How can I find my bank account number?

Your bank account number is like an ID; It is valuable information that is unique to you. This number enables the transfer and receipt of funds, ensuring that payments go to the correct accounts. For example, knowing your bank account number lets you sign up for direct deposit, transfer money between banks, pay bills, use peer-to-peer payment apps, and more.

You probably haven’t counted your bank account number – and you don’t need it. There are a few different ways you can access it when needed. Read on to find out where to find your bank account number and how to keep this information safe.

A bank account number identifies and provides access to a specific bank account, such as your checking or savings account. It is personal to you and should be kept safe.

Bank account numbers are usually between eight and 12 digits long. However, don’t confuse your bank account number with your debit or credit card number – they’re not the same thing. Even if your debit card is linked to a checking account, the number on your card is different from your checking account number.

Depending on your account type and bank account, there are several places to look for your bank account number. Below are five ways to easily find your bank account number when needed.

If you receive paper or electronic bank statements, you should be able to find your identification number on the document issued by that bank. Look for an eight- to 12-digit number near the top of the description. It should be labeled “Account” or “Account Number”.

Read more: What is a bank statement, and how do you read one?

If you’re looking for your checking account number, your checkbook (if you have one) can help you find it quickly. Look for your identification number on the bottom of the check. Typically, the number on the left is your routing number, followed by your eight- to 12-digit identification number in the middle of the check.

Read more: Where are the routing and tracking numbers on the check?

Log in to your bank’s online platform using your username and password. You may need to answer a security question, provide a one-time code sent to your phone, or complete another multi-factor authentication method. After logging in, you should find your account number listed in your account details.

If online banking is not yet set up, you will need to register through your bank’s website before you can log in and view account details.

Read more: Online Banking vs Traditional Banking: Which is Right for You?

If you use mobile banking, you can find your account number in your bank’s mobile app. Simply sign in, complete any multi-factor authentication as needed, and navigate to your account details.

Read more: 5 main advantages of mobile banking

If all else fails, contact your bank. If your bank has a convenient location, log in and request your account details in person. If not, contact customer service for assistance.

You may need to provide your bank transfer number when you make a transfer, sign up for direct deposit, or otherwise use your account number.

A routing number is a nine-digit number that identifies a specific financial institution in the US, but is not specific to your account. So, if you have two accounts in the same institution, they will have different account numbers, but the routing number is the same. Note that larger establishments may have multiple routing numbers to serve different regions of the country.

You can usually find your routing number by checking, on your bank or credit union’s website, or online by searching for “(name of your bank) routing number.”

Both your bank account number and routing number are key to identifying your deposits and making transactions.

Read more: What is the ABA turnover number?

There are many situations where you need to access and share your bank account number. However, you should do it carefully.

Knowing these numbers makes it easier for fraudsters to access your accounts, steal your identity, and make unauthorized purchases. Keep your information safe and know when it’s okay to share this information and when it’s not.

Be careful not to give bank account details when:

• You don’t know the person or company asking. It may sound obvious, but don’t trust a stranger with your sensitive information, no matter how official it seems.

• Online shopping. When shopping online, pay with a credit card instead of a debit card or bank account. Credit cards come with liability protection, which ensures that you are not responsible for unauthorized purchases made on your account.

• You are on an insecure website. You can usually tell if a website is secure by looking at the URL. Secure websites start with “https” instead of “http” or have a lock icon in the address bar. In addition, some browsers may warn you with a pop-up when you enter an unsafe site.

• Using public Wi-Fi. Public networks are typically less secure than private networks, making your online activities more vulnerable. Do not access your bank accounts or share sensitive information while on a public network.

• Accepting unsolicited information requests. If anyone – even someone who seems to represent your bank – asks for your bank statement out of the blue, beware. Bank representatives should not contact you for this information without initiating some kind of transaction or relationship.