Your account number appears in the bottom right section of your check, after the routing number

The account number is printed at the bottom of your check in the third group of digits, after the routing number and before the check number. On most checks, you'll see three separate groups of numbers along the bottom edge. The first is the routing number (nine digits), the second is your account number (typically 10 to 12 digits, though this varies by bank), and the third is the check number (usually four to five digits).

The account number identifies which specific account at your bank the check is drawn from. When you deposit a check or set up automatic payments, you'll need both the routing number and account number to complete the transaction. Banks print these numbers in a special magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) format so they can be read by sorting machines, which is why they look slightly different from regular printed text.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number is the second group of numbers printed at the bottom of your check, between the routing number and check number.
  • Account numbers are typically 10 to 12 digits long, though the exact length depends on your bank.
  • You need both your routing number and account number to set up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, or to receive wire transfers.
  • If your checks don't show the account number clearly or you can't read it, you can find it on your bank statement or by logging into your online banking account.

How the three number groups are arranged

The bottom of a check always displays numbers in the same order from left to right: routing number, account number, then check number. Each group is separated by a small space. The routing number comes first and identifies which bank or credit union issued the check. Your account number comes next and identifies your specific account within that bank. The check number appears last and is unique to that individual check.

Some checks may print the account number in a slightly different position depending on the bank's design, but it will always appear between the routing number and check number. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each account will have its own unique account number, even though the routing number stays the same.

Finding your account number if it's hard to read

If the numbers at the bottom of your check are faded, smudged, or difficult to read, you have several other ways to locate your account number. Your bank statement—whether you receive it by mail or view it online—displays your account number clearly at the top or in the account information section. Most statements show it as "Account #" or "Account Number" followed by the digits.

You can also find your account number by logging into your online banking portal or mobile app. Banks typically display your account number in the account overview or account details section. If you don't have online access set up, you can call your bank's customer service line and provide your name and identifying information, and they will give you your account number over the phone.

Why you need both the routing and account number

The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send money to, while the account number tells that bank which specific account within their system should receive the funds. Without both numbers, a transaction cannot be completed correctly. If you provide only the routing number, the bank won't know which of its thousands of accounts should receive the deposit. If you provide only the account number, the receiving bank won't know which financial institution to contact.

This is why forms asking for banking information always request both numbers separately. Whether you're setting up direct deposit for your paycheck, arranging automatic bill payments, or receiving a wire transfer, you'll need to enter both the routing number and account number in the correct fields.

Account numbers on different types of checks

Personal checks, business checks, and cashier's checks all display the account number in the same location at the bottom. However, cashier's checks and certified checks may have additional security features or slightly different formatting because they are issued directly by the bank rather than printed from your personal checkbook. The account number will still appear in the standard position between the routing number and check number.

If you order new checks from your bank or from a third-party check printer, the account number will be printed in the same location as your current checks. The routing number and account number are specific to your bank and account, so they remain the same across all checks you order, even if you change the design or style of the checks themselves.

What to do if you can't locate your account number

If you've checked your checks, your bank statement, and your online banking account and still cannot find your account number, contact your bank directly. You can call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, visit a branch in person, or use the contact information from your most recent bank statement. Have your identification ready, as banks will verify your identity before providing sensitive account information over the phone.

Some banks also allow you to view your account number through their mobile app even if you don't have online banking set up on a computer. If you're having trouble accessing your account information through any channel, your bank's customer service team can walk you through the process or provide the number directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my account number the same as my debit card number?

No. Your account number and debit card number are different. The account number identifies your bank account, while the debit card number is specific to that card. You can have multiple debit cards linked to the same account, each with a different card number, but they all draw from the same account number.

Can someone use my account number to steal money from my account?

Your account number alone is not enough to withdraw money or make unauthorized transfers. Someone would also need your routing number, and even then, most transactions require additional verification like a PIN or password. However, you should still keep your account number private and only share it with trusted sources like your employer or verified service providers.

Why do some checks have the account number printed twice?

Some banks print the account number in two places—once in the MICR format at the bottom for machine reading, and once in regular print elsewhere on the check for human readability. Both refer to the same account number. This redundancy helps ensure the check can be processed correctly whether it's read by a machine or a person.

What if the account number on my check doesn't match what my bank tells me?

Contact your bank immediately. A mismatch could indicate a printing error on your checks, or in rare cases, a problem with your account. Your bank can verify which number is correct and issue replacement checks if needed. Do not use checks with incorrect account numbers, as transactions may fail or be routed to the wrong account.