Where to find your account number on a Bank of America check
Your Bank of America account number appears in the bottom left corner of every check you write. It is a nine-digit number printed below the routing number. The routing number (026009593 for most Bank of America accounts) comes first on the left, then your account number follows immediately to its right.
The numbers are printed in magnetic ink and sit in a line at the very bottom of the check. If you are looking at a check from your checkbook, turn it over to the back and look at the bottom left edge. The sequence reads: routing number, then account number, then check number on the far right.
You do not need to write anything down or call the bank. Every check in your book has the same account number printed on it, so you only need to look at one.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is a nine-digit code printed at the bottom left of every Bank of America check, right after the routing number.
- The magnetic ink line at the bottom of the check reads: routing number, account number, then check number from left to right.
- All checks in the same checkbook carry the same account number, so you only need to examine one check to find it.
- If your checks are damaged or faded, you can also find your account number on your bank statement or by logging into your Bank of America online account.
Understanding the three numbers at the bottom of your check
Bank of America checks have three separate numbers printed in magnetic ink at the bottom. Learning what each one does will help you spot your account number quickly and understand why banks print them this way.
The routing number (026009593) identifies Bank of America itself and tells other banks where to send money when someone deposits your check. The account number comes next and tells Bank of America which specific account the money should come from. The check number appears on the far right and is unique to that single check—it matches the number printed in the top right corner of the check face.
When you write a check, the receiving bank reads all three numbers to pull money from the correct account at the correct bank. The routing number and account number together are what the bank needs; the check number is mainly for your own record-keeping.
Why you might need your account number from a check
You may need to provide your account number when setting up direct deposit for payroll, arranging automatic bill payments, or receiving a wire transfer from another person or business. Some employers and service providers ask for it in writing rather than over the phone for security reasons.
Providing your account number from a check is safe for these purposes because the account number alone cannot be used to withdraw money—a thief would also need your routing number, and even then most transactions require additional verification. The check itself is a public document once you hand it over, so the information on it is not secret.
If you are uncomfortable writing down your account number, you can always call Bank of America directly or log into your online account to find it, though the check is the fastest option.
Reading a faded or damaged check
If the magnetic ink at the bottom of your check is faded, smudged, or hard to read, the numbers may still be visible under better lighting. Hold the check at an angle under a lamp or near a window—the raised ink often becomes clearer from the side.
If the check is too damaged to read, do not guess at the numbers. Instead, use one of the other methods to find your account number: log into your Bank of America online account (it appears in your account settings and on your statement), call Bank of America customer service, or visit a branch with your ID and ask a teller to write it down for you.
The difference between account number and routing number
Many people confuse these two numbers because they appear together on every check. The routing number is the same for all Bank of America customers in a given region—most use 026009593. Your account number is unique to you and changes only if you close the account and open a new one.
Think of it this way: the routing number is like the address of the bank branch, and the account number is like your mailbox inside that branch. When you give someone your account number for direct deposit or a wire transfer, you should also give them the routing number so they know which bank to send the money to. Both numbers together ensure the money reaches the right place.
Other places to find your account number if you do not have a check
If you have lost your checkbook or do not have checks yet, your account number is printed on your Bank of America debit card statement and on every monthly statement you receive. Log into your Bank of America online account and look at your account settings or the top of your most recent statement—the account number appears there in plain text.
You can also call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and speak to a representative who can confirm your account number after verifying your identity. If you visit a Bank of America branch in person with your ID, a teller can write it down for you immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give someone my account number from a check?
Yes, for legitimate purposes like direct deposit or wire transfers. The account number alone cannot be used to withdraw money without the routing number and additional verification. Once you hand over a check, the information is no longer private, so sharing the numbers from a check is generally safe.
What if I cannot read the numbers at the bottom of my check?
Hold the check under a lamp or bright light at an angle—the raised magnetic ink often becomes clearer. If it is still unreadable, log into your Bank of America online account, check your statement, or call 1-800-432-1000 to get your account number.
Are the numbers at the bottom of the check in a different order on different checks?
No. Every Bank of America check has the same order: routing number, account number, check number from left to right. The numbers never change position, so once you know where to look, you can find your account number on any check in your book.
Can I use my account number without the routing number?
For most transactions, you need both. The routing number tells the receiving bank where to send the money, and the account number tells that bank which account to pull it from. Some Bank of America services may only need the account number if you are already banking with them.
What if my checks have a different routing number than 026009593?
Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on the state and type of account. The routing number on your check is the correct one for your specific account, so use the number printed on your check rather than a general number you find online.