Your account number is printed on the bottom left of every check you write
The easiest place to find your bank account number is on a check from your checking account. Look at the bottom of the check. You will see a series of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The middle set of numbers is your account number. It is usually 10 to 12 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank.
If you do not have checks or prefer not to use them, your bank keeps your account number on file in multiple places. You can retrieve it without leaving your house or calling anyone — it is stored in your online banking portal, on your bank statements, and on your debit card paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of every check, between the routing number and the check number.
- You can find your account number by logging into your bank's website or mobile app under account details or account information.
- Bank statements — whether printed or digital — display your full account number near the top of the page.
- Your debit card itself does not show your account number, but the paperwork that came with it usually does.
- If you cannot locate it anywhere, call your bank's customer service line; they will verify your identity and read it to you.
Finding your account number online
Log into your bank's website or mobile app using your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "My Accounts." Your account number will be displayed there, usually in full. Some banks show it by default; others require you to click a link or icon to reveal it.
The exact location varies by bank. Chase and Bank of America typically show it on the main dashboard. Wells Fargo and US Bank place it under an "Account Details" tab. If you cannot find it after a quick search, use your bank's search function or help menu and type "account number" — the site will direct you to the right page.
Checking your bank statements
Every bank statement — printed or digital — lists your account number near the top of the page, usually under your name and address. If you receive paper statements, pull out the most recent one and look at the header section. The account number will be printed there in full.
If you receive statements by email, open your most recent statement PDF and look at the top. The number is always in the same location on every statement your bank sends. You can also request a copy of any past statement from your bank if you have lost the original; they will email or mail it to you within a few business days.
What to do if you cannot find it
Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a form of ID ready. The representative will verify your identity and read your account number to you over the phone. This takes about five minutes.
You can also visit a branch in person with a photo ID. A teller can print your account number for you or write it down on a piece of paper. This is useful if you need it immediately and do not want to wait for a phone call or email.
Understanding the numbers on your check
The bottom of a check contains three separate numbers, and it is easy to confuse them. From left to right, you will see the routing number (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), then the check number (usually four to five digits). The routing number identifies your bank. The account number identifies your specific account at that bank. The check number is just a reference for that particular check.
When you need to provide banking information — for a direct deposit, a wire transfer, or a refund — you will usually need both the routing number and the account number. The check number is rarely needed. If you are unsure which number to provide, the organization asking for it will specify "routing number" and "account number" separately.
Account numbers on debit cards and other documents
Your debit card itself does not display your account number. The card shows your card number (the 16 digits on the front), your name, and an expiration date, but not your account number. However, the welcome packet that came with your debit card when you first opened the account usually includes your account number in the paperwork.
If you still have that packet, look through it for a letter or sheet labeled "Account Information" or "Welcome to Your Account." Your account number will be listed there. If you have thrown it away, do not worry — you can retrieve your account number from any of the other sources listed above.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number is not as sensitive as your Social Security number or the PIN for your debit card, but you should still protect it. Do not share it with anyone who calls you claiming to be from your bank — legitimate banks never ask for your account number over the phone. They already have it on file.
When you provide your account number to set up direct deposit or receive a refund, make sure you are dealing with a trusted organization. Verify the website URL or phone number independently before entering any banking information. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your debit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my card number?
No. Your card number is the 16 digits printed on the front of your debit card. Your account number is a separate number that identifies your bank account itself. You can have multiple debit cards linked to the same account, and they will all have different card numbers but the same account number.
Can I find my account number on my debit card?
No, your debit card does not show your account number. It shows your card number, expiration date, and your name. To find your account number, check a check, log into online banking, look at a bank statement, or call your bank.
What if I need my account number for a tax refund or government payment?
You will need both your routing number and your account number. The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account. Both are on the bottom of a check, or you can find them in your online banking portal or on a bank statement.
Do I need to memorize my account number?
No. You only need to know where to find it. Write it down and store it somewhere safe, or keep it in a password manager. You do not need to memorize it for everyday banking.
What should I do if I think my account number has been compromised?
Contact your bank immediately. They can monitor your account for suspicious activity and issue you a new account number if necessary. A new account number means you will need to update direct deposit information and any automatic payments, but it protects you from unauthorized access.