Your account number is the second set of digits on the bottom left of the cheque, between the routing number and the cheque number
The bottom of a cheque contains three separate numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. Reading left to right, you see the routing number (which identifies your bank and branch), then your account number, then the cheque number. Your account number is typically 7 to 12 digits long, depending on your bank. It appears in the middle section and is the number you need when depositing a cheque through mobile banking or when you need to reference your account for any transaction.
The account number on your cheque is the same one printed on your bank statements, your debit card, and any correspondence from your bank. If you are setting up a mobile cheque deposit, this is the number the app uses to confirm the cheque is being deposited into the correct account.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number sits in the middle of the three number groups at the bottom of the cheque, after the routing number and before the cheque number.
- The account number is typically 7 to 12 digits and matches the account number on your statements and debit card.
- When you deposit a cheque through a mobile app, the app reads or asks you to enter your account number to route the deposit correctly.
- If the account number on your cheque does not match your current account, contact your bank before depositing, as the cheque may be linked to a closed or old account.
How the three numbers are arranged
The magnetic ink line at the bottom of a cheque always follows the same order. The first number block is the routing number (also called the transit number in Canada), which tells the banking system which bank and branch issued the cheque. The second block is your account number. The third block is the cheque number, which is also printed in the top right corner of the cheque.
Each number block is separated by a colon or space. On most cheques, the account number is the longest of the three, though this varies by bank. Some banks print the account number in a slightly different position or format, but it always appears between the routing number and cheque number in that bottom line.
Why you need it for mobile deposit
When you use a mobile banking app to deposit a cheque, the app needs to know which account to credit. You can either let the app read the account number automatically from the magnetic ink (if your phone's camera and the app support it), or you can enter it manually. The app compares the account number on the cheque to your logged-in account to make sure they match.
If you are depositing a cheque written to a joint account or a business account, the account number on the cheque must match the account you are logged into. If it does not, the deposit will be rejected or flagged for manual review.
What to do if you cannot find the account number
If the magnetic ink at the bottom of the cheque is worn, faded, or damaged, you may not be able to read the account number clearly. In this case, you can find your account number on any recent bank statement, on your debit card, or by logging into your online banking portal. You can also call your bank's customer service line and provide your name and other identifying information to confirm your account number.
If you are trying to deposit a cheque that was written to an old account you no longer use, do not deposit it into your current account. Contact your bank to ask whether the cheque can be reissued to your current account, or ask the person who wrote the cheque to write a new one.
Account number versus cheque number
The cheque number and the account number are not the same thing. The cheque number appears in the bottom right corner of the magnetic ink line and also in the top right corner of the cheque in regular print. It is a sequential number that identifies that specific cheque within your account. The account number identifies your entire account and is the same on every cheque you write from that account.
When you are depositing a cheque, the app or teller uses the account number to know where to put the money. The cheque number is recorded for your records and for tracking purposes, but it does not determine where the deposit goes.
Reading the numbers on different cheque styles
Most personal and business cheques follow the same layout, but some specialty cheques or cheques from smaller banks may have slight variations. The account number is always in the middle of the three-number sequence at the bottom, but the font size, spacing, or position may differ slightly. If you are unsure which number is your account number, count the digit groups: the first is routing, the second is account, the third is cheque.
If you are depositing a cheque from a bank outside your country, the layout may be different. International cheques often do not have the same magnetic ink format. In those cases, you will need to ask your bank how to deposit the cheque or whether it can be deposited through mobile banking at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone use my account number from my cheque to steal money?
Your account number alone is not enough to withdraw money from your account. A person would also need your routing number, which is public information, and authorization to initiate a transfer or payment. However, do not share your cheques with people you do not trust. If you are concerned about fraud, contact your bank immediately.
Is the account number on the front of the cheque too?
No. The account number appears only in the magnetic ink line at the bottom of the cheque. The front of the cheque shows your name, address, and the bank's name and logo, but not your account number in plain text. This is a security feature to reduce the risk of fraud.
What if the account number on my cheque does not match my current account?
This usually means the cheque was printed for an old account you no longer use. Do not deposit it into your current account. Contact your bank to confirm which account is active, or ask the person who wrote the cheque to issue a new one to your current account.
Do I need to memorize my account number for mobile deposit?
No. Most mobile banking apps read the account number automatically from the cheque's magnetic ink. If the app cannot read it, you can look it up on your statement or in your online banking portal and enter it manually. You do not need to memorize it.
Why does my mobile app ask me to enter my account number if it can read it from the cheque?
Some apps ask you to confirm the account number as a security check, even if they have already read it. This ensures the cheque is being deposited into the correct account and reduces the chance of a deposit error.