Your account number is the second set of digits on the bottom of the check
The bottom of a check contains three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. Reading left to right, you see the routing number first, then your account number, then the check number. Your account number is always the middle group — typically 10 to 12 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank.
The account number identifies your specific account at your bank. It appears on every check you write, in the same position, so once you know where to look you can find it on any check from that account.
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number. A joint checking account and a savings account, for example, will have different account numbers even though they share the same routing number.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the middle set of digits on the bottom of a check, between the routing number on the left and the check number on the right.
- Account numbers are typically 10 to 12 digits long, but the length can vary depending on your bank.
- The account number is the same on every check from that account, so you only need to look it up once.
- If you cannot read the numbers clearly on a check, your bank statement or online banking portal will show your account number.
How to read the MICR line on your check
The numbers at the bottom of a check are printed in a special format called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). Banks use MICR because the numbers can be read by both machines and people, even if the check is worn or slightly damaged.
The MICR line always follows the same order: routing number, account number, check number. The vertical lines between the groups make it easy to separate them. The routing number is usually 9 digits, the account number is usually 10 to 12 digits, and the check number is usually 4 to 6 digits.
Some checks also print the account number and routing number in regular digits above or to the side of the MICR line for easier reading. If the MICR numbers are hard to see, look for these printed versions first.
Finding your account number if you cannot read the check
If the check is too faded, torn, or damaged to read clearly, your bank statement shows your account number at the top or in a summary section. Most banks print it on every page of the statement.
Online banking portals also display your account number in the account details or settings section. Log in to your bank's website or app, go to account information or account settings, and look for "account number" — it is usually listed alongside your routing number and account type.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to confirm your account number. Have your name, address, and a form of identification ready. They will verify your identity before giving you the number.
Why banks print account numbers on checks
The account number on your check tells the receiving bank which of your accounts to withdraw money from when the check is deposited. Without it, the bank would not know whether to take the money from your checking account, savings account, or another account you hold.
The routing number tells the receiving bank which bank to contact. Together, the routing number and account number form a complete address for your money — they identify both where your bank is and which account within that bank is yours.
This is why both numbers are required for direct deposit, wire transfers, and other electronic payments. One number alone is not enough to move money in or out of your account.
Account numbers and check security
Your account number is printed on every check you write, so it is not a secret. Anyone who receives a check from you can see your account number. However, the account number alone does not allow someone to withdraw money from your account — they also need your routing number, and most banks require additional verification before processing a withdrawal.
The check number (the third group of digits) is different from your account number and is not sensitive information. Banks use it to track which checks have cleared and to match deposits to the correct account.
If you are concerned about security, do not write checks to people you do not trust. If a check is lost or stolen before you mail it, contact your bank to report it. Most banks can flag a specific check number so it will be rejected if someone tries to cash it.
Account numbers for different types of accounts
Checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts all have separate account numbers, even if they are held at the same bank. Only checking accounts come with checks, so you will only see an account number printed on a check if it is linked to a checking account.
If you need the account number for a savings account or money market account, you will find it on your bank statement or in your online banking portal. The format and length are the same as for checking accounts — usually 10 to 12 digits — but it will be a different number than your checking account number.
Some banks issue debit cards for savings accounts. The account number for a savings account is not printed on the debit card, so you will need to look it up in your statement or online banking if you need it for a transfer or payment.
What to do if your account number does not match your records
If the account number on your check does not match the number shown in your online banking portal or on your statement, contact your bank immediately. This is rare, but it can happen if there was an error when the checks were printed or if your account was recently merged or transferred.
Your bank can reprint your checks with the correct account number at no charge if there is an error. They can also tell you which number is correct for your account and confirm that your checks will process properly.
Do not use checks with an incorrect account number, as they may be rejected when deposited or may be routed to the wrong account. It is faster and safer to get corrected checks from your bank than to risk a payment going astray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both appear on the bottom of your check, but in different positions. The routing number is on the left, and the account number is in the middle.
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my account number?
Not with the account number alone. They would also need your routing number, and most banks require additional verification — such as a password, PIN, or security questions — before processing a withdrawal. Treat your account number the same way you treat information on a check: it is not secret, but it is not enough to access your account by itself.
Why is my account number different on my debit card than on my checks?
Debit cards do not print your account number on them for security reasons. If you need your account number for a transfer or payment, look it up in your online banking portal or on your bank statement instead.
What if I have multiple checking accounts at the same bank?
Each checking account has its own account number, even though they share the same routing number. The account number on your check tells the bank which of your accounts to withdraw from. Make sure you are using checks from the correct account for each payment.
Do I need to memorize my account number?
No. You only need to look it up when you are setting up direct deposit, making a wire transfer, or providing banking information to someone else. Write it down or save it in a secure place if you use it often, but you do not need to memorize it.