A Bank of America checking account has three main numbers you need to know

Your Bank of America checking account uses three separate numbers, and each one does a different job. Your account number is the main identifier for your specific account — it appears on checks, statements, and when you set up transfers. Your routing number tells other banks and payment systems how to find Bank of America and direct money to the right place. Your check number appears on each individual check you write and helps you track which check is which.

These three numbers work together to move money in and out of your account. When someone pays you by check, the routing number and account number tell the banking system where to deposit it. When you write a check, the check number helps you match it to the transaction later. Confusing one for another — or giving out the wrong one — can delay payments or send money to the wrong place.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number is typically 10 digits and identifies your specific checking account at Bank of America.
  • Your routing number is always 9 digits and is the same for all Bank of America customers in your region, though it varies by state and account type.
  • Your check number is printed on the bottom left of each check and is unique to that single check.
  • You can find all three numbers on a paper check, in your online banking portal, or by calling Bank of America customer service.

Where to find your account number

Your account number is 10 digits long and appears in three places on a paper check: at the bottom center (after the routing number), in your online banking dashboard under account details, and on your monthly statement. If you do not have a check handy, log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app, go to the account overview or account details section, and the full account number will be displayed there.

You can also call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and speak to a representative who will verify your identity and read your account number to you. Write it down in a secure place — you will need it for direct deposits, wire transfers, and setting up automatic bill payments.

Understanding your routing number

Your routing number is 9 digits and tells the banking system which Bank of America branch or processing center to route your money through. Bank of America has multiple routing numbers depending on which state you opened your account in and what type of account it is. The routing number appears on the bottom left of a paper check, before your account number.

If you need to confirm your routing number, log into your online banking account and look for "routing number" in the account details or settings section. You can also call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a Bank of America branch in person. Do not assume all Bank of America customers have the same routing number — yours depends on your account location and type, so always verify before setting up a transfer or direct deposit.

What your check number tells you

Your check number is printed on the bottom left of each check, just before your routing number. It is a sequential number that starts when you order your first box of checks and increases by one with each new check. Check numbers help you track which check you wrote to whom and when, and they make it easier to spot a missing or duplicate check.

When you record a check in your register or statement, the check number is how you match the written check to the transaction that clears your account. If you write check #1234 to your landlord on the 15th, you can search your statement for that check number and confirm it cleared on the date you expected. If a check goes missing or you need to cancel one, you reference it by check number when you contact the bank.

How these numbers work together in a transaction

When someone deposits a check you wrote, the routing number and account number work as a pair. The routing number directs the check to Bank of America's processing system, and the account number tells that system which specific account to pull the money from. The check number identifies which individual check it is, so if there is a dispute or a duplicate, you can trace it back.

When you set up a direct deposit for your paycheck or a transfer from another bank, you provide your routing number and account number. The sending bank uses the routing number to find Bank of America, then uses the account number to deposit the money into your specific account. If you reverse these numbers or transpose a digit, the money may be rejected or sent to the wrong account, which can delay your payment by several days.

What happens if you give out the wrong number

If you give someone your account number but forget to include your routing number, they may not be able to complete a transfer or direct deposit because the system will not know which Bank of America location to send it to. If you transpose a digit in your routing number, the money may be rejected by the receiving bank or sent to a different financial institution entirely.

If you give out your full account number to someone you do not trust, they could potentially set up unauthorized transfers or payments from your account. For this reason, only share your account and routing number with people or organizations you know — your employer for direct deposit, your landlord for rent payments, or your bank itself. Do not share these numbers via email or text unless you initiated the contact and are certain you are communicating with a legitimate organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my account number or routing number?

Your routing number is assigned by Bank of America based on your account location and type, and you cannot change it. Your account number is tied to your specific account and does not change unless you close the account and open a new one. If you are concerned about fraud or unauthorized access, contact Bank of America to discuss your options.

Do I need all three numbers to set up a direct deposit?

Yes. Your employer or the organization sending the direct deposit will ask for your routing number and account number. The check number is not needed for direct deposits because direct deposits are electronic transfers, not paper checks. Provide both the routing number and account number exactly as they appear on your check or in your online banking portal.

What if I lose a check or cannot find my account number?

Log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app and navigate to account details or settings — your account number and routing number will be displayed there. If you do not have online access, call 1-800-432-1000 and a representative can provide both numbers after verifying your identity. You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person with a valid ID.

Are these numbers the same for savings accounts and checking accounts?

Your routing number may be the same across both account types, but your account number is unique to each account. If you have both a checking account and a savings account at Bank of America, each one has its own 10-digit account number. Always confirm you are using the correct account number for the account you want to transfer money to or from.