Your account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, in your bank's mobile app, and on paper statements mailed to your address
The fastest way is to look at a check from your account. The account number appears as the second set of digits on the bottom of the check, after the routing number and before the check number. If you do not have checks, open your bank's mobile app or website, log in, and look for "Account Details" or "Account Information"—the account number is usually displayed prominently on the main dashboard. You can also call your bank's customer service line, which you can find on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.
Paper statements also show your account number at the top or in a summary section. If you receive statements by mail, the account number appears on every page. If you have switched to paperless statements, log into your online banking portal and download a recent statement—the account number will be there.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of any check from your account, printed as the second series of digits after the routing number.
- Your bank's mobile app or website shows your account number in the Account Details or Account Information section once you log in.
- Calling your bank's customer service line and providing your name and identifying information will get you your account number over the phone.
- Paper and electronic statements both display your account number, usually at the top of the document or in a summary section.
Finding your account number through online banking
Log into your bank's website or mobile app using your username and password. Most banks display your account number on the main dashboard or home screen, often next to your account name and current balance. If it is not immediately visible, look for a link or tab labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "My Accounts," or "Account Summary."
Click that link and your full account number will appear. Some banks also let you copy the account number directly to your clipboard from this screen, which is useful if you need to paste it into a form. If you cannot find it in these locations, check under "Settings" or "Profile"—a few banks hide account details there instead.
Locating your account number on paper checks
Open your checkbook and look at any check. At the bottom of the check, you will see a series of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. These numbers appear in this order: routing number, account number, check number. The account number is always the middle set of digits.
The account number on a check is typically 10 to 12 digits long, though this varies by bank. If your checks are old or the ink has faded, the numbers may be hard to read. In that case, use one of the other methods instead—your bank's app, a statement, or a phone call to customer service.
Getting your account number from bank statements
If you receive paper statements by mail, your account number appears on every statement. Look at the top of the first page, where your name and address are printed. The account number is usually listed just below your name or in a box labeled "Account Number" or "Account Information."
If you have switched to electronic statements, log into your online banking portal and navigate to "Statements" or "Documents." Download the most recent statement and open it as a PDF. Your account number will be in the same location as it appears on paper statements. You can also request a new statement be sent to you if you cannot locate an old one.
Calling your bank to confirm your account number
Find the customer service phone number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's official website. Call during business hours and tell the representative you need your account number. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your full name, date of birth, and possibly the last four digits of your Social Security number or a recent transaction amount.
Once you have verified your identity, the representative will read your account number to you. Write it down or ask them to repeat it to make sure you have it correct. Some banks also allow you to view your account number through their automated phone system without speaking to a person, though this varies by institution.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If you have tried all the methods above and still cannot locate your account number, contact your bank directly. Visit a branch in person with a photo ID, and a teller can provide your account number immediately. This is also the best option if you are locked out of your online banking account or do not have access to your checks or statements.
If you are trying to find the account number for a joint account or an account held in someone else's name, you will need permission from the account holder to access this information. Banks will not release account numbers to unauthorized people, even if you are a family member.
Using your account number safely
Your account number is necessary for setting up direct deposits, arranging wire transfers, and authorizing automatic payments. However, do not share your full account number with anyone unless you initiated the request and trust the recipient. Scammers sometimes pose as bank employees or government agencies to collect account numbers.
If someone calls or emails you asking for your account number without you having contacted them first, hang up or delete the message. Your bank will never ask for your account number via unsolicited email or phone call. When you do need to provide your account number, use secure methods like your bank's official website or a phone call you initiated to the number on your debit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank, while your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom of your checks, with the routing number first and the account number second. You need both numbers to set up direct deposit or wire transfers.
Can I use my debit card number instead of my account number?
No. Your debit card number is different from your account number. Some transactions require your account number specifically, such as setting up automatic bill payments or authorizing an ACH transfer. Your bank can tell you which number you need for a specific transaction.
What if I see multiple account numbers in my online banking?
If you have more than one account at the same bank—such as a checking account and a savings account—each one has its own account number. Make sure you are using the correct account number for the transaction you are making. The account name or type is usually displayed next to each number to help you identify which is which.
Do I need my account number to call customer service?
No. When you call your bank, you can verify your identity using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number or other personal information. The representative will then pull up your account and provide your account number. You do not need to know it beforehand to call.
Can someone access my account if they know my account number?
Your account number alone is not enough to access your account or move money. Banks require additional verification such as your password, PIN, or answers to security questions. However, do not share your account number with people you do not trust, as it is one piece of information someone might use in combination with other details to attempt fraud.