Where Is the Account Number on a Check?

Generally, you need your checking account number to set up electronic payments or direct deposits. The easiest way to find this number is with a personal check (but there are other solutions if you don't have checks handy).

Your account number is at the bottom of your check. There should be three sets of numbers in a special machine-readable font at the bottom:

The first number to the left is your bank's routing number.
The second (middle) number is your account number.
The third number is your check number.

For example, see the image at the top of this page. This layout applies to most personal checks, but business checks (and online bill pay checks) can be different.

You can usually find your account number on a check by locating the following symbol: ⑈. The digits immediately preceding this symbol are your account number.

Other numbers on your check

If you need to provide an account number, you will most likely need to provide other check details as well. Your account number alone is not sufficient to link to your bank account for direct deposit or automatic bill payments.

Route numbers

The number on the far left is usually your bank's transit route number (RTN) or the American Bankers Association (ABA) number. This nine-digit code identifies your bank, but does not identify your specific account at that bank.

Check numbers

The set of numbers to the right should be a check number, which is useful when looking for an individual check for your own general ledger.

A check number does not refer to your bank or account, it is just a unique identifier for each check you write, helping you keep track of your expenses and balance your checkbook. Check numbers are not crucial for processing payments. In fact, the check numbers can be reused or used out of sequential order without major problems.

Business checks and checks printed by banks

The format described and shown in the previous example applies to most personal checks. However, business checks (such as payroll checks) and checks printed by your bank may have a different format.

Checks sent by online bill paying companies or services typically have account numbers like the third set of numbers from the left.

To further complicate matters, these checks can use different account and routing numbers than your personal check numbers.

If you try to copy your account number from a paper check using your bank's online bill payment tool, you will receive an account number that is not directly assigned to your individual account.

Instead, this number points to an account that your bank uses to pay bills. You cannot use these numbers to link your account for direct deposit, Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments, or wire transfers.

It is best to use a recently printed personal check to find your account information. If you have any questions about what numbers to use, contact your bank and get the details.

Ask customer service

A customer service representative at your bank can tell you everything you need to know to set up your automatic payments.

They will need to know exactly which account you want to use because ABA numbers can vary depending on where you opened your account.

You can also find this information online when you are logged into your account. Find a direct deposit form, account details area, or instructions for setting up Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and ACH.

Getting the correct account number takes a few minutes on the phone with customer service. Consider the consequences of improper setup: You may not get paid on time, and you may end up returning checks or missing important things (like your mortgage or student loan, which can lead to serious headaches and expenses).

Get it right the first time and then let everything run on autopilot; That's the main point of signing up for electronic payments.

If you don't have checks

It's easy to find your account number on a check, but what if you don't have a check? The next best place to look is your monthly statement.

In some cases, your account number is partially hidden (especially if you view account statements online), so you may need to call or chat with customer service online. You can also click on something that allows you to expand or "show" your full account number.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Where Is the Account Number on a Check 

https://youtu.be/OSGVU0i0ZDA

Source: How to DIY

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