How to locate your account number and routing number
Your bank account number and routing number are printed on the bottom left of every check you write. The routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually ten to twelve digits). If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Account Details" or "Account Information" — most banks display both numbers there.
You can also call your bank's customer service line, which is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your Social Security number and a form of ID ready. The representative will verify your identity and read both numbers to you over the phone.
Some banks print the routing number on their website's FAQ page or in the account setup section. If you are setting up a direct deposit or wire transfer, your employer or the receiving institution can often look up your routing number if you give them your bank name and state.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number and routing number appear on the bottom of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling customer service.
- The routing number identifies your specific bank branch; the account number identifies your individual account within that bank.
- You will need both numbers to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or authorize automatic bill payments.
- Never share your full account number with someone you do not trust, but the routing number is safe to give out for legitimate transactions.
- If you cannot find your numbers online or by phone, visit a branch in person with your ID and a representative will provide them immediately.
What information appears in your online banking portal
When you log into your bank's website or app, the dashboard usually shows your account balance, recent transactions, and account type (checking, savings, money market). Scroll down or look for a tab labeled "Accounts," "Account Details," or "Account Summary" to see your full account number, routing number, and the name the account is registered under.
Most banks also display your available balance separately from your current balance. Available balance is what you can spend right now; current balance includes pending transactions that have not cleared yet. This distinction matters when you are checking whether a payment will go through.
Your online portal will also show your account opening date, any linked accounts (like a savings account tied to your checking), and sometimes your overdraft limit if you have one. Some banks let you download a statement or export transaction history from this same section.
Understanding what your bank statement tells you
A bank statement lists every transaction over a set period — usually one month — and shows your opening balance, closing balance, deposits, withdrawals, fees, and interest earned. The statement header displays your account number, the statement period, and your bank's contact information.
Each transaction line shows the date it posted, a description of what happened (like "DIRECT DEPOSIT EMPLOYER" or "DEBIT CARD PURCHASE"), the amount, and your running balance after that transaction. Some banks also note whether a transaction is pending or cleared.
Statements arrive by mail or email, depending on what you chose during account setup. You can request a copy of any past statement by logging into your account or calling customer service. Banks typically keep statements available online for seven years, though some keep them longer.
How to verify your account is in your name
The name printed on your account should match your government-issued ID exactly. Log into your online banking and check the "Account Holder" or "Account Details" section. If the name is wrong — for example, if it shows a nickname instead of your legal name, or if it includes someone else's name — contact your bank immediately.
If you recently married, divorced, or changed your legal name, you will need to update your account. Bring your ID and a legal document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to a branch, or call customer service to start the process by mail. The bank will issue you a new debit card with the correct name.
If you see an account in your name that you did not open, or if your account shows someone else's name, this may indicate fraud. Contact your bank right away and ask them to freeze the account while they investigate.
What to do if you cannot access your account information
If you forgot your online banking password, most banks have a "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Click it, answer security questions or verify your email address, and the bank will send you a reset link. This usually takes a few minutes.
If you cannot remember your security questions or the email address on file, you will need to visit a branch in person with your ID. A representative can verify your identity and reset your access. Bring a government-issued photo ID and, if possible, your debit card.
If your account has been locked due to suspicious activity, your bank will usually send you a notice by mail or email. Follow the instructions in that notice, which typically involve calling a phone number or visiting a branch to confirm your identity. Do not call a number from an email — instead, use the number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's official website.
Checking your account type and features
Your account type — checking, savings, money market, or another variant — determines what you can do with the money. A checking account is designed for frequent deposits and withdrawals; a savings account earns interest but limits how many withdrawals you can make per month. Your bank statement and online portal both clearly label your account type.
Look for features tied to your account: overdraft protection, which lets you overdraw up to a set limit; automatic bill pay, which lets you schedule recurring payments; and linked accounts, which let you transfer money between your own accounts instantly. Your online portal usually has a section showing which features are active on your account.
Some accounts come with perks like no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance, or a small amount of interest on your balance. Your account agreement — which you received when you opened the account — lists all fees and features. You can request a copy from your bank if you no longer have it.
How to find your account if you have multiple banks
If you have accounts at more than one bank, keep a list with the bank name, account type, account number, and the last four digits of your debit card for each one. Store this list somewhere secure — a password manager, a locked drawer, or a safe deposit box — not in your email or on a sticky note.
You can also log into each bank's website and take a screenshot of the account details page, then save those screenshots in a password-protected folder on your computer. This way, if you forget which bank holds which account, you have a record to search.
If you inherited an account or took over someone else's finances, ask the bank for a list of all accounts registered to that person's Social Security number. You will need to provide proof that you have the legal right to access those accounts — usually a power of attorney, guardianship papers, or a death certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to share my account number?
Your account number alone is not enough for someone to drain your account, but it is still private information. Share it only with people or organizations you trust — your employer for direct deposit, your landlord for rent payments, or your bank itself. Never share it in response to an unsolicited email or phone call, even if the caller claims to be from your bank.
What is the difference between my account number and my routing number?
Your routing number identifies your bank and branch; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both to set up direct deposit or receive a wire transfer. The routing number is the same for everyone at your bank in your state, but your account number is unique to you.
Can I change my account number?
Most banks will not change your account number unless there has been fraud or identity theft. If you need a new number for security reasons, contact your bank and explain why. They may close your current account and open a new one, which means you will need to update your direct deposit and automatic bill payments.
What should I do if I see a transaction I do not recognize?
Contact your bank immediately by phone or through your online banking portal. Do not wait for your statement to arrive. Your bank will investigate and, if the transaction was fraudulent, will usually refund the money within one to three business days while they look into it.
How often should I check my account?
Check your account at least once a week, or more often if you make frequent transactions. This helps you catch fraud early and makes sure your balance matches what you think it is. Many people check daily using their bank's mobile app.