Your account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, in the second set of numbers
The bottom of a check shows three separate numbers. Reading left to right, you see your routing number (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), then the check number. Your account number is always the middle one of these three groups. If you have checks in front of you, look at the bottom left corner and find the second cluster of digits — that is your account number.
Not all checking accounts come with checks. If you do not have checks or prefer not to use them, your bank can tell you your account number in seconds. Call the number on the back of your debit card, log into your online banking portal, or visit a branch in person. The account number appears on statements, in your mobile app, and on any paperwork your bank sent when you opened the account.
You need your account number when you set up direct deposit, arrange wire transfers, pay bills online, or receive refunds by bank deposit. Having it on hand saves time when you are on the phone with a government office, your employer, or an insurance company.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the middle set of digits on the bottom of a check, between the routing number and the check number.
- If you do not have checks, your bank can provide your account number through online banking, a phone call, or a branch visit.
- Account numbers are also printed on bank statements, in your mobile app, and on account opening documents.
- You will need your account number to receive tax refunds, stimulus payments, or other government payments by direct deposit.
- Your account number is safe to share with employers, government agencies, and financial institutions that need it for deposits.
How to read the numbers on the bottom of a check
The bottom of every check is printed with a special magnetic ink that machines can read. Three separate numbers appear in this area, always in the same order from left to right. The first nine digits are your routing number (which identifies your specific bank branch). The next 10 to 12 digits are your account number. The final number or short sequence is your check number.
Some checks print the account number in a slightly different location or format depending on the bank, but it always appears in that middle position. If you are unsure which number is which, the routing number is always exactly nine digits, and the check number is always the shortest sequence — usually just three or four digits.
Finding your account number without checks
If you have a debit card, call the customer service number printed on the back. A representative can read your account number to you over the phone. This usually takes less than a minute once you have verified your identity with a PIN, password, or security questions.
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Account Details," "Account Information," or "My Accounts." Your account number is displayed prominently in this section. You can also take a screenshot or write it down for future reference.
Visit any branch of your bank in person. A teller can print your account number on a slip of paper or write it down for you. Bring your ID and debit card to speed up the process.
Check any recent bank statement — paper or digital. Your account number appears at the top or in a summary section. If you signed up for online banking when you opened your account, your bank likely sent you a welcome letter that included your account number.
When you need to provide your account number
Tax refunds sent by direct deposit require your account number and routing number. The IRS uses this information to deposit your refund directly into your checking account instead of mailing a check. State tax refunds work the same way.
Stimulus payments and other government payments also use direct deposit. If you registered your account information with the IRS or your state tax authority, the payment goes straight to your bank. If not, you may receive a paper check or debit card instead, which takes longer.
Employers need your account number to set up direct deposit for your paycheck. Insurance companies use it to send refunds or claim payments. Utility companies and other service providers may ask for it to process refunds or credits to your account.
When you pay bills online through your bank's bill pay service, you provide your account number to authorize the payment. The same applies if you set up automatic payments for loans, subscriptions, or recurring bills.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number is not secret in the same way a password is. It appears on every check you write, and anyone who receives a check from you can see it. However, you should not share it carelessly or with people you do not trust.
It is safe to provide your account number to your employer, your bank, government agencies like the IRS, and established companies you do business with. These organizations have security procedures to protect the information.
Do not share your account number in response to unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls, even if the sender claims to be from your bank or the government. Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information this way. If you are unsure whether a request is real, hang up and call the organization directly using the number on your bank statement or official website.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If you have lost all your checks and cannot access online banking, call your bank's customer service line. You will need to verify your identity with your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly a PIN or security question. The representative will provide your account number immediately.
If you have forgotten your online banking password, use the "Forgot Password" link on your bank's website to reset it. Once you log back in, your account number is visible in the account details section.
If you are having trouble reaching your bank or accessing your account, visit a branch in person during business hours. Bring your ID and debit card. A teller can look up your account number and provide it on the spot.
Account numbers for different types of accounts
Checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts each have their own account number. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has a different number. When you are setting up direct deposit or receiving a refund, make sure you provide the account number for the account where you want the money to go.
If you are receiving a tax refund and want it deposited into your savings account instead of your checking account, provide your savings account number. The same applies to any other refund or payment — use the account number that matches the account you want the money in.
Some banks print all your account numbers on a single statement or in your online banking dashboard, so you can see them side by side. This makes it easy to choose the right one when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank or branch (always nine digits), while your account number identifies your specific account at that bank (usually 10 to 12 digits). Both appear on the bottom of your checks, with the routing number first and the account number second.
Can someone steal money from my account if they know my account number?
Your account number alone is not enough to withdraw money or make unauthorized transfers. A person would also need your routing number, and even then, most banks require additional verification like a PIN or password. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately.
Do I need my account number to receive a tax refund?
Only if you want the refund deposited directly into your bank account. If you choose direct deposit on your tax return, you provide your account number and routing number. If you do not provide this information, the IRS will mail you a paper check instead.
What if my bank uses a different format for account numbers?
Most banks follow the standard format shown on checks, but some credit unions or smaller banks may use a slightly different layout. If you cannot find your account number on your checks, call your bank or log into online banking — your account number will be clearly labeled in either location.
Can I change my account number?
No, your account number is permanent and tied to your account. If you close the account and open a new one, you will receive a new account number. If you want to keep the same account, you keep the same number.