Your checking account number is printed on the bottom left of every check you write, and also appears in your online banking portal under account details.
The easiest place to look is a check from your checkbook. Open the check and look at the bottom left corner. You will see a series of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The middle set of numbers — usually 10 to 12 digits long — is your account number. The first set, usually shorter, is your routing number. Do not confuse the two.
If you do not have checks handy or prefer not to write one, your bank's website or mobile app will show your account number in seconds. Log in, find the account details or account summary page, and your full account number will be listed there. Most banks also print it on your debit card statement or in account correspondence they send by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of every check, printed as the middle set of numbers between your routing number and a check number.
- Your bank's online portal or mobile app displays your account number under account details or account summary without requiring you to write a check.
- Your debit card statement, monthly bank statement, or account opening letter from your bank will also list your account number.
- Never share your full account number with anyone unless you initiated the request and trust the recipient completely.
Finding it in your online banking account
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app and navigate to the account you need. Look for a tab or link labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "Account Summary," or sometimes just your account name. Your full account number will be displayed prominently on that page, usually alongside your routing number and current balance.
Some banks hide the full number by default for security and show only the last four digits on the main dashboard. If you see only partial digits, click on the account name or an "expand" button to reveal the complete number. You may need to verify your identity with a password or security question before the full number displays.
Reading the numbers on a check
A check has three separate number sequences printed along the bottom in a special magnetic ink. From left to right, they are: your routing number (usually 9 digits), your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), and your check number (the number printed in the top right corner of the check as well).
The routing number identifies your specific bank branch. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. The check number is just a sequential identifier for that particular check. When you need your account number for a wire transfer, direct deposit setup, or automatic payment, use only the middle set of numbers — not the routing number or check number.
Other places your account number appears
Your monthly bank statement, whether printed or digital, lists your account number at the top or in a summary section. If you signed up for online banking recently, your bank likely sent you a welcome letter or email that included your account number. Some banks also print it on your debit card statement or in the fine print on the back of your debit card itself.
If you have set up direct deposit through an employer or government program, the confirmation email or letter you received will show your account number. The same applies to automatic bill payments — the setup confirmation usually repeats your account number for your records.
What to do if you cannot find it
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. A representative can read your account number to you over the phone or send it to you by email or mail, depending on your bank's security policy.
You can also visit a branch in person with your ID and ask a teller to provide your account number. This is sometimes the fastest option if you need it immediately and do not have online banking set up yet.
Why you need it and when to share it
Your account number is necessary for setting up direct deposit, receiving wire transfers, making automatic payments, and transferring money between accounts at different banks. Your employer, the Social Security Administration, your insurance company, or a creditor may ask for it to send you money or set up a recurring payment.
Share your account number only when you have initiated the request and you trust the recipient. Never give it to someone who called or emailed you unsolicited, even if they claim to be from your bank. Your bank will never ask for your account number by phone or email — they already have it. If someone asks for it, hang up or delete the message and call your bank directly using the number on your debit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank or bank branch and is the same for all customers at that location. Your account number identifies your specific account and is unique to you. Both appear on your checks, but in different positions.
Can someone take money from my account if they have my account number?
Not without additional information. Your account number alone is not enough to withdraw money. A person would also need your routing number, and even then, most banks require authorization or a signed form. Your account number is less sensitive than your PIN or online banking password.
What if I see different account numbers on different documents?
You may have multiple accounts at the same bank — a checking account, a savings account, and a money market account, for example. Each one has its own account number. Make sure you are using the correct number for the account you intend to use.
Do I need my account number to check my balance?
No. You can check your balance by logging into online banking with your username and password, calling your bank's automated phone line, or visiting an ATM with your debit card. You only need your account number when you are sending or receiving money.