Your account number is the second set of digits printed at the bottom of your check, between the routing number and the check number
The bottom of a check contains three separate numbers, each serving a different purpose. The routing number comes first on the left (usually nine digits), your account number is in the middle (typically ten to twelve digits), and the check number appears on the right. Your account number identifies which specific account at your bank the check is drawn from — without it, the bank cannot process a payment to the right place.
The account number is always printed in magnetic ink, the same as the routing number. It will be in the same typeface and style as the other numbers at the bottom of the check. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number, so the number on your checking account checks will differ from the number on your savings account checks.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the middle set of digits at the bottom of your check, printed between the routing number and check number.
- Account numbers are typically ten to twelve digits long and printed in magnetic ink like the routing number.
- Each account you hold at a bank has its own unique account number, so different accounts will show different numbers.
- You can also find your account number on your bank statement, online banking portal, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
- The account number on your check is the same number you use to set up direct deposit or authorize automatic payments.
How to read the three numbers at the bottom of a check
The magnetic ink line at the bottom of your check always follows the same order from left to right: routing number, account number, check number. The routing number identifies your bank or credit union. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. The check number is simply the sequential number printed on that individual check.
Not all checks display these numbers in the same visual way. Some banks print them in a single line; others space them out. Some checks print the account number in a slightly different location or font. The safest approach is to look for the nine-digit routing number first — that is always on the far left — and then count the digits to its right. The next set of digits (usually longer) is your account number.
If the numbers are hard to read because of ink fading or poor printing, you can verify your account number by logging into your online banking account or calling your bank directly. Your bank statement also lists your account number at the top of the page.
Where else to find your account number
Your check is not the only place your account number appears. Your monthly bank statement shows your account number prominently, usually near the top of the first page. If you bank online, you can log in and view your account number in the account details or settings section — most banks display it on the main dashboard or under an "Account Information" tab.
You can also call your bank's customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card) and ask a representative to read your account number to you over the phone. Many banks also print your account number on your debit card, though not always in an obvious place. Some print it on the card itself; others print it only on the receipt you receive when you activate the card.
Why you need your account number
Your account number is required whenever you need to move money into or out of that specific account. If you are setting up direct deposit for a paycheck or government payment, your employer or the paying agency will ask for your account number along with your routing number. If you are authorizing an automatic payment to a bill, the company collecting the payment needs your account number to debit the correct account.
When you wire money to someone or receive a wire transfer, the receiving bank needs your account number to deposit the funds correctly. If you are transferring money between your own accounts at different banks, each bank needs the account number for the account being transferred to. Without the correct account number, the payment may be delayed, sent to the wrong account, or rejected entirely.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number is sensitive financial information. While it is less sensitive than your full Social Security number or PIN, you should not share it with people you do not trust or post it publicly online. Scammers can use your account number along with your routing number to attempt unauthorized withdrawals or fraudulent transfers.
When you provide your account number to set up direct deposit or automatic payments, make sure you are communicating with a legitimate employer, government agency, or business. If someone calls you unexpectedly asking for your account number, hang up and call the organization back using a phone number you know is correct. Legitimate businesses will not pressure you to give your account number over the phone to an unsolicited caller.
What to do if you cannot find your account number on your check
If your check is old, damaged, or the numbers are faded or unclear, do not guess. Call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your most recent bank statement. A representative can read your account number to you within minutes. You can also visit a branch in person with your ID and ask a teller to provide it.
If you have lost all your checks and do not have access to your online banking account, your bank statement is your next best option. Even if you receive statements by mail only, the account number appears on every statement. If you have not received a recent statement, you can request one by calling your bank or logging into your online account if you remember your password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number and your account number are different. Your debit card number is printed on the front of the card and is used for purchases and ATM withdrawals. Your account number is printed at the bottom of your checks and is used for direct deposits, wire transfers, and automatic payments. A single account can have multiple debit cards, each with its own card number, but they all connect to the same account number.
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they know my account number and routing number?
Knowing your account number and routing number alone is not enough to withdraw money, but it is enough to attempt an unauthorized ACH transfer or automatic payment. If you suspect someone has misused your account information, contact your bank immediately. Banks can reverse fraudulent transfers and place a fraud alert on your account. Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission as well.
What if I give my account number to the wrong person by mistake?
Contact your bank right away and explain what happened. Your bank can monitor your account for suspicious activity and may issue you a new account number if the risk is high. In most cases, your bank will not charge you for fraudulent transactions if you report them promptly. The sooner you call, the faster your bank can protect your account.
Do I need both my routing number and account number to receive a direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer or the organization sending the payment needs both numbers. The routing number tells the sending bank which bank to send the money to; the account number tells your bank which account within that bank should receive the deposit. Without both, the deposit cannot be processed correctly.