Your account number is the unique identifier your bank uses to find your specific account
Your account number is a string of digits—usually between 8 and 17 numbers long, depending on your bank—that identifies your individual account within that bank's system. When you give someone your account number, you are telling them exactly which account to send money to or pull money from. Without it, the bank cannot tell your account apart from the millions of others it holds.
The account number appears on your checks, your bank statements, and in your online banking portal. You will need it to set up direct deposit for paychecks, to authorize automatic bill payments, to receive wire transfers, and to give to your employer or other organizations that need to move money in or out of your account.
Your account number is not the same as your routing number. The routing number tells the sending bank which bank to send money to; your account number tells that bank which account within that bank to deposit it into. Both numbers together form the complete address for your account.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is a unique identifier for your specific account at your bank, usually 8 to 17 digits long.
- You need your account number to set up direct deposit, authorize automatic payments, and receive wire transfers.
- Your account number appears on your checks, bank statements, and in your online banking login.
- Your account number and routing number work together—the routing number identifies the bank, and the account number identifies your account within that bank.
- Never share your account number with someone you do not trust, because they can use it to withdraw money or set up unauthorized payments.
Where to find your account number
The easiest place to find your account number is on a check from your checkbook. Look at the bottom left of the check. You will see three sets of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The middle set is your routing number; the last set (usually the longest) is your account number.
If you do not have checks, log into your online banking portal or mobile app. Your account number will appear on your account summary or dashboard, usually labeled "Account Number" or "Account ID." You can also call your bank's customer service line and provide your name and identifying information; they will read your account number to you over the phone.
Your bank statement—whether you receive it by mail or download it online—also displays your account number at the top or in the account details section. If you have a debit card, the account number may or may not appear on the card itself; this varies by bank.
When you need to provide your account number
You will need to give your account number to your employer when you set up direct deposit for your paycheck. You will also need it when you authorize automatic bill payments through your bank or through a utility company, insurance company, or other service provider.
If someone is sending you a wire transfer or an ACH transfer (a slower, cheaper electronic transfer), they will ask for your account number and routing number. If you are receiving a check from a government agency—a tax refund, a stimulus payment, or an insurance settlement—you may be able to request direct deposit instead of a mailed check, and you will need your account number for that.
Some employers and service providers will ask for a voided check instead of just the numbers. A voided check is a check you write "VOID" across in large letters and then give to them; it shows both your account number and routing number in one document, which some organizations prefer for verification purposes.
Security: who should never see your account number
Your account number is sensitive information. Do not share it with someone who calls you claiming to be from your bank, even if they seem to know other details about your account. Real banks do not call customers asking for account numbers. If someone contacts you unexpectedly asking for your account number, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your bank card or statement.
Do not post your account number on social media or in public online forums. Do not email it to someone unless you initiated the contact and you are certain of who you are emailing. If you are paying a bill online through a website you do not recognize, use a credit card instead of giving your bank account number.
If you believe someone has your account number and may use it fraudulently, contact your bank immediately. Most banks allow you to close an account and open a new one with a different account number if fraud has occurred or if you are concerned it might.
Account numbers for different account types
Most banks assign a different account number to each account you hold with them. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, each one has its own account number. If you have a money market account or a certificate of deposit (CD), those also have separate account numbers.
This means you need to know which account number belongs to which account before you give it out. If your employer asks for your direct deposit account number and you accidentally give them your savings account number instead of your checking account number, your paycheck will go to the wrong account. You can usually fix this by contacting your employer's payroll department and providing the correct account number.
Joint accounts—accounts held by two or more people—have a single account number shared by all account holders. Each person on the account can use the same account number to access the account or to receive deposits into it.
What happens if you give out your account number
Giving your account number to a legitimate organization—your employer, your bank, a utility company you pay—is safe and necessary. These organizations use it only to deposit money into your account or to withdraw authorized payments.
Giving your account number to someone you do not know or do not trust is risky. They could potentially set up unauthorized withdrawals, create fraudulent checks, or use it in other ways to take money from your account. This is why you should never give your account number to someone who contacts you unexpectedly, even if they claim to represent your bank or a government agency.
If you have already given your account number to someone suspicious, contact your bank right away. Ask them to monitor your account for unauthorized activity and ask what steps you should take to protect yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number is a separate number printed on the front of your card. Your account number may or may not appear on your debit card, depending on your bank's design. The two numbers serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they only have my account number?
They would need both your account number and your routing number to set up a transfer or automatic withdrawal. However, having both numbers is a security risk. If you believe someone has this information, contact your bank to monitor for fraud or to close the account and open a new one.
What if I forget my account number?
Log into your online banking portal, check a recent bank statement, look at the bottom of a check, or call your bank's customer service line. Your bank can provide your account number over the phone after you verify your identity with security questions or other information.
Do I need my account number to transfer money between my own accounts at the same bank?
Usually not. Most online banking portals let you transfer between your own accounts by selecting them from a dropdown menu without typing in account numbers. However, some banks may ask for account numbers as an extra verification step.
Can my account number change?
Rarely. Your account number typically stays the same for the life of the account. However, if your account is closed due to fraud or at your request, a new account will have a new account number. Some banks may reassign account numbers in unusual circumstances, but this is uncommon.