change and provide your new number. This is rare but does happen.
Permanent account numbers and refund delivery
When you request a refund to be deposited directly into your bank account — whether it is a tax refund, insurance refund, or business refund — you will need to provide your routing number and permanent account number. The refund processor uses these two numbers to send the money to the correct account.
Double-check both numbers before submitting. A mistake in either one can delay your refund or send it to the wrong account. If you provide the wrong permanent account number, the money may go to someone else's account at your bank, and you will have to contact both your bank and the refund issuer to recover it.
Some refund forms ask for your account number but do not explicitly ask for the routing number — they may assume you know to provide it or may ask for it separately. Read the form carefully to see what is required. If you are unsure, contact the refund issuer before submitting.
What happens if you give the wrong permanent account number
If you provide an incorrect permanent account number when requesting a refund, the refund processor will attempt to deposit the money using that number. If the number belongs to a real account at your bank, the money goes to that account — which may belong to someone else. If the number does not exist or belongs to a closed account, the deposit may be rejected and returned to the issuer.
If your refund goes to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately. Explain what happened and ask them to help you recover the funds. You will also need to contact the refund issuer (the IRS, insurance company, or other organization) to report the error and request a corrected deposit or a replacement check.
Recovery can take weeks or longer, depending on the bank and the issuer. This is why verifying both numbers before submitting any refund request is worth the extra minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my permanent account number the same as my account number?
In most cases, yes. Banks use "account number" and "permanent account number" interchangeably to refer to the same identifier. The word "permanent" simply emphasizes that it does not change. When a form asks for your account number, this is the number they want.
Can I change my permanent account number?
No. Your bank assigns it when you open the account, and it remains the same for the life of that account. If you close the account and open a new one, you receive a new permanent account number. If you need a different number for security reasons, closing and reopening the account is the only way.
Do I need my permanent account number to receive a direct deposit or refund?
Yes. Direct deposits, tax refunds, insurance refunds, and most other electronic transfers require both your routing number and your permanent account number. Without the permanent account number, the system cannot identify which account at the bank should receive the money.
What if I cannot find my permanent account number?
Check your checks (if you have them) — it is printed on the bottom left after the routing number. Log into your bank's online portal or app and look in account details or settings. If neither works, call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch with your ID, and they will provide it.
Can someone else use my permanent account number to access my account?
Your permanent account number alone cannot be used to access or withdraw from your account — it is not a password or PIN. However, combined with your routing number, it can be used to set up transfers or deposits. Keep both numbers reasonably private, but do not panic if someone learns them. Report any unauthorized activity to your bank immediately.