How to locate your checking account number on a check or digitally

Whether you're setting up direct deposit, paying bills online or simply trying to link your checking account to a digital payment service, at some point you will likely need to provide your checking account number. If you’ve never had to do this before, you might not know what it is or where to find it.

One of the easiest places to find your checking account number is right on your personal check. Checks contain a lot of important financial information, and once you know how to read them, you’ll be able to quickly locate your account number without any trouble.

Read on to learn what your checking account number is, why it’s important, and exactly where to find it on your check. Don’t use paper checks? Guidelines provided under “Other ways to find your checking account number.”

What you’ll learn

• What is a checking account number?
• Where to find your checking account number on a check
• Other ways to find your checking account number
• Protecting your checking account number

What is a checking account number?

Your checking account number is a unique identifier assigned to your checking account. This number allows the credit union or bank to differentiate your account from others and helps ensure any transactions (such as deposits or withdrawals) are properly applied to your specific account. Note: Your savings account will have a separate account number.

Think of it like your checking account's ”address” in the credit union or bank's system. Without it, the financial institution wouldn't know where to send or take money when conducting transactions on your behalf.

Checking account numbers vary in length, depending on the financial institution, but typically range between eight and 14 digits. You might enter your checking account number when making purchases online (such as with PayPal), setting up automatic payments or requesting direct deposit.

Where to find your checking account number on a check

Checks come in a standardized form that typically displays the same basic information. Most checks will have three sets of numbers at the bottom, each serving a different purpose. Here’s how to locate your checking account number among these numbers.

1. Identify the three number groups at the bottom of the check

If you look at the bottom of your check, you will see three groups of numbers aligned in a row. From left to right, they represent:

• The routing number. Identifies the bank, credit union or financial institution where your account is held.
• The checking account number. Your unique account identifier.
• The check number. Identifies the individual check for record-keeping purposes.

Each number serves a distinct function, let’s walk through how to tell them apart.

2. Locate the routing number

The first set of numbers you see at the bottom left corner of the check is the routing number. This number is always nine digits long and serves as an identifier for your financial institution. Essentially, the routing number tells other credit unions or banks where to find the money during a transaction. The routing number is specific to the financial institution where your account was opened. All of your personal accounts (checking, savings, etc.) at the same bank will share the same routing number.

3. Find your checking account number

To the right of the routing number is your checking account number. This is the second set of numbers at the bottom of the check. As previously mentioned, the length of the account number may vary depending on your bank but is usually between eight and 14 digits. The checking account number is unique to your specific account, so no two account holders at the same credit union or bank will share the same account number.

On some checks, a symbol (such as a colon or vertical bar) may separate the account number from the routing number. If your check has this symbol, it can help you easily distinguish between the two sets of numbers.

4. Double-check the check number

The third set of numbers at the bottom of your check is the check number. This matches the one in the top right corner and helps you and the bank keep track of each check. It's usually shorter than the routing and account numbers, often just three or four digits. While it's key for record-keeping, it doesn't identify your bank or account.

If you have several checking accounts at the same bank, each one will have its own unique check number sequence. This makes it easier to keep track of which checks you've written from each account.

5. Be aware of common variations in check layouts

While most checks follow the layout described above, some financial institutions may use a slightly different arrangement, especially for business checks. In some cases, the check number may appear before the account number. Generally, if you see a short set of three to four numbers at the bottom middle of the check, it's most likely the check number.

Additionally, some checks may have extra symbols at the end of the routing or account numbers. These are typically used for internal processing purposes and should not be included when filling out forms or providing your account information to others.

If you're ever totally unsure, you can always contact your credit union or bank for clarification on how to read your specific checks.

Other ways to find your checking account number

If you don’t have a physical check handy, there are several other ways to locate your bank account number:

1. Online banking or mobile app. Many credit unions and banks offer online banking platforms or mobile apps where you can view your account details, including your account number. Simply log into your account, navigate to the section for account information, and your account number should be listed there. At Alliant, your checking account number can be found under Account Number within online banking and under Account Number on the Alliant mobile banking app. For added security, your checking account number is only visible on the Alliant mobile app after you receive an authentication alert to confirm it is you.
2. Bank statements. Your monthly financial statement, whether paper or electronic, will usually include your account number at the top of the document.
3. Checkbook ledger. Some people use checkbook ledgers to record checks and balances. In many cases, the account number will also be printed on the ledger itself.

Protecting your checking account number

Your checking account number falling into the wrong hands can potentially lead to fraudulent activity, unauthorized access to your funds, and even identity theft. Here are a few tips to help keep your checking account number safe: • Only share your account number with trusted sources: For example, if you’re giving your checking account number for direct deposit, make sure it’s with a legitimate employer or financial service. • Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi or computers: These networks can be easily hacked, so avoid logging into your online banking account or entering your account number while connected to a public network. • Regularly monitor your account activity: Keep an eye on your transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately to your credit union or bank. • Securely dispose of physical documents: If you receive paper statements or documents with your account number, make sure to shred them before disposing of them. This prevents anyone from retrieving your information from the trash.