Your account number is on your debit card, checks, and online banking

Your Bank of America account number is a unique identifier for your specific checking or savings account. You can find it in four places without calling the bank: on the front or back of your debit card, on the bottom left of any check you write, in the Account Details section of your online banking dashboard, or in the BofA mobile app under Account Information.

The account number itself is typically 10 digits long. It appears separately from your routing number (which is always 026009593 for Bank of America) and your card number. If you need it right now and don't have a check or card handy, logging into your online account takes about 30 seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number appears on your debit card (usually the back), on checks you've written, and in your online banking dashboard under Account Details.
  • The account number is 10 digits and is different from your card number and your routing number.
  • If you cannot locate it online or on physical documents, you can call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and provide your Social Security number and card number to confirm your identity.
  • You will need your account number to set up direct deposit, wire money, or authorize ACH transfers from your account.

Finding your account number on your debit card

Look at the back of your Bank of America debit card first. Most cards print the account number on the back, below or near the magnetic stripe. It will be a 10-digit number. If your card is new or recently replaced, the number should be there.

Some older cards or specialty cards may print the account number on the front instead. If you cannot find it on the back, check the front of the card near the bottom. If your card is damaged or the number is worn away, you will need to use one of the other methods below.

Checking your online banking account

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com or through the mobile app. Once you are signed in, look for the account you need the number for in your account list. Click on that account or tap it in the app.

Select "Account Details" or "Account Information" — the exact label varies slightly depending on whether you are on desktop or mobile. Your full account number will display there. You can also see your routing number and other account details on this same screen. This method works even if you do not have your debit card with you.

Using checks to find your account number

If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom of any check. You will see three sets of numbers printed in magnetic ink. The first set (usually nine digits) is your routing number. The second set (usually 10 digits) is your account number. The third set is the check number itself.

This method only works if you have ordered checks from Bank of America. If you ordered checks from a third-party printer, the numbers may be arranged differently or may not appear at all. Checks are reliable because the account number is always printed the same way on every check in your book.

Calling Bank of America if you cannot find it

If you have tried the methods above and still cannot locate your account number, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and either your debit card number or the phone number associated with your account ready. The representative will verify your identity and provide your account number.

Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning on weekdays. If you are calling from outside the United States, you can find the international number on the back of your debit card. Bank of America customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why you need your account number and what to do with it

You will need your account number when you set up direct deposit for paychecks or government payments, when you authorize someone else to transfer money from your account, or when you wire money to another bank. You may also need it to pay bills through your bank's bill pay service or to link your account to a third-party app or service.

Never share your full account number with anyone you do not trust completely. If someone calls you claiming to be from your bank and asks for your account number, hang up and call the bank directly using the number on your debit card. Scammers sometimes pose as bank employees to steal account information.

The difference between your account number, card number, and routing number

These three numbers serve different purposes and should not be confused. Your account number identifies your specific account at Bank of America — it is 10 digits. Your card number is the 16-digit number printed on the front of your debit card; it is tied to your card itself, not your account, so a new card gets a new number. Your routing number is always 026009593 for Bank of America and identifies the bank itself, not your account.

When you set up direct deposit, you typically need your account number and routing number, not your card number. When you make a purchase with your debit card, the merchant sees your card number, not your account number. Understanding which number to provide in which situation protects your account from unnecessary exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my account number the same as my card number?

No. Your card number is the 16 digits on the front of your debit card. Your account number is 10 digits and appears on the back of your card or on checks. They are different numbers tied to different things — your card can be replaced with a new number, but your account number stays the same.

Can I find my account number in a Bank of America ATM?

Most Bank of America ATMs do not display your account number on the screen. Your best options are your debit card, checks, or online banking. If you are at an ATM and need your account number, you will have to use one of those other methods.

What if I have multiple Bank of America accounts?

Each account has its own unique 10-digit account number. When you log into online banking, you will see all your accounts listed. Click on the specific account you need the number for, then go to Account Details. Your debit card is tied to one account, so the number on your card belongs only to that account.

Do I need my account number to use my debit card at a store?

No. You only need your card number (the 16 digits on the front), expiration date, and CVV (the three digits on the back). Your account number is not required for everyday purchases. You will need your account number for direct deposit, wire transfers, and bill pay through your bank.

What should I do if someone asks for my account number over the phone?

Hang up and call Bank of America directly at the number on your debit card. Legitimate bank employees will never call you asking for your account number. If you initiated the call and are speaking with a verified Bank of America representative, it is safe to provide it, but never give it to someone who called you first.