Your bank account number is printed on the bottom left of every check you write, shown in your online banking portal, and available by calling your bank's customer service line.
The easiest place to look is your checkbook. Open any check and look at the bottom left corner. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or vertical lines. The middle group is your account number. It is usually 10 to 12 digits long, though the length varies by bank.
If you do not have checks or prefer not to write them, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Your account number appears on the account summary page, often labeled "Account Number" or "Your Accounts." Most banks display it prominently at the top of your dashboard.
If you cannot access online banking or need to confirm the number over the phone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your ID ready. A representative can read your account number to you in seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the middle set of digits printed on the bottom left of any check you own.
- Log into your bank's website or app to see your account number on your account summary or dashboard page.
- Call your bank's customer service line with your ID ready if you need the number read to you over the phone.
- Your account number is different from your routing number, which appears to the left of your account number on a check.
- Never share your account number with anyone except your employer, your bank, or a business you are paying directly.
Finding your account number in online banking
Most banks display your account number on the main dashboard as soon as you log in. Look for a section labeled "Accounts," "Account Summary," or "My Accounts." Your account number will be listed next to your account type—such as "Checking" or "Savings."
Some banks hide the full number for security and show only the last four digits by default. If you see asterisks or dots covering part of the number, click "Show" or "Reveal" to display the full account number. You may need to enter your password or answer a security question first.
If you use your bank's mobile app, the account number is usually on the home screen or under a tab labeled "Accounts" or "Account Details." The location varies slightly between banks, but it is always in the same general area where your balance is displayed.
Reading your account number from a check
A check has three groups of numbers printed in magnetic ink along the bottom. From left to right, they are: routing number, account number, and check number. Your account number is always in the middle.
The routing number (on the left) is nine digits and identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number (in the middle) is typically 10 to 12 digits and identifies your individual account within that bank. The check number (on the right) is usually four digits and identifies that particular check.
Write down your account number exactly as it appears on the check, including any leading zeros. Some systems require the full number with zeros intact, and leaving them out can cause payment delays or errors.
Getting your account number by phone
Call the customer service number printed on the back of your debit card. This is the fastest way if you do not have online access or a checkbook. Have your government-issued ID and Social Security number ready—the bank will ask for at least one to verify your identity.
Tell the representative you need your account number. They will read it to you and may also offer to email or mail it to you if you prefer a written record. The entire call usually takes less than five minutes.
If you have lost your debit card and do not know your bank's phone number, search "[Your Bank Name] customer service" online. The official number will appear at the top of the search results. Avoid clicking on ads, as scammers sometimes pose as banks in paid search results.
Account numbers for different account types
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank—such as a checking account and a savings account—each one has its own account number. When you log into online banking, you will see all your accounts listed separately, each with its own number.
Some banks assign a single account number to a joint account (shared with a spouse or family member), while others create separate numbers for each owner. Check your account summary to see how your bank handles this. If you are unsure, call customer service to confirm which number to use for a specific transaction.
If you have accounts at multiple banks, each bank's account numbers are independent. A number that works at Bank A will not work at Bank B, even if both banks use the same digit length. Always confirm you are using the account number from the correct bank.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If your online banking is down or you cannot log in, call your bank's customer service line. This is the fastest backup option and works 24 hours a day at most banks.
If you have no checks and no debit card, visit a branch in person with your ID. A teller can print your account number for you on the spot. Bring a government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport.
If you recently opened your account and have not received checks yet, your account number was provided in your welcome email or welcome packet. Search your email for messages from your bank with subject lines like "Welcome" or "Your New Account." The account number is usually listed in the first email.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number is semi-public information—it appears on every check you write and on statements you may leave lying around. However, you should still treat it as sensitive and share it only when necessary.
Safe places to share your account number: your employer (for direct deposit), your bank, a business you are paying by check or electronic transfer, and your accountant or tax preparer if you hire one.
Never share your account number in response to an unsolicited email, text, or phone call, even if the message appears to come from your bank. Real banks never ask for account numbers via email or text. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your debit card or bank statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank or bank branch (nine digits), while your account number identifies your specific account within that bank (usually 10 to 12 digits). Both appear on the bottom of a check, with the routing number on the left and the account number in the middle.
Can someone access my account if they have my account number?
Not without additional information. Your account number alone is not enough to transfer money or make withdrawals. Most transactions also require your routing number, a PIN, a password, or your signature. However, do not share your account number unnecessarily—treat it as sensitive information.
What if my account number is different on my checks than in online banking?
This should not happen. Contact your bank immediately if the numbers do not match. It may indicate a printing error on your checks, or in rare cases, a problem with your account. Call customer service to verify which number is correct before using your checks.
Do I need my account number to set up direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer will ask for both your routing number and account number to set up direct deposit of your paycheck. You can find both on a check or in your online banking portal. Double-check both numbers before submitting them to avoid delays in receiving your pay.
Can I change my account number?
No. Your account number is permanent and tied to your account. If you want a new account number, you would need to close your current account and open a new one, which is not practical. If you are concerned about fraud, contact your bank to discuss your options instead.