Your account number is the second set of digits printed on the bottom of your check
The bottom of a check shows three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group is your bank's routing number. The second group—usually 10 to 12 digits long—is your account number. The third group is the check number itself.
The account number identifies your specific checking account at your bank. It is printed in the same magnetic ink as the routing number, which is why both appear in that distinctive machine-readable format at the bottom left of the check.
Not every check prints the account number in the same position or font size. Some banks print it larger or smaller, and a few print it in a different location on the check entirely. If you cannot find three distinct groups of numbers at the bottom, look at the top right corner of the check—some banks print the account number there instead, in regular type.
Key Takeaways
- The account number is the middle set of digits at the bottom of your check, between the routing number and the check number.
- Account numbers are typically 10 to 12 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank.
- If you cannot locate it on the check itself, your bank statement or online banking portal will display your account number.
- You will need your account number to set up direct deposit, authorize automatic payments, or receive wire transfers.
How the three numbers are arranged on a check
The standard layout at the bottom of a check reads from left to right: routing number, account number, check number. All three are printed in MICR font (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition), which allows bank machines to read them automatically.
The routing number comes first and identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. The account number comes second and identifies which account within that bank. The check number comes last and is simply a sequential identifier for that individual check.
If you are looking at a check and see only two groups of numbers at the bottom, you may be looking at a starter check or a specialty check format. Starter checks sometimes omit the account number from the MICR line, though it will still appear elsewhere on the check or in your bank records.
What to do if you cannot find the account number on your check
If the account number is not clearly visible on your check, your bank statement will show it. Log into your online banking portal, pull up any recent statement, and look for "Account Number" or "Acct #" near the top. The number will be the same across all your checks and statements.
You can also call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Have your ID ready, and they will provide your account number within minutes. Some banks also print the account number on your debit card or in your welcome materials.
Do not assume the account number is missing just because it is hard to read. Check lighting, ink wear on older checks, or the angle you are holding the check can make the MICR numbers difficult to see. Try holding the check under a light or using a magnifying glass before concluding it is not there.
Why you need to know your account number
Your account number is required for direct deposit, automatic bill payments, and wire transfers. Employers need it to deposit your paycheck. Utilities and subscription services need it to withdraw payments automatically. Banks need it when you are receiving money from someone else's account.
You may also need your account number to set up mobile payment apps, link your checking account to a savings account at the same bank, or authorize ACH transfers. Any time money moves into or out of your account electronically, the receiving or sending institution will ask for your account number.
Your account number is not the same as your routing number, and using one in place of the other will cause a transaction to fail or be sent to the wrong account. Always double-check that you are providing the correct number for the correct field.
Account number length and format vary by bank
Most banks print account numbers between 10 and 12 digits long, but some use 8 digits and others use 17. Credit unions often use shorter account numbers than large national banks. The length depends on how many accounts the institution needs to track and how their system was designed.
The format is always numeric—no letters or special characters. Some banks separate the digits with dashes or spaces when displaying the account number online or on statements, but the MICR line on the check shows them as one continuous string.
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number. Your savings account, checking account, and money market account will all have different numbers, even though they share the same routing number.
Protecting your account number
Your account number is semi-public information—it appears on every check you write, and anyone who receives a check from you can see it. However, you should still treat it with care and not share it unnecessarily.
Do not post photos of checks on social media or send images of checks via email unless you trust the recipient completely. When you write a check, the account number is visible to the person who receives it, but that is unavoidable. When paying bills online or over the phone, verify that you are using a secure connection and that you recognize the organization asking for it.
If you suspect someone has misused your account number, contact your bank immediately. They can monitor your account for unauthorized activity and issue you a new account number if necessary, though this is rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the account number the same as the check number?
No. The check number is the third set of digits on the bottom of the check and identifies that specific check. The account number is the second set and identifies your entire account. A single account can have hundreds of checks, each with a different check number but the same account number.
Can I use my account number instead of my routing number?
No. They serve different purposes. The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send the money to. The account number tells the bank which account within that bank. You need both for most transactions, and using one in place of the other will cause the transfer to fail.
What if my check does not have an account number printed on it?
Contact your bank and ask why. Some specialty checks or older check stock may not print the account number in the standard location. Your bank can confirm your account number and may issue you new checks with it printed correctly.
Do I need to memorize my account number?
No. Write it down and store it somewhere safe, or keep it in your phone's notes app. You will need to reference it occasionally, but memorizing it is not necessary. Your bank statement and online portal will always have it available.
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they only have my account number?
Not easily. They would also need your routing number, and most banks require additional verification before processing a withdrawal. However, do not share your account number with people you do not trust. If you are concerned about unauthorized access, contact your bank.