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Locating Your Account Number on a Check

woman sitting at kitchen table writes on a check and checks bank account number
Where is an account number on a check? Business Insider explains. Nathan Bilow/Getty Images
Updated
  • A bank account number is a tool for identifying a specific bank account. 
  • You can find a bank account number on the bottom of your check or on a bank statement.
  • Bank account numbers typically range from eight to 12 digits depending on the financial institution.

You need to know your bank account number to initiate bank transfers or deposits. Not sure how to find it? Here's what you need to know about bank account numbers generally and from the best banks so you can find them, plus what makes them different from routing numbers.

Anatomy of a check

A bank account number is one of three important numbers you'll find on the bottom of every check. Here's what each means:

  • Routing number: This number is listed first and identifies your financial institution.
  • Bank account number: This number is listed second and identifies a specific bank account at a financial institution.
  • Check number: The last sequence of numbers is the check number. This can help keep track of your payments.

You may need your bank account number to transfer money between bank accounts, set up a direct deposit, or make online bill payments.

Where to find the account number

Position and appearance of the account number

Generally, the routing number will be on the bottom left-hand corner of a check, while the bank account number will be more toward the bottom-middle of a check.

Bank account numbers are usually eight to 12 digits long. The routing number, on the other hand, will always be nine digits long and start with a 0, 1, 2, or 3.

How to find a bank account number without a check

If you don't have a check, here are places to find your bank account number:

To find your account number through online or mobile banking, usually you'll select the account and click on the account number or a tab that says "More Details" or "Account Information." Call customer service if you can't find your account number.

Bank account numbers at the biggest banks

Chase account numbers

Chase bank account numbers are around nine or 10 digits long. Chase account numbers are available via mobile banking, online banking, or on a check.

To find the bank account number on the mobile app, select your account and click "Show Details." If you use online banking, click on the last four digits of the account number that shows up above your account information, and hit "see full account number."

Wells Fargo account numbers

Wells Fargo account numbers range from nine to 13 digits long. You can find Wells Fargo account numbers through checks, online banking, or mobile banking.

If you use online banking, the account number is next to the account name. To find the account number through the mobile app, select the account.

Bank of America account numbers

Bank of America account numbers are 12 digits long. Find the account number through online banking. If you select "Account Overview" and the "Information and Services" tab you'll be able to find the account number. You can also find Bank of America account numbers on a check.

PNC account numbers

PNC Bank account numbers are around nine to 12 digits long and can be found through checks, online, or mobile banking. Select a bank account to see the full account number on online or mobile banking.

Capital One account numbers

Capital One Bank account numbers may be around 12 digits or less. The account number is located in the bank's mobile app under the "Details" section. You can also find a Capital One bank account number on a check.

Navy Federal account numbers

Navy Federal Credit Union account numbers are around 10 digits long. The account number may be found through the bank's mobile app or on checks. If you use the bank's mobile app to see your bank account number, select the bank account and click on "Show More Details."

TD Bank account numbers

TD Bank account numbers are around 10 digits long. You may find TD Bank account numbers on checks, the TD Bank mobile app, online banking, or by visiting a TD Bank location. Find the account number on online banking or the TD Bank mobile app by clicking on "Account Details."

U.S. Bank account numbers

U.S. Bank account numbers range from 10 to 12 digits. You may discover U.S. Bank account numbers on a check or bank account statement.

The account number is also available through mobile and online banking. If you use online banking, click on the account and choose "Show" to see the full account number. On the mobile app, you'll select the account, click the "Manage" tab, then "Account & Routing Number." You may also call customer support if you can't locate it.

Security tips for protecting your account number

If a potential fraudster gets ahold of your bank account number, they could use it to make unauthorized withdrawals or transfers. Here are some tips for protecting your account number:

  • Avoid writing it down: Don't keep your account number written down on your phone or a piece of paper.
  • Safely store or destroy bank statements: If you receive paper copies of your bank statements, keep them stored in a safe location, such as a locked filing cabinet. Shred any paper statements before throwing them away.
  • Verify apps and tools: Many budgeting apps will ask you to link your bank account to its platform to use it. Verify that the app or tool is legitimate before agreeing to share your account information.
  • Only write checks to trusted people or businesses: If you're paying for a purchase with a check, be sure that you trust the recipient.

Common mistakes when writing checks

While you may do the majority of your banking online these days, there might still be times when you need to write a check.

To avoid potential security issues, be sure to always use a blue or black ink pen to fill out the check completely. This includes writing the correct date, filling out the name of the recipient, filling out the amount of the check in numbers and in words, and signing the check. If you forget any of these sections, the check may bounce.

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FAQs

What is the difference between the routing number and the account number on a check?

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A routing number identifies your financial institution. An account number identifies a specific bank account.

Can my account number be used for fraudulent activities?

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Yes, a bank account number can be used for fraudulent activities, such as making unauthorized transactions, withdrawing or transferring money from your account, or creating fake checks.

Where exactly is the account number located on a check?

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The bank account number is located at the bottom of a check, right next to the routing number. A routing number is always nine digits long, while bank account numbers range from eight to 12 digits depending on the bank.

Is the account number on a check the same as on my bank card?

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No, your debit card number is different from the account number listed on your personal checks, even if they are connected to the same account.

What should I do if I'm unsure about my account number?

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You can verify it by checking your most recent bank statement or contacting your bank, if you're ever unsure about account information.

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