Your account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it by logging into your bank's website or calling customer service
The fastest way is to look at a check from your checking account. The account number appears on the bottom of the check, usually after the routing number and before the check number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's online portal or mobile app — your account number is listed in the account details or summary section. If you cannot access online banking, call your bank's customer service line and provide your name and Social Security number; they will read it to you.
You need your account number when you set up direct deposit for tax refunds, receive insurance payouts, or receive government payments like stimulus checks. Having it ready before you contact your bank or the organization sending the payment saves time.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of any check you have, printed between the routing number and the check number.
- If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for the account details or account summary section.
- Calling your bank's customer service line and providing your name and Social Security number will get you the number over the phone.
- You will need your account number and routing number together when setting up direct deposit for refunds or government payments.
Finding your account number on a check
If you have a checkbook, the quickest method is to look at any check. At the bottom of the check, you will see a series of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink format. The first set of numbers (usually nine digits) is your routing number. The second set of numbers (usually ten to twelve digits) is your account number. The third set is the check number itself.
Write down both the routing number and account number — you will need both when setting up direct deposit or providing banking details to receive a refund or payment. Keep this information in a safe place, separate from the checks themselves.
Logging into online banking to find your account number
Most banks display your account number prominently once you log in. Open your bank's website or mobile app and sign in with your username and password. Look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Summary," "My Accounts," or "Account Information." Your full account number should appear there, along with your account type (checking or savings) and current balance.
If you cannot find it in the main account view, check under settings or account management. Some banks hide the full account number for security and show only the last four digits on the main screen — if that happens, click on the account name or an "Account Details" link to see the complete number.
Calling your bank to get your account number
If you do not have checks and cannot access online banking, call your bank's customer service number. This number is usually on the back of your debit card, on your bank statements, or on the bank's website. Have your Social Security number and a form of identification ready.
When you call, explain that you need your account number. The representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other personal information. Once verified, they will read your account number to you over the phone. Ask them to repeat it so you can write it down correctly.
What to do if you cannot remember which bank you use
If you have a debit card, the bank name is printed on the front. If you have old bank statements, the bank name and account number appear at the top. You can also check your credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com — it lists all accounts in your name, including bank accounts that have been reported to credit bureaus.
If you receive regular direct deposits (like paychecks), contact your employer's payroll department and ask which bank your pay goes to. They have your banking information on file and can tell you the bank name and sometimes the last four digits of your account number.
Account numbers for different account types
Your checking account and savings account at the same bank have different account numbers. If you are setting up direct deposit for a tax refund, make sure you provide the account number for the account where you want the money to land. Most people use their checking account for direct deposit, but you can use savings if you prefer.
If you have accounts at multiple banks, each one has its own account number. Write down the account number and routing number for each bank where you receive refunds or payments, and label them clearly so you do not mix them up.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number is sensitive information. Do not share it in emails, texts, or over the phone unless you initiated the contact and you are certain you are speaking with your bank or a legitimate government agency. Scammers sometimes call claiming to be from the IRS or a bank and ask for account numbers — legitimate agencies will not ask for this information unsolicited.
When you provide your account number to set up direct deposit for a refund, you are giving it to a specific organization (the IRS, your state tax authority, an insurance company). That organization needs it to deposit money into your account. Once the deposit is complete, the organization no longer needs the number, though they may keep it on file for future transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number is the 16-digit number printed on the front of your card. Your account number is different and appears on the bottom of your checks or in your online banking portal. Both are tied to your account, but they are separate numbers.
Can I use my routing number instead of my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. To set up direct deposit or receive a payment, you need both numbers. Providing only the routing number will not work.
What if I have a joint account — do both account holders have the same account number?
Yes. A joint account has one account number, regardless of how many people own it. All owners of the account share the same account number and routing number.
Do I need my account number to check my balance?
No. You can check your balance by logging into online banking with your username and password, calling your bank's automated phone line, or visiting an ATM. You only need your account number when you are setting up direct deposit or providing banking details to receive a payment.
What if my bank closed and I do not know where my old account went?
If your bank was acquired by another bank, contact the acquiring bank with your old account information — they can look up what happened to your account. If the bank failed, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has records of all failed banks and can help you locate your account information.