Where to find your account number
Your account number is printed on the bottom left of every check you receive from your bank or credit union. It appears after the routing number and before the check number, separated by colons or special symbols. If you have checks on hand, that is the fastest place to look.
If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Your account number usually appears on the account summary page, sometimes labeled as "Account Number" or "Checking Account" depending on the bank. Most banks show it prominently near your account balance.
You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank statements — and ask a representative to read your account number to you over the phone. Have your Social Security number or other identifying information ready.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of your checks, after the routing number and before the check number.
- You can find it by logging into your bank's website or app and looking at your account summary or details page.
- Calling your bank's customer service line will get you the number immediately if you cannot access your account online.
- Account numbers are unique to each account you hold, so a savings account and checking account at the same bank will have different numbers.
Account numbers for different account types
Each account you hold at a bank or credit union has its own account number. If you have both a checking and savings account at the same institution, they will have different account numbers even though they share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank; the account number identifies your specific account within that bank.
If you have accounts at multiple banks, each one will have a different routing number and a different account number. When you set up direct deposit or automatic payments, you need to provide both the routing number and the account number for the specific account where you want the money to go.
What your account number is used for
Your account number is required when you set up direct deposit for tax refunds, stimulus payments, or payroll. It is also needed for automatic bill payments, wire transfers, and when you give someone permission to deposit money into your account. The account number tells the financial system exactly which account at which bank should receive the funds.
You may also need your account number when you contact your bank about a specific transaction, dispute a charge, or request a copy of old statements. Providing it helps the bank pull up the right account quickly, especially if you have multiple accounts or if your name is common.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number is not as sensitive as your Social Security number or PIN, but you should still treat it with reasonable care. Do not share it with people you do not trust or with businesses you cannot verify. Scammers can use an account number along with other information to attempt unauthorized transactions.
When you provide your account number online, make sure you are on a secure website — look for "https://" at the beginning of the web address and a padlock icon in your browser. If a caller asks for your account number unsolicited, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your debit card or statement.
If you cannot remember which account is which
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank and cannot remember which one is your checking account or which one you want to use for direct deposit, log into your online banking and look at the account type label. Most banks clearly mark each account as "Checking," "Savings," "Money Market," or another type. The account summary page will also show recent transactions, which can help you identify the right account.
If you are still unsure, call your bank and describe what you need the account for — direct deposit, bill payments, or something else. The representative can tell you which account type is best and read you the account number for that specific account.
Account numbers and tax refunds
When you file your tax return and request direct deposit of your refund, you will need to provide your routing number and account number. The IRS uses this information to deposit your refund directly into your bank account instead of mailing a check. Make sure you enter the account number for the account where you actually want the money to land — if you enter the wrong account number, the refund will go to that account instead.
If you make a mistake on your tax return and realize you gave the wrong account number, contact the IRS as soon as possible. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or check the status of your refund on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool. The sooner you report the error, the better chance you have of correcting it before the deposit is processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank or credit union; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both numbers appear on your checks, but they are different. You need both to set up direct deposit or make transfers.
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my account number?
An account number alone is not enough to steal money. A person would also need your routing number, and even then, most unauthorized transactions can be disputed with your bank. If you are concerned about fraud, contact your bank immediately and ask about freezing the account or changing the number.
What if I gave my account number to the wrong person?
Contact your bank right away and describe what happened. Your bank can monitor the account for suspicious activity and may issue you a new account number if necessary. Report the incident to your bank in writing as well, so there is a record of when you notified them.
Do I need my account number to check my balance?
No. You can check your balance by logging into your bank's app or website with your username and password, or by calling your bank's automated phone line. You only need your account number when you are setting up direct deposit, making transfers, or giving someone else permission to deposit money.