How do I know my bank account number?

Your bank account number is like a form of identification; It is valuable and unique information for you. This number enables funds to be transferred and received, ensuring payments go to and from the correct accounts. For example, knowing your bank account number allows you to sign up for direct deposit, transfer money between banks, pay bills, use peer-to-peer payment apps, and more.

You probably don’t save your bank account number — and you don’t need to. There are a few different ways you can access it if necessary. Read on to learn where to locate your bank account number and how to keep this information safe.

A bank account number identifies and provides access to a specific bank account, such as your checking or savings account. It is yours and should be kept safe.

Bank account numbers are usually eight to 12 digits long. However, don’t confuse your bank account number with your debit or credit card number – they are not the same. Even though your debit card is linked to a checking account, the number on your card is different from your checking account number.

There are several places to look for your bank account number, depending on your account type and where you bank. Here are five ways to easily find your bank account number when needed.

Whether you receive paper or electronic bank statements, you should be able to find your account number on this bank-issued document. Look for an eight- to 12-digit number near the top of the statement. It must be titled “Account” or “Account Number”.

Read more: What is a bank statement and how do you read it?

If you’re looking for your checking account number, your checkbook (if you have one) can help you find it quickly. Find your account number on the bottom of the check. Typically, the leftmost number is your routing number, followed by your eight- to 12-digit account number in the center of the check.

Read more: Where are the routing and account numbers on the check?

Log in to your bank’s online platform using your username and password. You’ll likely need to answer a security question, provide a one-time code sent to your phone, or complete another method of multi-factor authentication. After you sign in, you should be able to find your account number listed under your account details.

If you haven’t set up online banking yet, you’ll need to register through your bank’s website before you can log in and view your account details.

Read more: Online Banking vs. Traditional Banking: Which is Right for You?

If you use Mobile bankingYou can find your account number in your bank’s mobile app. Simply log in, complete any multi-factor authentication as needed, and go to your account details.

Read more: 5 Key Benefits of Mobile Banking

If all else fails, contact your bank. If your bank has a convenient website, stop by and ask for your account details in person. If not, contact customer service for assistance.

When you make a transfer, sign up for direct deposit, or otherwise use your account number, you may also need to provide your bank routing number.

A routing number is a nine-digit number that identifies a specific financial institution within the United States, but is not specific to your account. So, if you have two accounts at one organization, they will have different account numbers, but the same routing number. Note that larger organizations may have multiple routing numbers to serve different areas of the country.

You can often find your routing number on a check, on your bank or credit union’s website, or by searching online for “routing number (name of your bank).”

Both your bank account number and routing number are key to identifying your deposits and making transactions.

Read more: What is an ABA routing number?

There are a lot of situations where you may need to access and even share your bank account number. However, you should do this with caution.

Knowing these numbers can make it easier for scammers to access your accounts, steal your identity, and make unauthorized purchases. Keep your information safe and know when it’s okay to share that information — and when it’s not.

Be careful about giving out your bank account details when:

• You don’t know the person or company asking for it. It may seem obvious, but don’t trust a stranger with your sensitive information, no matter how official it may seem.

• Online shopping. When shopping online, pay with a credit card rather than a debit card or bank account. Credit cards come with liability protection, ensuring that you are not liable for unauthorized purchases on your account.

• You are on an unsafe site. You can often tell if a website is secure by looking at the URL. Secure websites usually start with “https” instead of “http” or have a padlock symbol in the address bar. In addition, some browsers may warn you with a pop-up window when you enter an unsafe site.

• Use public Wi-Fi. Public networks are usually less secure than private networks, making your online activity more vulnerable. Do not access your bank accounts or share sensitive information while on a public network.

• Receiving an unsolicited request for information. If anyone — even someone who appears to represent your bank — suddenly asks for your bank account number, be prepared. Bank representatives should not contact you to obtain this information without you initiating some type of transaction or communication.