How do you check your account number

You’ve opened a new bank account but can’t locate the account number.

Let’s go through some questions to help you find out solutions for ‘how to find my bank account number?’.

To begin with, we first need to identify: What is a bank account number?

A bank account number is a principal identifier for a bank account. It is a unique number. The account number is different for every account holder; no two banks will have the same account number.

For segregation, banks use different codes at the beginning of the account number. In India, public sector banks have their pattern and usually follow an 11 digit pattern. However, private sector banks use either a 12 digit account or a 14 digit account number.

For instance, HDFC Bank provides the customer with one primary customer id and subsequent bank account number(s) depending on the accounts the customer has.

HDFC Bank account number is made up of 14 digits. It is formatted in a manner that the branch and the type of product are easily identified.

Each bank has a specific style of formatting their account numbers for ease of use.

Next Let’s Look at: How to find bank account number?

There are several ways to find your bank account number, but if you try to use all the means, it could get confusing at times.

Here are some basic ways when the customer makes an inquiry with the bank on ‘how to find my bank account number’.

• Welcome Letter: this is the simplest and easiest method to locate your bank account number. When you set up your new bank account, most of the banks today provide you with a welcome kit which contains an account welcome letter. Your customer id, account number, bank IFSC code, usage of your account and other details are listed in this letter.
• Cheque Book: the cheque book which is provided in the welcome kit also contains the account number. It can be found on the main page with all the account details. Every cheque leaf also has the account number printed on it.
• Passbook or Monthly Statements :
• Passbook: most public sector banks still provide a passbook which comprises all the debits and credits of the bank account. The summary page of the passbook covers all the bank account details, including the bank account number.
• Monthly Statements: these statements dispensed by the banks either in a physical format which are sent to your registered address or in e-format which is emailed to your registered e-mail address contain the bank account number. The number is found most of the times at the top of the statement. Each bank has its format for the statements.
• NetBanking: another simple method is to utilise the NetBanking platform to view the account summary or account details. This is a particularly convenient method if one is overseas.
• Phone Apps: MobileBanking apps provide the customer with the most convenient way of checking their account number and other account related requirements. The moment you log into your app from your phone, the account number is displayed on your screen. It is the fastest way to check your account details, especially on the go.

  You can read more about Mobile Banking technology here.

• Visit the Branch: the most traditional means of how to check my bank account number is by visiting the nearest branch of your bank. However, it is also advisable to visit your home branch where the account has been opened.
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These are the primary means of how to find bank account number for any further clarifications do visit your bank’s nearest branch.

Looking for your HDFC Bank Account? Click here to get started!

* The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.

You typically need your checking account number to set up electronic payments or direct deposits. The easiest way to find that number is on a personal check (but there are other solutions if you don’t have checks handy).

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

1. The first number on the left is your bank routing number.
2. The second (middle) number is your account number.
3. The third number is your check number.

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

Note

You can generally find the account number on a check by locating the following symbol: ⑈. The digits just before that symbol are your account number.

Other Numbers on Your Check

If you need to provide an account number, there's a good chance you'll need to provide other details from the check as well. Your account number by itself is not sufficient to create a link to your bank account for direct deposit or automatic bill payments.

Routing Numbers

The number on the far left is generally your bank’s routing transit number (RTN) or American Bankers Association (ABA) number. That nine-digit code identifies your bank, but it does not identify your specific account at that bank.

Check Numbers

The set of numbers on the far right should be a check number, which is helpful when researching an individual check for your own accounting. A check number does not reference your bank or your account—it’s just a unique identifier for every check you write, helping you track your spending and balance your checkbook. Check numbers are not crucial for processing payments. In fact, check numbers can be re-used or used out of sequential order without major problems.

Business Checks and Bank-Printed Checks

The format described and shown in the example above applies to most personal checks. However, checks that come from businesses (such as payroll checks) and checks that have been printed out by your bank might have a different format.

Note

Checks mailed by businesses or sent from online bill payment services often have account numbers as the third set of numbers from the left.

To further complicate matters, those checks may use account and routing numbers that are different from the numbers on your personal checks. If you try to copy your account number from a check printed using your bank’s online bill payment tool, you’ll get an account number that does not map directly to your individual account. Instead, that number points to an account that your bank uses for bill payments. You won't be able to use those numbers to link your account for direct deposit, Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments, or wire transfers.

Note

It’s best to use a recently printed personal check to find your account information. If you have any doubts about which numbers to use, just 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 get your automatic payments set up. They’ll need to know exactly which account you want to use because ABA numbers may vary depending on where you opened your account. You might also be able to find this information online when you’re logged into your account. Look for a direct deposit form, account details area, or instructions for setting up Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and ACH.

Getting the account number right is worth a few minutes on the phone with customer service. Consider the consequences of an improper setup: You might not get paid on time, and you might end up bouncing checks or missing payments for important things (like your mortgage or student loan, which can lead to serious headaches and expenses). Get it done right the first time, and then let everything run on autopilot—that’s the whole 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 any checks? The next best place to look is your monthly statement. In some cases, your account number is partially hidden (especially if you view statements online), so you may need to call or chat online with customer service. You may also be able to click on something that enables you to expand or "show" your full account number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is a bank account number?

Account numbers vary, but they typically fall between 10 and 12 numbers. Bank routing numbers are always nine numbers.

The number on the check is tied to the account that the check will draw funds from. If you have multiple accounts with your bank, you will have to look up your account numbers online and match them to your check to learn which account the check is tied to.

How can I find my bank account number online?

How do you know what your account number is?