Your checking account has two main numbers you need to know

A checking account uses two separate numbers: your account number and your bank's routing number. The account number identifies your specific account at the bank. The routing number identifies the bank itself. Together, they tell the financial system exactly where your money is and where to send it.

You will see these numbers printed on the bottom left of your checks, and you can also find them online through your bank's website or mobile app. Some banks also print them on statements or deposit slips. When you set up direct deposit, pay bills online, or receive a wire transfer, you will need to provide both numbers to make sure the money goes to the right place.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number is unique to your checking account and is typically 8 to 12 digits long, though the length varies by bank.
  • Your routing number identifies your specific bank or credit union and is always 9 digits long.
  • Both numbers appear on the bottom of your checks in a specific order: routing number first, then account number, then check number.
  • You need both numbers together for direct deposit, wire transfers, and bill payments, but never share them with anyone you do not trust.

Account number length and what it tells you

Your account number is not a standard length across all banks. Most banks use between 8 and 12 digits, but some use more or fewer. Bank of America account numbers are typically 10 digits. Chase account numbers are usually 10 digits. Wells Fargo uses 10 digits. Credit unions often use different lengths depending on the institution. The length does not matter for how the system works — what matters is that your bank knows which account is yours.

The account number is unique within your bank. Two people at the same bank will never have the same account number. If you have multiple checking accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number. The account number stays the same for as long as you keep that account open, even if you change your address or update your personal information.

The routing number is always 9 digits

Unlike account numbers, routing numbers are always exactly 9 digits long. This number identifies your bank or credit union in the federal banking system. Every financial institution that participates in the ACH network (the system that handles direct deposits and bill payments) has its own routing number. If you bank at Chase, all Chase customers in your region share the same routing number. If you bank at a local credit union, that credit union has its own routing number.

Some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which state or region you opened your account in. Bank of America, for example, has different routing numbers for different states. If you move to a new state and keep your account open, your routing number might stay the same or might change depending on your bank's policy. Check with your bank if you are unsure which routing number applies to your account.

Where to find both numbers on a check

If you have checks, both numbers are printed on the bottom in a specific order. On the far left is the routing number in a box. Next to it is your account number. On the far right is the check number. All three are printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read. The routing number comes first because the banking system needs to know which bank to send the check to before it can find your account within that bank.

The numbers on your check are the same as the numbers you will use for direct deposit or bill payments. You do not need to memorize them — you can always look them up — but having a check handy makes it easy to find them quickly when you need them.

How to find your numbers without a check

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account information or account details. Most banks display both your account number and routing number in one place, often labeled clearly. Some banks put this information on your statement. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers — they will verify your identity and give them to you over the phone.

If you bank at a credit union, the process is the same. Log in online, call the credit union, or visit a branch in person. The staff can print out a slip with both numbers or read them to you. Some credit unions also print both numbers on deposit slips or savings account statements, so check any paperwork you have from the institution.

Why you need both numbers and when to use them

Direct deposit requires both numbers. Your employer or the government agency sending you a payment needs to know which bank to send the money to (the routing number) and which account within that bank (the account number). Without both, the deposit cannot go through.

Bill payments through your bank's online system also use both numbers. When you set up a payment to a utility company or credit card, the bank uses the routing number to identify itself and the account number to pull the money from your account. Wire transfers, ACH transfers between banks, and recurring payments all work the same way. If you give only one number or give them in the wrong order, the transaction will fail or go to the wrong place.

Security: who should never see these numbers

Your account number and routing number are not secret in the same way a password is. Your routing number is public information — anyone can look it up if they know your bank's name. Your account number is more sensitive because it identifies your specific account. However, neither number alone is enough to drain your account or commit fraud. A scammer would need your account number, routing number, and usually additional information like your name and address to cause real damage.

That said, do not share these numbers with anyone you do not trust. If someone calls you claiming to be from your bank and asks for your account number, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Legitimate banks will never call you asking for account numbers. If you receive an email asking for these numbers, it is almost certainly a scam.

What happens if you give the wrong number

If you provide an incorrect account number or routing number, the transaction will usually fail before any money moves. The receiving bank will not recognize the account number as valid for that routing number and will reject the transfer. Your bank will notify you that the transaction could not be completed, and you can try again with the correct numbers.

In rare cases, money might go to the wrong account at the correct bank if you transpose digits in your account number. If this happens, contact your bank immediately. The bank can often recover the funds, especially if the receiving account holder has not withdrawn the money. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of getting the money back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone steal money from my account if they only have my account number?

Not easily. They would need your account number, routing number, and usually your name and address. Even with all that information, they cannot access your account through online banking without your password. They could potentially set up an unauthorized ACH transfer, but your bank has fraud protections in place and can reverse unauthorized transfers.

Do I need a new account number if I close my account and open a new one?

Yes. Each account is a separate entity with its own account number. If you close your checking account and open a new one at the same bank, you will get a new account number. The routing number stays the same because it identifies the bank, not the account.

What if my bank has multiple routing numbers?

Use the routing number that corresponds to your account. When you open your account, your bank will tell you which routing number applies. If you are unsure, log into your online banking or call customer service. Using the wrong routing number for your bank can cause delays or failed transactions.

Are account numbers and routing numbers the same for savings and checking accounts?

No. Each account type at your bank has its own account number. The routing number is the same because it identifies the bank. If you have both a checking and savings account at the same bank, they share a routing number but have different account numbers.

How do I know if someone is asking for my numbers legitimately?

Your employer needs both numbers for direct deposit. Government agencies need them for tax refunds or benefit payments. Utility companies and creditors may ask for them to set up automatic payments. In all cases, you can verify by calling the organization directly using a phone number from their official website or bill, not from the communication asking for the numbers.