Where Is the Account Number on a Check?

A bank account number is usually located at the bottom of a check, the second set of numbers from the left between the nine-digit routing number and the check number. The account number is used to identify your bank account to carry out any number of transactions, such as withdrawals and deposits.

Here’s a closer look at your bank account number, including when you’ll use it and how to protect it.

What is a bank account number?

A bank account number is a distinct set of digits used to identify a specific account, such as a checking account or savings account. Account numbers are typically eight to 12 digits but may be up to 17 digits.

Your bank will assign a number for each account you hold. That means if you have multiple accounts at the same bank, then each account will have its own number.

Note that a bank account number isn’t the same as a debit card number — your card’s 16-digit number is separate from your bank account number.

How to find your account number

If you can’t easily locate your account number on a check or access your checkbook, here are some other methods for finding your bank account number.

Check a paper or electronic statement

The first page of a recent bank statement will often list the account number, usually near the top of the page.

Use online banking platforms

If you can access your bank’s website or mobile app, you should be able to view your account number online: Simply sign on and look for your account summary. You may be able to view all or a portion of the account number and have an option to show or expand the remainder.

Contact your bank

You can also call your bank’s toll-free customer service number or visit a branch in person to retrieve your account number, though you will have to provide verification information.

Try an ATM

This method isn’t necessarily guaranteed to work, but it’s worth trying as a last-ditch effort. Make a withdrawal using your debit card at an ATM affiliated with your bank — the screen may display your account number.

What is the difference between routing and account numbers?

The nine-digit routing number identifies your financial institution, while the account number specifies the bank account. The routing number acts as an “address” for your bank, and all banks have routing numbers assigned to them by the American Bankers Association (ABA). A routing number ensures that your money comes from or goes to the correct location.

Your financial institution’s routing number will be the first set of digits on the lower left corner of a check. This routing number is public information and doesn’t need to be protected. You can typically find your routing number on your bank’s website or mobile app, or on an account statement.

The ABA developed routing numbers in 1910, and they can be issued only to federal- or state-chartered financial institutions eligible for an account at a Federal Reserve Bank.

What is the check number?

Check numbers allow you to keep track of checks you have written. Checks are numbered in ascending order.

The check number is typically in the upper right corner of a check or sometimes the last set of numbers on the bottom of a check.

How can you protect your account number?

Your bank account number is unique, sensitive information that should be kept private. A scammer who obtains your bank account number and other personal information may be able to use it to make illegal purchases online.

You can take several steps to safeguard the account number on a check, including:

• Only use checks with trusted people and businesses — then, store your checks in a safe location where they can’t be stolen.
• Avoid writing down your account numbers, and refrain from storing them on your phone or computer.
• Monitor accounts regularly.
• Only share account numbers when necessary.
• Store bank statements securely, and shred them when you don’t need them anymore.
• Use a unique password for every online account, and enable two-factor authentication.
• Resist the urge to sign on to online banking using public WiFi, which can put your information at risk.

Frequently asked questions

Is your account number the same on all checks?

Each checking account will have the same account number and the same routing number printed on every check. Check numbers, however, are sequentially printed in your checkbook.

Can you use a check without an account number?

The account number is necessary to indicate where to deposit or withdraw money. Incorrect or incomplete account or routing information may cause a payment to be rejected or applied to the wrong account.

What should you do if your bank account number is compromised?

If your account information may have been exposed through a data breach or another incident, review bank statements for suspicious activity. Notify your bank of the incident to potentially freeze your account or open a new account. Check your credit reports for instances of fraud and report any to the Federal Trade Commission, and change your online banking password.