In our increasingly digital world, you might not write checks often, but knowing how to read one is still essential. Whether you’re setting up direct deposit for your job, scheduling an online bill payment, or linking your bank account to a payment app, you’ll need to find two crucial pieces of information: the routing number and the account number. These numbers are the unique identifiers that ensure your money gets to the right place.
Finding them is simple once you know where to look. Let’s break down the familiar parts of a check so you can locate these numbers with confidence.
Finding Your Routing Number
Look at the bottom of your check. You’ll see a string of numbers printed in a distinctive magnetic ink font. The first set of numbers, typically nine digits long, is your routing number. This isn’t your personal number; it’s the address for your bank or credit union. Every financial institution has its own unique routing number, which tells the banking system where the funds for the check are held. Think of it as the bank’s ZIP code for money transfers.
Locating Your Personal Account Number
Immediately to the right of the routing number, you’ll find your personal account number. This sequence of numbers can vary in length depending on your bank. This is your unique identifier within that specific bank branch. It’s the number that points directly to your checking or savings account, ensuring the money comes out of your account and not someone else’s.
A Quick Look at the Check Number
You’ll notice a third set of numbers at the very end of the sequence at the bottom of the check. This is the check number, which usually matches the number you see in the top-right corner. This is simply for your own record-keeping to help you track individual payments.
A Simple Way to Remember the Order
If you ever get the numbers mixed up, remember this easy trick. Reading from left to right at the bottom of the check, the order is always: Routing Number | Account Number | Check Number. The routing and account numbers are separated by a special symbol, while your account and check numbers are also divided. This visual cue helps you tell them apart.
With this knowledge, you can easily find these numbers whenever you need them. The next time you’re setting up a payment or depositing a check remotely, you’ll know exactly where to look on that little piece of paper.
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