Where to find your account number
Your bank account number is printed on the bottom left of every check you write. It comes after the routing number and before the check number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app — your account number appears on the account summary page, usually near the top. You can also call your bank's customer service line and they will read it to you over the phone.
Some banks print the account number on your debit card, though not all do. If yours does not, the card itself is not the place to look. The fastest method is usually your online banking portal, which shows the number within seconds of logging in.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is on the bottom left of your checks, after the routing number, or visible in your online banking account.
- You need both your routing number and account number together to receive direct deposits, wire transfers, and refund payments.
- Never share your full account number with anyone who calls you unsolicited or in response to an email you did not initiate.
- If you cannot locate your account number, call your bank directly — they can confirm it immediately without asking you to verify it first.
Why refunds and payments ask for this number
Tax refunds, insurance refunds, stimulus payments, and business reimbursements all use your routing and account number to deposit money directly into your bank account. This method is faster and more secure than mailing a check. The payer needs both numbers to route the money to the correct bank and the correct account within that bank.
When you provide these numbers to a government agency or business, they use them only to send you money — not to withdraw from your account. The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Together, they work like an address for your money.
What information you should and should not share
You can safely give your routing number and account number to any organization that is sending you money — the IRS, your state tax authority, an insurance company, your employer, or a government program. These numbers alone cannot be used to withdraw funds from your account.
Never share your account number in response to an unsolicited phone call, email, or text message, even if the sender claims to be from your bank or a government agency. Legitimate organizations will not ask you to confirm account details over the phone or email. If you are unsure whether a request is real, hang up and call the organization directly using the phone number on your bank statement or official website.
Do not share your PIN, password, or the three-digit security code on the back of your debit card. These are different from your account number and should never be given to anyone.
Routing number versus account number
The routing number identifies your specific bank or credit union. It is the same for every account holder at that bank. The account number identifies your individual account within that bank. Two people at the same bank will have the same routing number but different account numbers.
Both numbers appear together on the bottom of your checks in this order: routing number first (nine digits), then account number (usually ten to twelve digits). When you set up a direct deposit or provide banking information for a refund, you will be asked for both. If you provide only one, the transaction will not go through.
If you cannot find your account number
Call your bank's main customer service line — the number is on your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing and account number. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your name, date of birth, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once verified, they will give you both numbers.
Do not provide your account number to verify your identity. The bank will ask you for information only they would know — your mother's maiden name, the answer to a security question you set up, or recent transactions on your account. After you answer those questions, they will tell you your account number.
Using your account number for refunds and payments
When you file a tax return, apply for a refund, or sign up for a direct deposit, you will see a form asking for your routing and account number. Type or write both numbers carefully — a single digit wrong will send your money to the wrong account. Double-check before you submit.
Some forms ask whether your account is checking or savings. This matters because the bank needs to know which type of account to deposit into. If you are unsure, check your bank statement or ask your bank.
Once you submit your routing and account number, the organization processing your refund or payment will verify that the numbers are valid before sending money. If there is an error, they will usually contact you to ask for corrected information. This is why it is important to provide a phone number or email address when you submit your banking details.
What happens after you provide your account number
After you submit your routing and account number for a refund or payment, the money is sent electronically to your bank. The time it takes to appear in your account depends on the payer and your bank. Tax refunds typically arrive within one to three business days of being sent. Insurance refunds and business reimbursements vary by company.
You can track the status of your refund through the organization that sent it — the IRS has a tool on its website, insurance companies send status updates by email, and employers usually notify you when a payment is processed. Your bank will show the deposit in your account once it arrives, though it may take an extra day to clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my account number?
No. Your account number alone cannot be used to withdraw money. A thief would also need your routing number, PIN, or online banking password. If you are concerned about fraud, contact your bank immediately. Banks can freeze accounts and reverse unauthorized transactions.
Is it safe to put my account number on a check?
Yes. Your account number is printed on every check you write, and checks are mailed through the postal system. The account number is meant to be shared this way. Your bank account is protected by other security measures, not by keeping the account number secret.
What if I give the wrong account number to the IRS or another agency?
Contact the agency immediately and provide the correct information. They can usually update your account number before the refund is sent. If the money was already deposited to the wrong account, the receiving bank can help return it, though this takes longer than correcting it beforehand.
Do I need to provide my account number every time I get a refund?
Usually yes, unless you have set up a standing direct deposit arrangement with an employer or regular payer. For one-time refunds like tax returns or insurance claims, you will need to provide your routing and account number each time.
What if my bank does not have a routing number?
All banks and credit unions have routing numbers. If you cannot find yours, call your bank or check your checks. The routing number is always the first set of nine digits on the bottom left of a check. If you still cannot locate it, your bank's website has a tool to look it up by entering your bank name and state.