The account number is the second set of digits printed on the bottom of your check, usually between 8 and 12 numbers long
On the bottom left of any check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group is your routing number (nine digits). The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number itself. Your account number identifies which specific account at your bank the check draws from — your checking account, savings account, or money market account.
The account number appears in two places on a check. It is printed in the MICR line (the magnetic ink character recognition line at the very bottom), and it is also printed in human-readable form in the upper right corner of the check, usually near the check number. Both are the same number.
You need your account number when you set up direct deposit, arrange wire transfers, receive ACH payments, or give payment instructions to someone who will deposit money into your account. Banks also ask for it when you call customer service to verify your identity.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the middle set of digits on the MICR line at the bottom of your check, between 8 and 12 digits long.
- The account number also appears in printed form in the upper right area of the check, near where the check number is shown.
- You will need your account number to receive direct deposits, wire transfers, and other electronic payments into your account.
- Your account number is specific to one account at one bank — if you have multiple accounts, each has its own number.
How to read the MICR line on your check
The MICR line is the row of numbers at the very bottom of the check, printed in a special magnetic ink. Reading left to right, you will see: routing number | account number | check number. Each group is separated by a vertical line or symbol.
The routing number is always nine digits. The account number varies by bank but is typically 8 to 12 digits. The check number is usually 4 to 6 digits and matches the number printed in the upper right corner of the check. If you are unsure which group is which, count the digits — the nine-digit group is the routing number, and the middle group is your account number.
Some checks print the account number in a slightly different order in the MICR line than they do in the human-readable area. Always use the number from the MICR line when you need to provide it for electronic transactions, because that is what the banking system reads.
Where else your account number appears on a check
In addition to the MICR line, your account number is printed in regular digits in the upper right corner of the check, usually just below or to the right of the check number. This is for your reference and for anyone reading the check by hand. The number in this location matches the account number in the MICR line.
Some banks also print your account number on the top left of the check, near your name and address. This placement varies by bank and by the check design you chose. If you have multiple locations where the account number appears, they are all the same number.
Why banks need your account number
Your account number tells the bank which of your accounts a payment should go into. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they have different account numbers. When you give someone your account number for a direct deposit or wire transfer, you are telling them exactly where to send the money.
The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send the money to. The account number tells that bank which account within the bank. Together, they form a complete address for your money. Without the account number, the bank would not know whether to deposit funds into your checking account, savings account, or another account you hold.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If you do not have a check in front of you, you can find your account number in several other ways. Log into your online banking portal — most banks display your account number on the dashboard or in the account details section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and provide your name and routing number, and they will give you your account number over the phone.
Your bank statement also lists your account number at the top or in the account information section. If you have a debit card, the account number may be printed on the card itself, though some banks do not print it there for security reasons. Your bank's mobile app usually shows your account number in the account settings or account details menu.
Security and your account number
Your account number is not a secret in the same way your PIN or password is. It appears on every check you write, and anyone who receives a check from you will see your account number. However, you should not share your account number with people you do not trust, because someone with your account number and routing number can attempt to set up unauthorized ACH transfers or other electronic payments.
If you believe someone has misused your account number, contact your bank immediately. Banks can reverse unauthorized ACH transactions and issue you a new account number if necessary, though changing your account number is disruptive because you will need to update direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and other recurring transactions.
Account numbers for different types of accounts
Each account you hold at a bank has its own account number. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they have different account numbers. If you have accounts at multiple banks, each account has a unique number. When you need to receive a payment, make sure you provide the account number for the specific account where you want the money to go.
Some banks assign account numbers in a pattern — for example, your savings account number might be one digit different from your checking account number. This is just how that bank organizes its accounts and does not mean the accounts are linked in any special way. Always double-check that you are providing the correct account number for the account you intend to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank (nine digits), and your account number identifies your specific account at that bank (usually 8 to 12 digits). Both appear on your check, but they are different numbers that serve different purposes.
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they have my account number?
Not directly. They would need both your account number and your routing number, plus authorization to initiate an ACH transfer or other electronic payment. If someone attempts unauthorized transfers, your bank can reverse them and investigate. Contact your bank immediately if you suspect fraud.
What if the account number on my check does not match my bank statement?
This should not happen. If the numbers do not match, contact your bank right away — it may indicate a printing error on your checks or a problem with your account. Your bank can verify which number is correct and issue replacement checks if needed.
Do I need my account number to deposit a check into my own account?
No. When you deposit your own check at an ATM or through mobile deposit, the bank reads the MICR line automatically. You do not need to enter your account number. You only need your account number when someone else is sending money to your account.
Can I change my account number?
Yes, but it is disruptive. You can ask your bank to issue you a new account number, and they will close the old account and open a new one. You will then need to update all direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and any other recurring transactions that use your old account number.