Your checking account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, in your bank's online portal, or by calling your bank's customer service line
The easiest place to look is the bottom of any check you have. The account number appears after the routing number and before the check number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app — your account number is listed in the account details or summary section. If you cannot access online banking, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website, and a representative will read it to you over the phone.
You need your account number when setting up direct deposit, making wire transfers, paying bills by phone, or providing banking information to an employer or government agency. Knowing where to find it quickly saves time when you are processing a refund or payment.
Key Takeaways
- Your checking account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, right after the routing number.
- If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look in the account details or summary section.
- You can call your bank's customer service line and ask a representative to provide your account number over the phone.
- Some banks also display your account number on your debit card or in account statements sent by mail.
- Never share your full account number with anyone unless you initiated the transaction or verified the recipient is legitimate.
Reading the account number from a check
Open your checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three sets of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) font. The first set is your bank's routing number (nine digits). The second set, in the middle, is your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits, but this varies by bank). The third set on the right is the individual check number.
The account number is the longer string of digits between the routing number and the check number. Write it down or take a photo for your records. If your checks are old or the numbers are faded, the digits may be hard to read — in that case, use one of the other methods below.
Finding your account number online
Log into your bank's website or mobile app using your username and password. Once you are signed in, look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Summary," "Account Information," or "My Accounts." Your checking account number is usually displayed prominently on this page, often near your account balance and recent transactions.
Some banks also show your account number on your account statements, whether you receive them by email or mail. If you have a recent statement, open it and look for a line that says "Account Number" or "Acct #" near the top. The number listed there is the one you need. If you cannot find it in these places, check your bank's help section or search their website for "account number."
Calling your bank to get 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 checking account number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.
Once you are verified, the representative will read your account number to you. Write it down or ask them to repeat it so you have it correct. This method works even if you do not have checks or online access, and it takes only a few minutes.
Account numbers on debit cards and statements
Some banks print your account number on your debit card, usually on the back or in small print on the front. Check your card first — if the number is there, you have a quick reference. However, not all banks do this, so do not assume it will be present.
Paper statements mailed to your home also display your account number, typically in the upper right corner or near your name and address. If you receive statements by mail, keep one in a safe place for reference. Digital statements sent by email work the same way — search your email for your bank's statement and look for the account number in the same location.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If you have tried the methods above and still cannot locate your account number, contact your bank directly. Call the number on your debit card, visit a branch in person, or use the chat feature on your bank's website. Bring a form of identification like a driver's license or passport so the bank can verify you are the account holder.
Do not search for your account number on public websites or ask for it in online forums or social media. Your account number is sensitive financial information, and sharing it with the wrong person can lead to fraud or unauthorized transfers. Only provide it to people or organizations you trust and who have a legitimate reason to have it.
Keeping your account number safe
Once you have your account number, store it securely. Write it down in a notebook you keep in a safe place at home, or save it in a password-protected note on your phone or computer. Do not leave it written on loose papers or post it anywhere visible.
When you provide your account number to set up direct deposit, pay a bill, or complete a refund, make sure you are dealing with a legitimate organization. If someone calls or emails asking for your account number, hang up or delete the message and call the organization directly using the phone number on your official statement or their website. Scammers sometimes pose as banks or government agencies to steal account information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number and account number are different. The debit card number is printed on the front of your card and is used for purchases and ATM withdrawals. Your account number is used for bank transfers, direct deposit, and bill payments. You can have the same account number for years, but your debit card number changes if you get a new card.
Can I use my routing number instead of my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank, but your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are needed for direct deposit, wire transfers, and other banking transactions. Providing only one without the other will not work.
What if I have multiple checking accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own account number. When you log into your bank's website, you will see all your accounts listed separately, each with its own number. Make sure you are using the correct account number for the transaction you are making, especially if you have both a checking and savings account.
Is it safe to give my account number to my employer for direct deposit?
Yes, it is safe to provide your account number to your employer for direct deposit purposes. They need it to deposit your paycheck into the correct account. Make sure you are giving it to your actual employer or payroll department, not to someone claiming to be from your company.
What should I do if I think someone has my account number?
Contact your bank immediately by calling the number on your debit card or statement. Tell them you believe your account number may have been compromised. They can monitor your account for suspicious activity and may issue you a new account number or card if needed. Check your recent transactions to see if anything unauthorized has occurred.