Your account number is printed at the bottom left of your check, between the routing number and the check number
Bank of America prints three numbers along the bottom of every check in this order: routing number (9 digits), account number (10 to 12 digits), then check number (4 to 5 digits). The account number sits in the middle. It is the longest of the three and identifies your specific checking account.
You need this number when you set up automatic bill payments, receive wire transfers, or give your bank details to an employer for direct deposit. The account number on your check is the same one shown in your Bank of America online banking portal under account details.
Key Takeaways
- The account number appears at the bottom of your check in the middle position, between the 9-digit routing number and the check number.
- Bank of America account numbers are 10 to 12 digits long and printed in magnetic ink that machines can read.
- The account number on your check matches the one shown in your online banking account details and mobile app.
- You can also find your account number on your bank statements, debit card paperwork, or by calling Bank of America customer service.
How the three numbers are arranged on your check
The bottom of a Bank of America check displays numbers in a specific order from left to right. The routing number comes first on the far left—this is a 9-digit code that identifies Bank of America and the specific branch. The account number follows in the middle section and is longer, typically 10 to 12 digits. The check number appears last on the right side.
All three numbers are printed in MICR ink (magnetic ink character recognition), which allows bank machines to read and process checks automatically. The numbers are easy to spot because they use a distinctive font and sit in a line at the bottom of the check.
What your account number tells the bank
Your account number is unique to your checking account at Bank of America. No two accounts share the same number. When you write a check, the account number tells the bank which account to pull money from. When someone sends you a direct deposit or wire transfer, the account number tells the bank where to deposit the funds.
The account number stays the same for as long as you hold that checking account. If you close the account and open a new one, you will receive a new account number. The old number will no longer work for deposits or payments.
Other places to find your Bank of America account number
If you do not have a check in front of you, you can find your account number in several other places. Log into your Bank of America online banking account and look for the account details section—your account number appears there. You can also see it in the Bank of America mobile app under account information.
Your account number also appears on your monthly bank statements, usually at the top of the first page. If you have a Bank of America debit card, the paperwork that came with it when you opened the account will list your account number. You can also call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card, and a representative can provide your account number over the phone after verifying your identity.
Why you should not share your account number with strangers
Your account number is semi-public information—it appears on every check you write, so anyone who receives a check from you will see it. However, you should not give your account number to someone unless you trust them and know why they need it.
Scammers sometimes call or email claiming to be from your bank and ask for your account number. Bank of America will never ask for your account number by phone or email. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the bank and asks for this information, hang up or delete the message and call Bank of America directly using the number on your debit card. Legitimate businesses that need your account number—like your employer for direct deposit or a utility company for automatic payments—will tell you upfront why they need it and how they will use it.
The difference between routing number and account number
These two numbers serve different purposes and should not be confused. The routing number identifies Bank of America as the financial institution and the specific branch location. Bank of America's main routing number is 026009593, though some branches have different routing numbers. The routing number is the same for many customers.
The account number identifies your individual account. It is unique to you and different from every other account holder's number. When you set up direct deposit or a wire transfer, you typically need both numbers: the routing number tells the sending bank which bank to send money to, and the account number tells that bank which account within Bank of America should receive the funds.
What to do if you cannot find your account number on your check
If your checks are old or damaged and the numbers at the bottom are faded or illegible, do not try to guess. Contact Bank of America directly. You can call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, visit a Bank of America branch in person, or log into your online banking account. A representative can confirm your account number and, if needed, order replacement checks with clear, readable numbers.
If you recently opened your Bank of America account and have not received checks yet, your account number is available immediately in your online banking portal and mobile app. You do not need to wait for checks to arrive to use your account number for direct deposit or other transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they have my account number?
Not without additional information. Your account number alone is not enough to withdraw money. A person would also need your routing number, and even then, most withdrawals require authorization from you or a court order. However, do not share your account number with people you do not trust, because combined with other information they may have, it could be used fraudulently.
Is the account number the same on all my Bank of America checks?
Yes. Every check from the same checking account will have the same account number printed at the bottom. If you order replacement checks or a new checkbook, the account number will remain the same.
What if my check number and account number look similar?
They are in different positions on the check, so they should not be confused. The account number is in the middle and is longer (10 to 12 digits). The check number is on the far right and is shorter (4 to 5 digits). If you are unsure which is which, count the digits—the longer one is your account number.
Do I need my account number to deposit a check into my Bank of America account?
No. When you deposit a check at an ATM or through mobile deposit, the machine or app reads the routing and account numbers from the check itself. You do not need to type in your account number. If you are depositing someone else's check into your account, the system only needs to know your account—it reads the sender's information from the check.
Can I use my account number instead of a routing number for direct deposit?
No. Direct deposit requires both numbers in the correct order: routing number first, then account number. Your employer or the organization setting up the deposit will ask for both. Using only the account number will cause the deposit to fail.