Your account number is printed at the bottom left of the check, after the routing number
The bottom of every check contains three sets of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. Reading from left to right, you see the routing number (nine digits), then your account number (typically eight to twelve digits), then the check number (three to four digits). Your account number is the middle set. It identifies which specific account at your bank the check draws from.
The account number appears in the same location on every check you order from that account. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number, and each will print differently on its checks.
You need your account number when you deposit a check by phone, mobile app, or mail. The bank uses it to route the deposit to the correct account. If you are depositing someone else's check into your account, you still use your own account number, not theirs.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the middle set of digits at the bottom of the check, between the routing number on the left and the check number on the right.
- Account numbers are typically eight to twelve digits long and appear in the same position on every check from that account.
- When depositing a check by mobile app or mail, you enter your own account number, not the account number from the check you are depositing.
- If you cannot read the printed numbers clearly, your bank statement or online banking portal will show your account number.
How the three numbers at the bottom work together
The routing number tells the banking system which bank issued the check. The account number tells that bank which account to pull the money from. The check number is simply a reference for your own records and does not affect how the check clears.
When you deposit a check, the bank reads all three numbers. The routing number directs the deposit to the correct bank, the account number directs it to your account within that bank, and the check number helps both banks track the transaction if there is ever a dispute.
Finding your account number if the check is damaged or unclear
If the numbers at the bottom of the check are smudged, faded, or difficult to read, you do not need to guess. Log into your online banking portal or mobile app and look for your account details. Your account number will be displayed there clearly.
You can also call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Have your ID ready. The bank can confirm your account number in seconds and can also tell you your routing number if you need it for other purposes, like setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer.
Why banks print the account number on checks at all
The magnetic ink at the bottom of checks is read by automated sorting machines at banks and processing centers. This technology, called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition), allows banks to process thousands of checks per hour without human intervention. The account number must be printed there so the machines can route each check to the correct account.
The account number also appears in the upper right corner of the check in regular printed digits, but that version is for human reference only. The magnetic numbers at the bottom are what the banking system actually uses.
What to do when depositing a check by mobile app
Most mobile check deposit features ask you to enter your account number manually or select it from a dropdown list of your accounts. The app then asks you to photograph the front and back of the check. You do not need to type out the numbers from the check itself—you are telling the app which of your accounts to deposit into.
Double-check that you have selected the correct account before you submit. If you have a checking account and a savings account, depositing into the wrong one is easy to do by mistake. Once you submit the deposit, most banks process it within one to two business days.
Protecting your account number when sharing checks
Your account number is not secret in the same way a password is. It is printed on every check you write and appears on statements you may share with accountants or tax preparers. However, you should still be cautious about who sees it.
Someone who has your account number and routing number could potentially set up an unauthorized ACH transfer or recurring payment from your account. If you are mailing a check or sharing a statement, consider whether the recipient truly needs to see the full account number. If you suspect unauthorized activity, contact your bank immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the account number from someone else's check to deposit money into their account?
No. When you deposit a check, you always use your own account number to tell the bank where to put the money. The account number on the check you are depositing is not used during the deposit process. The bank reads the routing and account numbers printed on the check to know where to pull the money from, but you control where it goes by entering your own account number.
What if I do not have a check and need my account number?
Log into your online banking portal, call your bank, or visit a branch. Your account number appears on your bank statements, in your online account settings, and on any debit card statements. You do not need a physical check to find it.
Is the account number the same as the number on my debit card?
No. Your debit card has its own card number, which is different from your bank account number. The account number is tied to your checking or savings account. The card number is tied to the card itself. Both are linked to the same account, but they are separate numbers.
Why do I need to enter my account number when depositing my own check?
The bank needs to know which account to deposit the money into. Even though the check is drawn on your account, the bank cannot assume you want to deposit it back into the same account. You might be depositing it into a different account you own, or you might be depositing someone else's check into your account. Entering your account number tells the bank exactly where the money should go.