Your bank account number is printed on the bottom left of every check you write, and it's also in your online banking portal under account details or settings.
If you have checks, look at the bottom of any check. You'll see three sets of numbers. The first set (usually nine digits) is your bank's routing number. The second set, which comes after a colon or space, is your account number. It's typically 10 to 12 digits long, though the length varies by bank. Write down the account number exactly as it appears—banks are strict about digit order.
If you don't have checks or can't find them, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Go to the section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Settings." Your account number will be listed there alongside your routing number. Some banks also print it on your debit card, usually on the back or in the fine print on the front.
You can also call your bank's customer service line—the number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank statements—and ask them to read your account number to you over the phone. Have your ID ready, as they'll verify your identity before sharing it.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of any check you have, printed after your routing number.
- Log into your online banking account and look under "Account Details" or "Account Information" to find it instantly.
- Your bank's customer service line can read your account number to you once they verify your identity.
- Account numbers are typically 10 to 12 digits and must be entered exactly as your bank lists them.
- Some banks print the account number on debit cards, usually in small print on the back.
Finding your account number through online banking
Most banks make this the fastest route. Open your bank's website or app and sign in with your username and password. Look for a tab or menu item that says "Accounts," "My Accounts," "Account Summary," or "Dashboard." Click on the specific account you need the number for—if you have multiple accounts, each one has its own number.
Once you're viewing that account, the account number should be visible near the top of the page or in a details section. Some banks hide it behind a "Show Account Number" button for security. If you can't find it after looking through the main account page, check the "Settings," "Profile," or "Account Preferences" section. Banks sometimes tuck it there instead.
If your bank's website doesn't show it clearly, try downloading a recent statement as a PDF. Your account number is usually printed at the top of the statement, next to your name and address.
Reading your account number from a check
The bottom of a check has a standard format that all U.S. banks follow. On the far left, you'll see nine digits separated by a colon—that's your routing number. Immediately after that (sometimes with another colon, sometimes with a space), you'll see your account number. It's usually longer than the routing number, often 10 to 12 digits.
Write down both numbers carefully. A single digit wrong will cause a transfer to fail or go to the wrong account. If you're copying by hand, double-check each digit. If you're typing it into a form, verify it matches the check before you submit.
Not all checks print the account number in the same exact position—some banks put it slightly higher or lower on the line—but it always comes after the routing number on that bottom line.
Calling your bank to get your account number
If you can't access your account online and don't have checks, a phone call is reliable. Find your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card, on a recent statement, or on the bank's website. Call during business hours and tell them you need your account number.
The bank will ask you to verify your identity—usually by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, or the last four digits of the account number itself (which creates a catch-22 if you're calling for that reason, so be ready to answer other security questions instead). Once verified, they'll read your account number to you. Ask them to spell it out digit by digit so you can write it down correctly.
This call usually takes fewer than five minutes. Keep the number written down somewhere safe for future reference—you'll need it for direct deposits, wire transfers, and bill payments.
Account numbers on debit cards and statements
Some banks print your account number on your debit card itself, though not all do. If it's there, it's usually on the back in small print, sometimes near the magnetic stripe or security features. Check both the front and back of your card before assuming it's not printed there.
Your account number also appears on every bank statement you receive, whether by mail or email. If you get paper statements, look at the top of the first page—it's usually printed right after your name. If you get electronic statements, open the PDF and look at the header section. The account number is almost always in the same spot on every statement your bank sends.
What to do if you can't find your account number
If you've checked your checks, your online account, your debit card, and your statements and still can't locate it, contact your bank directly. This is the most reliable option when nothing else works. You don't need to know your account number to call—you can verify your identity through other means, and they'll provide it.
Have your ID ready and be prepared to answer security questions. Some banks may ask you to visit a branch in person if you can't verify yourself over the phone, though this is rare. Once they confirm who you are, they'll give you the number immediately.
Keeping your account number secure
Your account number is sensitive information. Don't share it with anyone who contacts you unsolicited—legitimate companies you do business with will already have it or will ask you to provide it through their secure website. Never text it, email it, or post it on social media.
When you write it down, store it somewhere safe—a locked drawer, a password manager, or a secure note app. If you suspect someone has your account number, contact your bank immediately. They can monitor your account for unauthorized activity and issue you a new account number if needed, though this process takes time and affects any automatic payments you have set up.
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 separate and typically 10 to 12 digits. Both are tied to the same account, but they're different numbers used for different purposes.
Can I find my account number on my mobile banking app?
Yes. Open your bank's app, sign in, and navigate to the account you need. The account number should appear in the account details or summary section, sometimes behind a "Show" or "Reveal" button for security.
What if the account number on my check doesn't match what my bank shows online?
This is unusual but can happen if you have an old checkbook from before a merger or account restructuring. Use the number your bank shows in their online system or tells you over the phone—that's the current, correct number. Contact your bank if you're unsure which one to use.
Do I need both my routing number and account number to receive a direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer or the organization sending the deposit will ask for both. The routing number tells the system which bank to send the money to; the account number tells them which account within that bank.
Can someone access my account if they only have my account number?
They would need your account number plus additional information like your routing number or personal details to transfer money. However, treat your account number as sensitive information and don't share it with anyone you don't trust.