Your checking account number is the unique identifier Bank of America assigns to your specific account
Your checking account number is a string of digits that belongs only to your account at Bank of America. It is not the same as your routing number, your card number, or your Social Security number. The account number appears on your checks, your statements, and in your online banking portal. You need it to set up direct deposit, authorize wire transfers, arrange automatic bill payments, and give to employers or other institutions that need to deposit money into your account.
Bank of America checking account numbers are typically 10 digits long, though the exact length can vary. The number stays the same for the life of the account unless you close it and open a new one. If you have multiple checking accounts at Bank of America, each one has its own separate account number.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bank of America checking account number is a 10-digit identifier unique to your account and different from your routing number or debit card number.
- You can find your account number on the bottom left of your checks, on your monthly statement, or by logging into your Bank of America online account.
- You will need your account number to set up direct deposit, authorize payments, arrange wire transfers, and provide proof of account ownership to third parties.
- Never share your full account number with someone you do not trust, and be cautious when providing it over the phone or email.
Where to find your account number
The easiest place to locate your account number is on a check from your checkbook. Look at the bottom left corner of the check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group is your routing number (nine digits). The second group is your account number (10 digits). The third group is the check number.
If you do not have checks on hand, log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app. Your account number appears in the account summary section, usually at the top of the page or in a dropdown menu labeled "Account Details" or "Account Information." You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and provide your identification to have a representative read your account number to you over the phone.
Your monthly statement also displays your account number, typically near the top of the first page. If you receive paper statements, check the most recent one. If you use paperless statements, log into your online account to view a recent statement in PDF format.
What your account number is used for
Your account number is required for direct deposit. When you start a new job or want to receive government payments like Social Security or tax refunds, you will need to provide your routing number and account number together so the money goes into the correct account. Your employer or the government agency will use both numbers to route the deposit to your specific Bank of America account.
You also need your account number to set up automatic bill payments through Bank of America's bill pay service or through a biller's website. If you want to pay your electric bill, mortgage, or credit card automatically each month, the biller needs your account number to pull the payment from your checking account on the scheduled date.
Wire transfers require your account number. If someone outside Bank of America wants to send you money by wire, they will need your Bank of America routing number and your account number. Similarly, if you initiate a wire transfer to someone else, you will provide your own account number to authorize the outgoing transfer.
Third parties may ask for your account number to verify that you own the account. If you are opening a new service, applying for a loan, or dealing with a government agency, they may request your account number as proof of identity and financial stability.
The difference between your account number and other numbers
Your routing number is different from your account number. Bank of America's routing number is the same for all customers in a given region (it varies by state and branch location). Your account number is unique to you. Together, they form the complete address for your account. Think of the routing number as the bank's address and your account number as your mailbox within that bank.
Your debit card number is printed on the front of your card and is not the same as your account number. The card number is used for purchases and ATM withdrawals. Your account number is used for transfers, direct deposits, and bill payments. If your debit card is lost or stolen, you can cancel it without closing your account or changing your account number.
Your Social Security number is a government identifier used for tax purposes and credit reporting. Bank of America uses it to verify your identity when you open an account, but it is not the same as your account number and should never be confused with it.
Security considerations when sharing your account number
Your account number is generally safe to share with legitimate institutions that need it for deposits or payments. Employers, government agencies, billers, and banks all need account numbers to process transactions. However, you should be cautious about who you give it to and how you share it.
Do not share your account number in response to an unsolicited email, text message, or phone call, even if the message appears to come from Bank of America. Bank of America will never ask you to confirm your account number via email or text. If you receive such a request, it is likely a phishing scam. Hang up or delete the message and call Bank of America directly at the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement.
When you provide your account number over the phone, make sure you initiated the call and that you are speaking with a legitimate representative. If you are unsure, end the call and contact the organization directly using a phone number you find yourself, not one provided by the caller.
If you believe your account number has been compromised or used fraudulently, contact Bank of America immediately. You can call 1-800-432-1000 or log into your online account to report suspicious activity. Bank of America monitors accounts for fraud and can freeze or close an account if unauthorized transactions occur.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If you have lost your checks and do not have access to your statement or online account, the fastest way to get your account number is to call Bank of America customer service. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a form of identification ready. The representative will verify your identity and provide your account number over the phone.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person with a government-issued ID. A teller can look up your account number and write it down for you. This is a good option if you prefer to handle the request face-to-face or if you have trouble accessing your online account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies Bank of America and your region; your account number identifies your specific account. Both are needed together for direct deposits and wire transfers. You can find both on the bottom of your checks.
Can someone access my account if they have my account number?
Your account number alone is not enough to access your account or move money. A person would also need your PIN, online banking password, or other authentication methods. However, do not share your account number with people you do not trust, as it could be used for fraudulent purposes.
What if I close my checking account and open a new one?
Your old account number will no longer be active. Your new account will have a different account number. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, you will need to update them with your new account number to avoid missed payments or lost deposits.
Do I need my account number to use my debit card?
No. Your debit card number is different from your account number. You can use your card for purchases and ATM withdrawals without knowing your account number. However, you will need your account number for direct deposits, wire transfers, and bill payments.
Can I request a new account number without closing my account?
Bank of America does not issue new account numbers for existing accounts. If you want a different account number, you would need to close your current account and open a new checking account, which will be assigned a new number. This is rarely necessary unless you suspect fraud.