You are setting up direct deposit or paying a bill, and a form asks for the accounting number on your check. If that phrase has you squinting at the bottom of a check, you are not alone. In almost every case, the accounting number means your account number, one of three sets of digits printed along the bottom of the check.
This guide shows you exactly where the account number, routing number, and check number sit, what each one does, and how to find them even if you do not have a paper check handy.
What people mean by the accounting number on a check
"Accounting number" is not an official banking term. It is almost always a slight mix-up for account number, the private number that identifies your specific bank account.
Sometimes people use it loosely to mean all the numbers a payer needs, which usually comes down to two things: your routing number and your account number. Both are printed on the bottom of every check, so once you know where to look, you can read them in seconds.
The three numbers at the bottom of a check
At the bottom of a check you will see three groups of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. Reading left to right on a standard personal check, the order is routing number, account number, then check number.
| Number | Position on check | Typical length | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routing number | Bottom left | 9 digits | Identifies your bank or credit union |
| Account number | Bottom center | 8 to 12 digits | Identifies your specific account (the "accounting number") |
| Check number | Bottom right | 3 to 4 digits | Tracks that individual check; also printed top right |
Most personal checks follow this order. Some business checks or older formats can flip the routing and account numbers, so if you are unsure, the account number is usually the longer of the two.
The routing number
The routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and it is always nine digits. It is also called an ABA routing number, and it points to the financial institution where your money is held.
Routing numbers are not secret. Your bank uses the same routing number for many customers, and you can usually find it on the bank's website. It tells other banks where to send or pull funds during a transfer.
The account number (your accounting number)
Your account number is the second set of digits, sitting between the routing number and the check number. It usually runs 8 to 12 digits, though the exact length varies by bank.
This is the number the direct deposit or bill-pay form is really asking for. Unlike the routing number, your account number is private and unique to you. Treat it like sensitive information and only share it with people or companies you trust.
The check number
The check number is the last, shortest set on the bottom right, usually three or four digits. It also appears in the top right corner of the check.
This number does not affect where money goes. It simply helps you and your bank track individual checks in order, which is handy for recordkeeping and spotting a missing check.
How to find your account and routing numbers without a check
Many people rarely use paper checks anymore, so what if you do not have one? You have several easy options.
- Log in to your bank's website or mobile app. Most list your account and routing numbers under account details or a "set up direct deposit" section.
- Check a bank statement, which usually shows your account number.
- Call your bank or visit a branch and ask.
Mobile-first accounts make this especially simple. With Current Banking, you can view your account and routing numbers directly in the app once your account is set up, so you can share them for direct deposit without hunting for a checkbook.
Current Banking
Current Banking
Current is a mobile-first banking app with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Members can earn up to 4.00% APY with a qualifying direct deposit of $200, receive direct-deposit paychecks up to 2 days early, and overdraft up to $200 fee-free.
Standout feature
4.00% APY on Savings Pods (with a $200+ qualifying direct deposit) plus paycheck up to 2 days early — both included on the standard account for free
Fees
Free
Pros
$0 monthly fee; up to 4.00% APY on Savings Pods with qualifying direct deposit; paycheck up to 2 days early;
Cons
No physical branches
Chime works the same way, showing your account and routing numbers in the app so you can read them off in seconds instead of digging out a paper check. Terms and conditions apply.
Chime
Chime
- Fee-free banking plus early pay access (up to 2 days early with direct deposit)¹ - Overdraft up to $200 without fees for eligible members¹ - 5% cash back on category of choice (with qualifying direct deposit)¹ - 3.75% APY on your savings¹
Standout feature
No credit check, no interest, no annual fee, and no minimum deposit required.
Fees
$0
Pros
Fee-Free Banking and Get paid up to 2 days early
Cons
App/online-only support, no branches
Keeping your account number safe
Because your account number is private, a little caution goes a long way. Share it only when you trust the recipient, such as your employer for direct deposit or a verified biller.
Store voided checks and statements securely, and shred anything with your account number before throwing it out. If you ever suspect your number has been exposed, contact your bank quickly so they can watch for unauthorized activity. No account is completely without risk, but these habits lower your exposure a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the accounting number the same as the account number?
Yes, in almost every case. "Accounting number" is an informal term people use for the account number, the private set of digits that identifies your specific bank account. It is the middle group of numbers at the bottom of a check.
Which number on a check is the account number?
On a standard personal check, the account number is the middle group of digits at the bottom, printed between the nine-digit routing number on the left and the shorter check number on the right. It is usually 8 to 12 digits long.
Is it safe to give someone the numbers on my check?
Your routing number is not secret, but your account number is private, so share it only with trusted people or companies such as an employer or verified biller. Store checks and statements securely and shred old ones to lower your risk of fraud.
How do I find my account and routing numbers without a check?
Log in to your bank's website or mobile app, where the numbers are usually listed under account details or a direct deposit section. You can also check a statement, call your bank, or visit a branch to get them.
