Your account number is printed at the bottom left of your check, after the routing number
The bottom of every check contains three sets of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. Reading from left to right, you'll see the routing number (nine digits), then your account number (typically eight to twelve digits), then the check number (three to four digits). Your account number is the middle set — the longest group of digits between the routing number and the check number.
The account number identifies your specific bank account. It stays the same across all checks from that account, even though the check number changes with each check you write. If you're setting up a direct deposit, paying a bill by check number over the phone, or verifying your account for a wire transfer, you'll need this middle number.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears at the bottom left of the check, between the routing number and the check number.
- Account numbers are typically eight to twelve digits long and are printed in magnetic ink at the bottom of every check from that account.
- The account number stays the same for the life of your account, even though individual check numbers change.
- You can also find your account number on your bank statement, online banking portal, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
How to read the numbers in order
The three number groups at the bottom of a check always appear in the same order. Start from the left edge. The first nine digits are your routing number — this identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. Immediately after those nine digits, the next group is your account number. This is what you need when you're setting up direct deposit or authorizing a payment.
After your account number comes the check number, which is usually the shortest group. This number also appears in the top right corner of the check. The check number is unique to that single check, so it changes every time you write a new one. The account number, by contrast, never changes unless you close the account and open a new one.
Finding your account number if you don't have a check
If you don't have a check in front of you, your account number appears in several other places. Log into your bank's website or mobile app — your account number is usually displayed on the main account overview page or in the account details section. You can also find it on your monthly bank statement, typically printed near the top or in the account information section.
If you prefer to speak with someone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your Social Security number and a form of ID ready. The representative can read your account number to you over the phone, though they may ask security questions first to confirm your identity.
Why banks print account numbers on checks
The magnetic ink at the bottom of checks is machine-readable, which allows banks to process checks quickly and automatically. When you deposit a check or when a check clears through the banking system, the machines read these numbers to route the payment to the correct account. This is why the numbers must be printed in that specific format and location — it's a standard that all banks follow.
The account number on the check also serves as a backup identifier. If someone needs to verify which account a check belongs to, they can read the account number directly from the check itself without having to look it up in a separate system. This makes the check a self-contained record of both the routing information and the account it draws from.
What to do if the numbers are hard to read
Older checks or checks that have been folded, wet, or handled roughly sometimes have faded or smudged numbers at the bottom. If you can't read the account number clearly, don't guess — an incorrect number will cause the payment to fail or go to the wrong account. Instead, use one of the other methods to find your account number: check your bank statement, log into your online account, or call your bank directly.
If you're trying to read a check that someone else wrote to you, and the numbers are illegible, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to provide the account number directly. For business payments or large transactions, it's often safer to ask for the account number in writing anyway, rather than relying on the printed check.
Account numbers and security
Your account number is not secret in the way a password is — it's printed on every check you write and is visible to anyone who receives a check from you. However, you should still avoid sharing your account number with people you don't trust. Someone with your account number and routing number can potentially set up unauthorized transfers or payments from your account, especially if they also have other identifying information about you.
When you provide your account number to set up direct deposit, bill payments, or other authorized transactions, make sure you're communicating with your employer, your bank, or the organization you intend to pay. If someone asks for your account number unsolicited, verify their identity before sharing it. Your bank will never ask for your account number via email or text message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the account number the same on every check I write?
Yes. Your account number remains the same for every check from that account. The only number that changes is the check number in the top right corner and at the bottom right. If you close your account and open a new one, you'll receive new checks with a different account number.
Can I use the account number from an old check?
Yes, as long as the account is still open. The account number doesn't expire. However, if you closed that account years ago, the number is no longer valid. If you're unsure whether an old account is still active, contact your bank before using the number for a payment or transfer.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own unique account number. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they will have different account numbers. Make sure you're using the correct account number for the transaction you're making, since using the wrong number will send the money to the wrong account.
Do debit cards show the account number?
No. Debit cards display a card number, which is different from your account number. The card number is specific to that physical card. Your account number is what you need for direct deposits, wire transfers, and check-based payments — not the card number.