What is bank account number

Routing numbers are most commonly required when reordering checks, for payment of consumer bills, to establish a direct deposit such as a paycheck , or for tax payments. The routing numbers used for domestic and international wire transfers are not the same as those listed on your checks. However, they can easily be obtained online or by contacting your bank.

The account number works in conjunction with the routing number. While the routing number identifies the name of the financial institution , the account number—usually between eight and 12 digits—identifies your individual account. If you hold two accounts at the same bank, the routing numbers will, in most cases, be the same, but your account numbers will be different.

Your account number is required for every conceivable banking transaction , whether within the bank where the account is held or between banking institutions.

Anyone can locate a bank's routing number, but your account number is unique to you, so it is important to guard it, just as you would your Social Security number or PIN code. You should be able to find both your routing number and account number by logging into your online banking account.

You can also find them on your checks. At the bottom of each check, you will see three groups of numbers: routing numbers again, typically nine digits appear as the first group, the account number generally comes second, and the third is the actual check number. Sometimes, however, such as on official bank checks, those numbers can appear in a different sequence. If you are ever unsure about which number is which, you can contact your banking institution and always remember to double-check both numbers whenever you provide them to another party.

This will ensure a seamless transaction that avoids delays or any associated bank charges stemming from the funds ending up in an incorrect account. American Bankers Association.

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Select personalised ads. Your account number usually digits is specific to your personal account. It's the second set of numbers printed on the bottom of your checks, just to the right of the bank routing number. You can also find your account number on your monthly statement. Download the U. Bank Mobile App Its streamlined, simple to use tools make banking easier.

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Support Locations Search. Before you go, be sure you know: This link takes you to an external website or app, which may have different privacy and security policies than U. You are here:. For ZIP Edit. Find your U. Banks assign account numbers to each account you own. If you have checking accounts at two different banks, each would have a unique account number and a unique routing number. Your account number tells the bank where to add money or deduct money each time new credit or debit transactions are posted.

This is similar to the way your Social Security number is used to identify you for lending and credit reporting purposes. Otherwise, someone might be able to use your information to access your accounts fraudulently. There are a variety of scenarios where you may need to provide your bank routing number. For instance, you may need a routing number to:. If your checking account comes with paper checks , this is the first place you can look for your bank routing number.

So where is the routing number on a check? Specifically, you should see three groups of numbers, separated by a space or special character. Banks and credit unions can publish their routing numbers online as a convenience to customers.

But, if not, you may be able to log in to your account online or via mobile banking to check the routing number. As mentioned, there are three sets of numbers printed at the bottom of paper checks. The second set of numbers should be your checking account number.

This number may be anywhere from eight to 12 digits, depending on your bank or credit union. Your checking account number should be distinct from the routing number. This is typically fewer digits than either the bank routing number or checking account number. Getting your bank account number online can be tricky, as banks and credit unions may encrypt this information to protect against fraud or identity theft.

For example, when you log in to online or mobile banking, you may only see the last four digits of your account number displayed. Some banks, however, display the full bank account number online and in the mobile app. Another possibility for getting your bank account number online is downloading a copy of your electronic or paper statement.

Depending on the bank, your full account number may be included here, though again, some banks may only provide the last four digits. Again, you could do this by phone or in person. Be prepared to provide proof of identity to verify your status as the account owner first. Knowing your bank routing number and account numbers is important if you ever need them for specific financial transactions.

Someone could, for example, use your bank routing number and checking account number to order fraudulent checks. Or they may be able to initiate a fraudulent ACH withdrawal of money from your account.

Entering an incorrect routing number or account number could result in money being sent or received to the wrong account. I'm a freelance financial journalist and a regular contributor to U.

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