Your account number is on your checks, your bank statement, and in your online banking login
Your bank account number is a unique identifier for your specific account at your bank. It is not the same as your routing number. You can find it in at least four places without calling your bank or visiting a branch.
The fastest route is to log into your online banking portal or mobile app — your account number usually appears on the dashboard or account summary page. If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom left of any check; the account number is the second set of digits, after the routing number and before the check number. Your most recent bank statement (paper or digital) will also list it near the top. If none of these are available, call your bank's customer service line and have your ID ready.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom of your checks, on your bank statements, and in your online banking portal.
- The account number is different from your routing number; you need both for wire transfers and direct deposits.
- If you cannot find your account number in writing, call your bank's customer service line with your ID and they will provide it immediately.
- Some banks display account numbers partially online for security; if you see asterisks, the full number is on your checks or statement.
Finding your account number on a check
If you have checks from your account, the account number is printed at the bottom in the second position. The bottom of a check contains three sets of numbers: the routing number on the left (nine digits), your account number in the middle (typically 10 to 12 digits), and the check number on the right (usually four to six digits).
The account number is always between the routing number and the check number. If your checks are old or faded, the numbers may be hard to read, but they are printed in magnetic ink and should still be legible. Starter checks or temporary checks from your bank will have the same account number as your regular checks.
Locating it on your bank statement
Your bank statement — whether you receive it by mail or download it online — lists your account number near the top, usually under your name or in a section labeled "Account Information." Paper statements print it clearly; digital statements show it in the same location.
If you receive statements by email, open the PDF and look at the first page. If you receive paper statements, it appears on the front page, often in the upper right corner or under a header with your account details. Older statements will have the same account number, so you can refer to any statement you have on hand.
Checking your online banking portal or app
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and navigate to your account summary or dashboard. Most banks display your account number on the main page after you sign in. Some banks show the full number; others display it partially (for example, as "****5678") for security reasons.
If your bank shows only the last four digits, you will need to use one of the other methods to get the full number. Some banks also allow you to view the full account number by clicking a "Show" or "Reveal" button next to the partial number. Check your account settings or help section if you cannot locate it on the main page.
Calling your bank to confirm your account number
If you cannot find your account number through any of the above methods, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a form of ID ready.
The representative will verify your identity and provide your account number over the phone. This process usually takes less than five minutes. Write down the number and keep it in a safe place. Some banks also allow you to request this information through their website's secure messaging system if you prefer not to call.
Why you need both your account number and routing number
Your routing number identifies which bank you use; your account number identifies which account within that bank is yours. Together, they form the complete address for your account. You will need both when setting up direct deposit, making wire transfers, paying bills through your bank, or authorizing automatic payments.
If you provide only one without the other, the transaction will not go through. Many forms ask for both numbers in separate fields. Your routing number stays the same across all your accounts at the same bank, but each account has its own unique account number.
What to do if you cannot locate your account number
If you have lost access to your checks, statements, and online banking, contact your bank directly. You will need to verify your identity with your Social Security number, date of birth, and photo ID. Some banks can verify you over the phone; others may require you to visit a branch in person.
If you are locked out of your online banking account, use the "Forgot Password" or "Unlock Account" option on your bank's website to regain access. Once you are back in, your account number will be visible. If you have recently opened an account and have not yet received checks or a statement, your account number is available in your online portal immediately after account opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my card number?
No. Your debit or credit card number is printed on the front of the card and is different from your bank account number. Your account number is what you use for transfers and direct deposits; your card number is what you use to make purchases or withdraw cash.
Can I use my account number to make purchases online?
No. Your account number is used for bank-to-bank transfers and direct deposits, not for online shopping. Online purchases require your debit or credit card number, expiration date, and CVV. Never share your account number with merchants or websites.
What if I see different account numbers on different statements?
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number. Check which statement corresponds to which account — savings, checking, money market, and other account types each have separate numbers. If you see the same account listed with two different numbers, contact your bank immediately.
Is it safe to share my account number?
Your account number is safe to share with your employer (for direct deposit), your bank, and trusted financial institutions you are conducting business with. Do not share it with unknown callers, unsolicited emails, or websites you do not recognize. Scammers sometimes call claiming to be from your bank and ask for your account number.
How long is a bank account number?
Bank account numbers are typically 10 to 12 digits long, but the exact length varies by bank. Some banks use shorter or longer numbers. The length does not matter for your purposes — just make sure you copy the entire number as it appears on your check or statement.