Which is routing and which is account number on check

Find your account number on a check

Your account number is on the bottom of a check. It’s the second set of numbers, between the nine-digit routing number and the check number.

What is the account number on a check?

The account number listed on a check is used to identify the unique bank account that the money is coming from. Without the right account number, paychecks can get delayed or fees may be charged for missing bills due to checks not going through.

If you have multiple checking accounts (such as a personal and business accounts), each has its own account number. Though a routing number is specific to your bank or credit union, an account number is specific to you. Account numbers vary in length but typically only go up to 12 digits.

Other ways to find your account number

Find your account number on a paper statement

If you have a paper bank statement or an electronic (PDF) version of it, your account number should be listed on the top. Look for “account number,” followed by a series of numbers.

Find your account number through online banking

Sign into your bank account through the bank’s online portal. The account number may be displayed in the account information or account summary sections, but some banks and credit unions may cloak part of it. If so, there’s likely a prompt that says “show” or “reveal” to display all the digits.

Call your bank and ask for your account number

A customer service representative at your bank can provide you with your account number. The representative will likely ask a few security questions to verify your identity before providing the information.

What is the routing number on a check?

Though the bank account number indicates the unique account you use to fund the check, the routing number identifies the bank itself. Routing numbers are required for many types of financial transactions, including check processing and wire transfers.

Like the account number, the routing number can be found at the bottom of a check. It is the first set of numbers, nine digits long, on the left.

Bottom line

At its core, your account number is a unique identifier for your bank account. It’s important because it tells the bank or credit union exactly which account to take money from and which one it belongs in. The account number is needed to enroll in direct deposit and setting up electronic payments.

–Anna Baluch contributed to a previous version of this article.

August 2, 2022 |3 min read

A routing number is a key element in all sorts of banking transactions. It tells banks where the money should go or come from during a transaction.

Learn all about bank routing numbers, where to find them and how to use them.

Key Takeaways

• Routing numbers are found on a check. You may also find them by signing into your account online and in mobile apps.
• Routing numbers are different from account numbers.
• A routing number is needed for transactions involving checks, automated payments and direct deposits.
• There are a few places you can go to find your routing number, including checkbooks or online accounts.

What Is a Routing Number?

A routing number is a nine-digit string of numbers that functions as a bank’s identifier or ID number. The American Banking Association created the system in 1910 and assigns the numbers to financial institutions. Routing numbers are only used in the U.S., but other countries might have number systems of their own that serve the same purpose.

Routing numbers are issued to state-chartered or federal financial institutions that have accounts with the Federal Reserve Bank, and they’re public information. 

Some banks may have separate routing numbers for electronic transactions. These are known as Automated Clearing House (ACH) routing numbers, or electronic routing numbers. 

Larger, national financial institutions may have different routing numbers in different states.

Where Is the Routing Number on a Check?

The routing number is the first of three groups of numbers in the bottom left-hand corner of a check. The second set of numbers is the checking account number, and the third set of numbers is the check number.

There are a few ways you can find your routing number if you don’t have checks:

• Visit your bank’s website.
• Check online or through your mobile banking app—you may be able to find it under your account information.
• Look at your bank statement.
• Contact your bank.

To locate the routing number for your Capital One account, you can sign in online, click on the account you need the routing number for and hit “View Details.”

Why Routing Numbers Are Important

Routing numbers are critical for ensuring funds go to or come from the right financial institution during a transaction. You may need to use your routing number for:

• Direct deposits
• Wire transfers
• Paying bills over the phone or online
• Setting up automatic payments or scheduling electronic payments
• Making or receiving payments via payment apps
• Transferring funds between accounts at different banks
• Retirement account deposits
• Ordering checks

Routing Numbers in a Nutshell

Routing numbers are nine-digit numerical codes that identify banks and other financial institutions. Routing numbers are needed for many different types of banking transactions, so it’s a good idea to make sure your routing number is correct. If it’s incorrect, it can prevent the transaction from going through.

If you’re searching for your account routing number, you can find it on the paper checks that come with your checking account. And if you’re new to banking, you can learn how to write a check to help you get started.

Which on a check is the account number?

Which number is the routing number on a check?