Even in our digital world, there are still times when you need to write a good old-fashioned paper check. Whether you’re setting up direct deposit, making a payment over the phone, or linking your bank account to a new service, you’ll likely be asked for your account number. This crucial piece of information is printed directly on your check, but it can be a bit confusing to spot among all the other numbers.
Finding Your Account Number on a Check
Grab one of your checks and turn it so the long edge is at the top. At the very bottom, you’ll see a line of strange-looking numbers printed in a special font. This is the MICR line, and it contains all the essential routing and account information for the bank. The sequence of numbers is broken up into three distinct groups.
Breaking Down the Numbers at the Bottom
The first set of numbers, usually nine digits long, is the routing number. This identifies your bank or credit union, not your specific account. The next set of numbers is your account number. This can vary in length, typically from 10 to 12 digits, and it’s unique to you. Finally, the last set of numbers is the check number, which should match the number you see in the top-right corner of the check.
A Quick Reference for the Future
To make things easier next time, consider marking one of your checks for reference. You can lightly write “Routing” above the first number sequence and “Account” above the second. Just be sure to keep this check in a very safe and secure place, as it contains sensitive financial information. Never post a picture of a signed check online.
Knowing where to find your account number puts you in control of your banking tasks. With this simple guide, you can quickly and confidently locate this important number whenever you need it.
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