At some point, you’ve probably needed your bank account number to set up a direct deposit, make an electronic payment, or link an account. It’s a crucial piece of financial information, and if you don’t have it memorized, there’s a simple place to look: your checkbook. Knowing how to find a account number on check is a fundamental skill for managing your finances, and it’s easier than you might think.
Your Check’s Three Key Numbers
Before you start looking, it helps to know that every standard personal check has three important sets of numbers printed along the bottom. From left to right, these are the routing number, your account number, and the check number. The routing number is always nine digits long and identifies your bank. Your account number is typically the middle set of numbers and can vary in length. Finally, the check number, which is also at the top-right of the check, is the shortest set.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Find a Account Number on Check
Grab one of your checks and turn it so you’re looking at the front. Direct your attention to the bottom edge. You’ll see a line of numbers printed in a unique font called MICR. Here’s the simple breakdown:
1. Locate the First Set of Numbers: The first group of nine digits is your bank’s routing number.
2. Identify Your Account Number: Immediately to the right of the routing number is your account number. This is the string of numbers that is unique to your specific checking account. Its length can vary from bank to bank, but it’s usually between 10 and 12 digits.
3. Confirm the Check Number: The last, shorter set of numbers is the check number. This should match the number printed in the top-right corner of the check.
Double-Checking for Accuracy
When you are copying your account number for any important transaction, accuracy is critical. A single wrong digit can cause a payment to be rejected or sent to the wrong account. It’s a good practice to read the number twice, then verify it one more time as you enter it. If you have any doubt, compare the account number on two different checks from the same account—they should be identical.
With this knowledge, you can confidently locate your account number whenever you need it. Keeping a single, voided check in a safe place can also serve as a quick reference for this information, saving you time on future financial tasks.
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