Where to find your account number in QuickBooks Online
Your bank account number in QuickBooks Online lives in two places depending on what you need it for. If you're looking at the account itself—the one you set up to track transactions—go to the Chart of Accounts, find the bank account you want, and click on it. The account number you entered when you created that account appears in the Account Number field on the account details page. If you need the actual routing and account number from your real bank (the numbers you'd give someone to send you money), those are stored in your bank connection settings, not in the Chart of Accounts.
The confusion happens because QuickBooks uses "account number" two different ways. One is the identifier you assign to that account within QuickBooks—you might call it "1010" or "Checking Account 1". The other is your actual bank's account number, which QuickBooks pulls from your bank connection when you link your account. Knowing which one you need saves you from searching in the wrong place.
Key Takeaways
- Your QuickBooks account number (the one you assigned) is in the Chart of Accounts under the account details for that bank account.
- Your actual bank account number from your financial institution is stored in your bank connection settings, accessible through the Banking menu.
- The two numbers serve different purposes: one is for your QuickBooks records, the other is for external transactions and wire instructions.
- If you linked your bank account through QuickBooks, the real account number synced automatically and you can view it without logging into your bank separately.
Retrieving your account number from the Chart of Accounts
Open QuickBooks Online and go to the Chart of Accounts. This is usually found in the left sidebar under Accounting or by clicking the gear icon and selecting Chart of Accounts. Scroll through the list until you find the bank account you're looking for—it will have a bank icon next to it. Click on the account name to open its details page.
On the account details page, you'll see a field labeled "Account Number." This is the number you (or whoever set up the account) assigned to it in QuickBooks. Write it down or take a screenshot. If this field is blank, no account number was assigned when the account was created, and you can add one now by clicking Edit and filling in the field. This number is purely for your internal record-keeping and organization within QuickBooks.
Finding your bank's actual account number in bank connections
If you need your real bank account number—the one your bank issued—go to the Banking menu in the left sidebar and select Bank Feeds or Connected Accounts, depending on your QuickBooks version. You'll see a list of all the bank accounts you've connected to QuickBooks. Click on the account you need information for.
The bank connection details page shows the last four digits of your account number and your routing number. If you need the full account number, click on the account to expand the details. Some versions of QuickBooks display the full number here; others show only the last four digits for security. If you see only the last four digits and need the full number, you'll have to log into your bank's website or call your bank directly—QuickBooks doesn't store the complete number in a place you can view it after the initial connection.
What to do if your account number field is empty
If you open a bank account in the Chart of Accounts and the Account Number field is blank, it means no number was assigned during setup. This doesn't affect how QuickBooks tracks your transactions—the account still works fine. But if you need that field filled in for your own records or for reconciliation purposes, you can add it now.
Click the Edit button on the account details page. In the Account Number field, enter the number you want to use. This can be your bank's actual account number, your QuickBooks-assigned number, or any identifier that makes sense to you. Save the changes. The number is now part of that account's record and will appear on reports and in the account details whenever you view it.
Using your account number for transfers and payments
When you're setting up a transfer between accounts in QuickBooks or sending payment instructions to someone outside QuickBooks, use your actual bank account number—the one from your bank connection settings, not the QuickBooks-assigned number. Your real account number is what your bank recognizes and what external parties need to send money to you or process transactions.
If you're moving money between two of your own accounts within QuickBooks, you don't need either number—QuickBooks handles the transfer internally. But if you're giving instructions to a payroll service, a vendor, or anyone outside QuickBooks, provide the real account number from your bank connection. Double-check the routing number at the same time to avoid delays or failed transactions.
Exporting account information for records
If you need to keep a record of your account numbers for tax purposes, reconciliation, or documentation, you can export your Chart of Accounts from QuickBooks. Go to the Chart of Accounts, click the Export button (usually a download icon), and save the file as a CSV or PDF. This export includes the Account Number field you assigned in QuickBooks, along with account type, balance, and other details.
This export does not include your actual bank account numbers from your bank connections—only the QuickBooks-assigned numbers. If you need to document your real account numbers for compliance or audit purposes, take screenshots of your bank connection settings or print a statement from your bank's website. Keep these records in a secure location separate from your QuickBooks file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the account number in QuickBooks the same as my bank account number?
No. The account number in your Chart of Accounts is an identifier you assign within QuickBooks for organization. Your real bank account number comes from your bank and is stored in your bank connection settings. They serve different purposes and are usually different numbers.
Can I see my full bank account number in QuickBooks if I only see the last four digits?
QuickBooks often displays only the last four digits of your bank account number for security reasons. If you need the full number, log into your bank's website directly or call your bank. QuickBooks doesn't store or display the complete number after the initial connection.
What if I forgot what account number I assigned in QuickBooks?
Open the Chart of Accounts, click on the bank account, and look at the Account Number field. If it's blank, you didn't assign one. If it shows a number, that's what you assigned. You can change it anytime by clicking Edit and entering a new number.
Do I need to use my bank account number for transfers between my own accounts in QuickBooks?
No. QuickBooks handles transfers between your own accounts internally without needing account numbers. You only need account numbers when moving money outside QuickBooks or giving payment instructions to third parties.