Your account number is the second set of numbers printed along the bottom edge of a personal check. It sits to the right of the routing number and to the left of the check number. On most checks, the bottom line reads left to right: routing number, account number, check number.
How to Identify Each Number
The bottom of every check has a line of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink that banks use for processing. Three distinct numbers appear on that line, and each serves a different purpose.
The routing number comes first, on the far left. It is always exactly nine digits long and identifies your bank or credit union. You can spot it easily because it is always nine digits and is bracketed by small symbols that look like vertical lines or colons.
The account number comes next, in the middle. This is the number tied to your specific checking account. Account numbers are typically between eight and 12 digits, though some banks use longer ones. A small symbol that looks like a single vertical line or a small mark separates it from the routing number on its left side.
The check number appears last, on the far right of the bottom line. This is the same number printed in the top right corner of the check. It is usually three or four digits and simply identifies that particular check within your checkbook.
When the Order Is Different
Most banks follow the left-to-right sequence of routing number, account number, check number. However, a small number of banks swap the positions of the account number and the check number, placing the check number in the middle and the account number on the right. If you are unsure which is which, use the digit count as your guide: the routing number is always nine digits, the check number matches the short number in the top corner of the check, and the remaining longer number is your account number.
Where You’ll Need These Numbers
The most common reason people look for their account number on a check is to set up direct deposit or link a bank account to a payment service. Employers, payroll systems, and apps like Venmo or PayPal will ask for both your routing number and your account number. Getting these two numbers mixed up can delay a deposit or cause a payment to fail, so double-check by counting digits. If the number is exactly nine digits, it is the routing number. Your account number will be the other longer string.
You can also find your account number by logging into your bank’s website or mobile app, or by calling your bank directly. But if you have a check handy, it is the quickest way to confirm both numbers at once.
Why the Numbers Look Different Than Normal Print
The numbers along the bottom of a check are printed in a blocky, stylized font called MICR (magnetic ink character recognition). Banks use this font because the characters are embedded with magnetic ink that automated check-reading machines can scan quickly and accurately. The odd-looking symbols between each group of numbers are part of this system. They act as separators so the processing equipment knows where the routing number ends and the account number begins. You can ignore those symbols when reading your numbers.