You cannot change your account number yourself—your bank issues a new one
Your checking account number is assigned by your bank when you open the account. You cannot request a different number or change it on your own. If you need a new account number, you have to close your current account and open a new one, or ask your bank whether they offer an account number change as a service (most do not).
The reason banks do not allow you to pick or change your account number is security. Your account number, paired with your routing number, identifies your account in the banking system. Changing it would require updating every automatic payment, direct deposit, and bill payment connected to that account—a process that creates gaps where payments can fail or go to the wrong place.
If you have a legitimate reason to want a new account number—fraud, identity theft, or a security concern—contact your bank directly. Some banks will close your current account and open a replacement with a new number at no cost. Others may charge a small fee or require you to close and reopen on your own.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank assigns your account number when you open the account, and you cannot change it yourself through online banking or by phone request.
- If you need a new account number due to fraud or security concerns, call your bank's fraud department or visit a branch to discuss your options.
- Closing your account and opening a new one will give you a new account number, but you will need to update all automatic payments and direct deposits afterward.
- Some banks offer account number changes as a courtesy for fraud victims, while others require you to close and reopen the account yourself.
When you might need a new account number
The most common reason to want a new account number is fraud or unauthorized access. If someone has used your account number without permission, or if you suspect your account information was compromised in a data breach, a new account number can help prevent further unauthorized transactions.
Another reason is if your account number was shared with someone you no longer trust—a former partner, roommate, or business associate who had legitimate access but no longer should. Closing the account and opening a new one severs their access completely.
You might also want a new number if you are trying to stop recurring charges from a merchant you cannot reach, though this is usually a last resort. Disputing the charge with your bank is faster and does not require closing your account.
How to request a new account number from your bank
Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Tell them you want to close your current checking account and open a new one. Be prepared to explain why if the bank asks—fraud, security concerns, and unauthorized access are all reasons banks understand.
Some banks will process this as a single transaction: they close the old account and open a new one with a new account number on the same day. Others may require you to close first and reopen separately, which can take one to three business days. Ask which process your bank uses before you start.
If your bank offers an account number change without closing the account (rare, but some do), ask about it. This is faster and avoids the step of updating your direct deposits and automatic payments, though you will still need to notify any merchants who charge your account regularly.
What you need to do after getting a new account number
Once you have a new account number, you must update it anywhere it is currently being used. This includes:
- Your employer's payroll system (for direct deposit)
- Government agencies if you receive benefits or tax refunds by direct deposit
- Any automatic bill payments you have set up
- Subscription services that charge your account monthly
- Any merchant or service provider who has your account number on file
Start with your employer and any government agencies, since missing a paycheck or benefit deposit is costly. Then work through your bills and subscriptions. Most can be updated online through your account settings, or by calling the company directly.
Keep your old account open for at least 30 days after opening the new one. This gives time for any delayed payments to post to the old account so you can see them and redirect them if needed. After 30 days, ask your bank to close the old account.
If your bank will not issue a new account number
If your bank refuses to close and reopen your account, or if they charge a fee you do not want to pay, you have the option to switch banks entirely. Open a new checking account at a different bank, which will give you a completely new account number and routing number.
This is more work than closing and reopening at the same bank, because you will need to update your direct deposit and automatic payments anyway. But if your current bank is not cooperating or if you have other reasons to leave, it may be worth it.
Before you switch, make sure the new bank does not have the same security issue that prompted you to want a new account number in the first place. If your account was compromised because of weak security practices, choose a bank with stronger fraud protection and monitoring.
How to protect your account number going forward
Once you have a new account number, treat it like sensitive information. Do not share it with anyone unless they have a legitimate business reason to have it—your employer for direct deposit, your landlord for rent payments, a utility company for bill payments.
Be cautious about giving your account number over the phone, especially if you initiated the call. Scammers sometimes call pretending to be from your bank and ask you to confirm your account number. Your bank already has your account number; they will never ask you to provide it during an unsolicited call.
Use your bank's online bill pay feature when possible instead of giving your account number directly to merchants. This adds a layer of protection because the merchant never sees your full account number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account number without closing my account?
Most banks do not offer this option. You typically have to close your current account and open a new one to get a new account number. A few banks may do this as a courtesy for fraud victims, so call your bank and ask, but do not expect it.
How long does it take to get a new account number?
If your bank closes and reopens your account on the same day, you will have a new account number immediately. If they require you to close first and reopen separately, it can take one to three business days. Ask your bank which process they use.
Will closing my account hurt my credit?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus track credit accounts (credit cards, loans, mortgages), not checking accounts. Closing a checking account is a routine banking action with no credit impact.
What if I forget to update my direct deposit before closing my account?
Your paycheck will be deposited into your old account if you do not update it first. Contact your employer's payroll department immediately and provide your new account number. They can usually redirect future paychecks, but you may need to withdraw the deposited funds from your old account before it closes.
Do I need a new routing number too?
Only if you switch to a different bank. If you close and reopen at the same bank, your routing number stays the same—only your account number changes. If you move to a different bank, you will get a new routing number and a new account number.