The three numbers at the bottom of your check, and what each one means
Your check has three sets of numbers printed along the bottom edge in magnetic ink. Reading left to right, they are: your routing number (nine digits), your account number (usually ten to twelve digits), and your check number (three to four digits). The routing number identifies your bank or credit union. The account number identifies your specific account at that bank. The check number is just the sequential number of that particular check.
The routing number and account number are the two pieces of information you need when you set up direct deposit, authorize an automatic payment, or give someone permission to withdraw money from your account. They are not secret — they appear on every check you write — but they do control access to your money, so treat them the way you would treat a password.
Not all checks look identical. Some banks print the numbers in a different order, and some print additional numbers you can ignore. The safest approach is to call your bank's customer service line and read the numbers to them while you have your check in hand. They will tell you which three sets of digits are the routing number, account number, and check number for your specific account.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number (nine digits) is on the far left of the three number groups at the bottom of your check and identifies your bank or credit union.
- The account number (ten to twelve digits) is in the middle and identifies your specific account within that bank.
- The check number (three to four digits) is on the far right and is unique to that single check only.
- If your check layout is unusual or you are unsure which numbers are which, call your bank's customer service line with your check in front of you and ask them to confirm.
How to locate the routing number on your check
The routing number is the leftmost set of nine digits at the bottom of your check. It is printed in the same magnetic ink as the account number and check number. On most checks, it sits in its own box or section, separated visually from the other numbers.
The routing number is specific to the bank or credit union branch where your account is held, not to you personally. If you have two accounts at the same bank, both checks will show the same routing number. If you move your account to a different bank, the routing number on your new checks will change.
Some banks print a second routing number elsewhere on the check — often in the upper right corner or in the memo line — for internal processing purposes. Ignore those. The nine-digit number at the bottom left is the one you need for direct deposit and automatic payments.
How to locate the account number on your check
The account number is the middle set of digits at the bottom of your check, positioned between the routing number on the left and the check number on the right. It is usually ten to twelve digits long, though the length varies by bank. It is printed in the same magnetic ink as the other numbers.
Your account number is unique to your account. No one else at your bank has the same account number. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank — a checking account and a savings account, for example — each one has its own account number, and each one will appear on the checks or statements for that account.
Some account numbers include letters as well as digits. Write down exactly what you see, including any letters, when you need to provide your account number to someone else.
How to locate the check number on your check
The check number is the rightmost set of digits at the bottom of your check, usually three to four digits long. It is printed in the same magnetic ink as the routing and account numbers. You will also see this same number printed in the upper right corner of the check in regular ink.
The check number is not the same as your account number. It is simply a sequential identifier for that one check. If you write check number 1001 today, your next check will be numbered 1002. The check number helps you and your bank track which specific check you are referring to if there is a question about a payment.
When you set up automatic payments or direct deposit, you do not need the check number. You only need the routing number and account number. The check number is useful only for identifying a specific check in your records or with your bank.
What to do if the numbers are hard to read or unclear
If the numbers at the bottom of your check are faded, smudged, or printed in a way that is hard to read, do not guess. Call your bank's customer service number — it is usually on the back of your check or on your bank's website — and have them read the numbers to you over the phone.
Provide your name, account number (if you can read it), and the last four digits of your Social Security number or other identifying information your bank asks for. They will pull up your account and read you the correct routing number and account number. This takes five minutes and eliminates the risk of writing down the wrong numbers.
If you have lost your checks or do not have one available, you can also find your routing number and account number on your bank statement, on your debit card (some banks print them there), or by logging into your online banking account. Your bank's website usually has a section that displays this information clearly.
Why banks use routing numbers and account numbers
The routing number tells the banking system which bank or credit union to send money to. The account number tells that bank which specific account within the bank should receive the money. Together, they form an address for your money.
When you set up direct deposit with your employer, you provide both numbers so your paycheck goes to the right place. When you authorize an automatic bill payment, the company uses both numbers to withdraw money from your account on the schedule you set. When you give someone permission to transfer money to you, they use both numbers to find your account.
The routing number system has been in place since the 1910s and is managed by the American Bankers Association. It is the standard way the U.S. banking system routes money between banks. Your account number is assigned by your individual bank and is unique within that bank's system.
Common mistakes when reading check numbers
The most common mistake is confusing the check number with the account number. The check number is short (three to four digits) and appears twice on the check — once at the bottom in magnetic ink and once in the upper right corner in regular ink. The account number is longer (ten to twelve digits) and appears only at the bottom in magnetic ink.
Another mistake is writing down the routing number incorrectly. It must be exactly nine digits. If you have written down eight or ten digits, you have made an error. Go back and count again, or call your bank to confirm.
Some people also try to use a routing number from a check written on a different account or at a different bank. Routing numbers are specific to the bank and branch, so if you have moved banks or opened a new account, you need the routing number from a check for that specific account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the routing number and account number from an old check?
Yes, if the account is still open at the same bank. Routing numbers and account numbers do not change unless you close the account or switch banks. If you have closed the account or moved to a different bank, you need the numbers from a current check or statement for your new account.
Is it safe to give someone my routing number and account number?
Your routing number is not sensitive — it is printed on every check you write and is public information. Your account number is more sensitive because it identifies your specific account, but it is also printed on every check. The real risk is giving both numbers to someone you do not trust, because together they allow someone to set up automatic withdrawals from your account. Only provide them to your employer, your bank, or companies you have authorized to withdraw money.
What if the numbers on my check do not match my bank statement?
Call your bank immediately. The routing number and account number on your checks should always match the information on your statement. If they do not, there may be an error with your account or your checks may have been printed incorrectly. Your bank can investigate and issue corrected checks if needed.
Do I need the check number for direct deposit?
No. Direct deposit requires only your routing number and account number. The check number is not used for direct deposit or automatic payments. You only need the routing and account numbers.
Where else can I find my routing number and account number besides my check?
Your bank statement shows both numbers, usually at the top or bottom of the page. Your online banking account typically displays them in an account information or settings section. Some debit cards print the account number on the card itself. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to provide the numbers over the phone.