Your bank account number is printed on your checks, displayed in your online banking portal, and listed on your bank statements. If you don’t have any of those handy, you can also call your bank or visit a branch to get it. The method you use depends on what you have access to right now.
Find It on a Check
The fastest way to find your account number is to look at the bottom of a personal check. You’ll see a line of numbers printed in special magnetic ink. The routing number comes first (nine digits identifying your bank), your account number comes second, and the check number comes third.
There’s one wrinkle to watch for: some banks reverse the order of the account number and the check number, placing the check number second and the account number third. If you’re not sure which is which, the account number is typically the longer, more complex number of the two. The check number is usually just two or three digits matching the number printed in the upper-right corner of the check.
Find It Through Online Banking or Your Bank’s App
If you don’t have checks, log in to your bank’s website or mobile app. Most banks display your full account number on the account details or account summary page. You may need to click on the specific account, then look for a link labeled something like “account details,” “account info,” or “show account number.” Many banks mask the number by default, showing only the last four digits, but provide a button or eye icon to reveal the full number.
The exact steps vary by bank, but the general path is: sign in, select the account, open the details section, and tap to unmask the number. If you’ve set up your bank’s mobile app with biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition), this can take less than a minute.
Find It on a Bank Statement
Your account number appears on every monthly or quarterly statement your bank sends. Paper statements typically print the full number near the top of the first page, alongside your name and the statement period. If you’ve switched to paperless statements, download a recent PDF from your online banking portal. The number is in the same spot.
Find It by Contacting Your Bank
If none of the above options work, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank’s website. After verifying your identity, a representative can read you the full account number. You can also walk into a branch with a valid photo ID and get it in person. This is worth doing if you need the number immediately and you’re locked out of online banking.
Where to Find a Credit Card Account Number
Credit card account numbers work a little differently. At some issuers, your credit card number (the 16-digit number on the front or back of your card) and your account number are the same thing. Chase, for example, treats them as identical. Other issuers assign a separate internal account number that’s shorter or formatted differently than the card number printed on the plastic.
For most everyday purchases and bill payments, you’ll use the full card number, not a separate account number. The distinction matters mainly when you’re doing something like submitting a balance transfer from one card to another, where the receiving issuer may ask for the account number specifically. If you’re unsure which number to use, check your issuer’s app or call the number on the back of your card.
Routing Number vs. Account Number
When you’re setting up direct deposit, paying bills online, or linking a bank account to an app, you’ll typically need both your routing number and your account number. The routing number identifies your bank. It’s always nine digits. The account number identifies your specific account at that bank and can range from eight to seventeen digits depending on the institution.
Both numbers appear on your checks and in your online banking portal. When filling out a direct deposit form for your employer or linking your account to a payment service, double-check that you haven’t swapped the two. Entering the routing number in the account number field (or vice versa) will cause the transaction to fail or get returned.
Keeping Your Account Number Safe
Your account number is sensitive information. Anyone who has both your routing number and account number could potentially initiate unauthorized withdrawals or set up fraudulent transfers. Don’t share these numbers over email or text unless you’re certain of the recipient. When filling out forms online, make sure you’re on the institution’s official website or a verified portal. If you suspect your account number has been compromised, contact your bank immediately to discuss options, which may include closing the account and opening a new one with a fresh number.