Where is the account number on a check?

Your account number is the second set of numbers at the bottom of a check, located between the routing number (first set) and the check number (last set). It's typically 10-12 digits long.

Is the routing number or account number first on a check?

The routing number comes first (9 digits), followed by your account number (10-12 digits), then the check number. Reading left to right: Routing → Account → Check Number.

Can I find my account number without a check?

Yes — you can find your account number on your bank statements, in online banking, on your bank's mobile app, by calling your bank, or by visiting a branch with ID.

Account Number on Check: Where to Find Routing & Account Numbers (2026)

Where to Find Numbers on a Check

Check Number Layout

At the bottom of every check, you’ll find three sets of numbers:

Position	Number Type	Digits	Symbol
Left	Routing number	9 digits	⑆ symbols on each side
Middle	Account number	10-12 digits	Varies
Right	Check number	3-4 digits	Also printed in upper right corner

Visual Guide

|                                                           123
|  John Doe                                            Date ________
|  123 Main Street                                     
|  Anytown, USA 12345                                  $ ___________
|                                                      
|  Pay to the order of ________________________________ Dollars
|  
|  ABC Bank                                            Memo _________
|  123 Bank Street
|  Cityville, USA                                      Signature ____
|  
|  ⑆123456789⑆  0012345678⑇  0123
|  ▲           ▲            ▲
|  Routing     Account      Check
|  Number      Number       Number

Understanding Each Number

Routing Number (9 digits)

What It Is	Purpose
Bank identifier	Identifies YOUR bank to other banks
ABA number	American Bankers Association number
Format	9 digits, sometimes with ⑆ symbols
Uniqueness	Each bank branch may have different routing

Example: Chase routing number for California: 322271627

Account Number (10-12 digits)

What It Is	Purpose
Your identifier	Unique to YOUR specific account
Length	Varies by bank (8-17 digits)
Sensitive	Never share publicly
Per account	Different for checking vs savings

Example: 0001234567890

Check Number (3-4 digits)

What It Is	Purpose
Check identifier	Tracks which check was used
Sequential	Numbers increase with each check
Also shown	Upper right corner of check
Least sensitive	Just for your records

Finding Numbers Without a Check

Online Banking

Bank	Where to Find
Chase	Account details > Account & routing number
Bank of America	Account details > Show full account number
Wells Fargo	Account summary > Account details
Citibank	Account > View account details
Capital One	Account details > Account & routing numbers
Most banks	Account settings or account details

Mobile App

Step	Action
1	Log into your bank’s app
2	Select your account
3	Look for “Account Details” or settings gear
4	Find “View Account Numbers” or similar
5	May require authentication (facial/fingerprint)

Bank Statement

Location	What You’ll Find
Top of statement	Account number usually listed
Below account name	Routing number sometimes shown
First page	Both numbers typically appear

Phone or Branch

Method	What to Bring/Know
Call bank	Account verification questions
Visit branch	Government-issued photo ID
Both	SSN, date of birth may be needed

Routing Numbers for Major Banks

Bank	Common Routing Number	Notes
Chase	Varies by state	Full list
Bank of America	026009593 (varies)	Regional routing
Wells Fargo	Varies by state	Check your state
Citibank	021000089	New York
US Bank	091000022	Minnesota (varies)
PNC	043000096	Pennsylvania (varies)
Capital One	051405515	360 accounts
Ally Bank	124003116	All accounts
Schwab	121202211	All accounts

Important: Routing numbers vary by state and sometimes by account type. Always verify YOUR specific routing number.

When You Need These Numbers

Direct Deposit Setup

Field	Enter
Routing number	9-digit routing number
Account number	Your full account number
Account type	Checking or savings

Online Bill Pay

Purpose	Numbers Needed
Receive payment	Both routing and account
Link accounts	Both routing and account
Set up autopay	Usually just account number

ACH Transfers

Transfer Type	Info Needed
Receive money	Your routing + account
Send money	Recipient’s routing + account
Between your accounts	Account number only

Wire Transfers

Transfer Type	Additional Info
Domestic wire	Routing + account
International wire	SWIFT code (different from routing)
Receiving wire	Bank name and address too

Routing vs SWIFT vs IBAN

Number Type	Used For	Format
Routing (ABA)	US domestic transfers	9 digits
SWIFT/BIC	International transfers	8-11 characters
IBAN	European transfers	Up to 34 characters

International Transfer Example

If receiving money from outside the US:

Routing number: For domestic transfers
SWIFT code: For international wires (contact your bank)
Bank address: Often required for international

Security: Protecting Your Account Number

Situation	Risk Level
Setting up direct deposit with employer	Low
Reputable vendor/service setup	Low
Giving to close family	Low
Writing checks	Low (by design)

Situation	Risk
Unsolicited calls	High — potential scam
Email requests	High — phishing
Text requests	High — smishing
Unknown websites	High — data theft
Social media	Very high

If Compromised

Step	Action
1	Monitor account closely
2	Set up account alerts
3	Consider new account
4	Report unauthorized activity

Different Numbers for Different Account Types

Checking vs Savings

Account Type	Routing Number	Account Number
Checking	Same as other accounts at bank	Unique per account
Savings	Same routing number	Different account number
Money market	Same routing number	Different account number

Multiple Accounts at Same Bank

Scenario	What’s Same	What’s Different
2 checking accounts	Routing number	Account numbers
Checking + savings	Routing number	Account numbers
Joint vs individual	Routing number	Account numbers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Consequence
Mixing up routing and account	Failed/misdirected transfer
Using check number as account number	Transfer fails
Using old routing number	May still work, but verify
Transposing digits	Failed transfer
Using wrong bank’s routing	Money goes elsewhere

Double-Check Method

Locate your numbers
Write them down separately
Verify digit by digit
Confirm with bank if unsure

Getting Void Check for Direct Deposit

Employers often request a “void check” for direct deposit setup:

Option	How
Physical check	Write “VOID” across front · Don’t sign
Online banking printout	Most banks offer downloadable “void check” image
Direct deposit form	Bank can provide pre-printed form
Screenshot	Some employers accept screenshot of account/routing numbers

If You Don’t Have Checks

Alternative	Where to Get
Direct deposit form	Download from bank website
Account verification letter	Request from branch
Online banking screenshot	Show account details page
Bank letter	Branch can print on letterhead

Bottom Line

Your routing number (9 digits) identifies your bank, while your account number (10-12 digits) identifies your specific account. On a check, read left to right: Routing → Account → Check Number. You can find these numbers on checks, bank statements, online banking, or mobile apps. Always protect your account number and verify you’re sharing it only with legitimate organizations.

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