What is an account number (2024)

An account number is a set of digits used to identify your bank account.

You’ll need your account number and sort code to send and receive money. You may also provide your bank details to companies so that they can pay into your account, like when your employer pays your wages.

How long is an account number?

An account number is eight digits long.

What is a sort code?

A sort code is specific to each bank and usually relates to a branch of that bank. It is six digits long and separated by two hyphens, E.G. 00-00-00. Along with your account number it provides you with a unique set of details to identify your account.

What's an expiry date?

The expiry date is when your card will become inactive. Providing you have used your card within the last 12 months, a new card will be sent out a few weeks prior to your expiration date. When you are sent a new card, you will have new card details, but your account number and sort code will remain the same. A card expiry date helps prevent fraud.

What is an account number (2024)

FAQs

What is an account number? ›

An account number usually consists of eight to 17 digits that identify your bank account at your financial institution. Whether you have a savings, money market or checking account, it will have a unique account number that you should keep secure.

What if someone asks for account number? ›

When it comes to a scammer asks for your banking account details online, this is never a legitimate request. All that happens when they ask you to provide them the information so they can either clean all the money out of your account or use it to launder money purloined from other people.

What is the 16 digit account number? ›

The account number on a debit card technically refers to the 16-digit primary account number (PAN), the unique card identifier located on the front of the card.

How many digits is an account number example? ›

Every bank-related financial transaction requires a routing number and an account number. The routing number identifies the specific bank. The account number (usually 10-12 digits) refers to the client's account.

Is account number 7 digits? ›

How many digits is a bank account number? Bank account numbers typically consist of eight to 12 digits, but some account numbers could even contain up to 17 digits. You can find your account number on your checks or by accessing your account on your financial institution's website or by contacting the bank directly.

Is an account number 6 digits? ›

The routing number, account number, and check number are located at the bottom edge of your check. Routing numbers are always 9 digits long. Account numbers may be up to 17 digits long.

Do I give someone my account number? ›

Generally, it isn't safe to share your bank account information, including your routing number, with anyone you don't know.

Can someone steal your money if they know your account number? ›

If a criminal has both your routing number and account number they can potentially steal money from your account through fraudulent ACH transfers and payments.

Can you give a stranger your account number? ›

While it's generally safe to share your bank account number and sort code, the risk arises when you give your bank details alongside other personal information. If a scammer gets hold of additional sensitive data like your Social Security number, address, or name, they can potentially steal money from your account.

What is an example of a bank account number? ›

Account number example

The account number is the second series of digits, and it's scrunched between the routing and check numbers. In the same example from above, the 12-digit account number is 012345678912.

How can I find my account number without a check? ›

Acquire the bank statement (electronic or paper) Identify the first page of the bank statement. Look at the top of the right column. The number beside “Account:” is your account number.

Can I check account number online? ›

Internet Banking: For bank account number search, log in to the net banking portal of your bank. The Bank account number will be there on the homepage of your net banking portal. Passbook: The passbook that you get from a bank, is another place where you can find your bank account number.

How many digits should your account number be? ›

The account number works in conjunction with the routing number. While the routing number identifies the financial institution's name, the account number—usually between eight and 12 digits—identifies your account.

How many digits will be there in account number? ›

This is unique in nature and no two banks or account holders can have the same account number. Banks use different starting codes for their branches for easy segregation. In India, bank account numbers usually contain 11 to 16 digits. The public sector banks follow a pattern of 11 digits which 5 + 6 (account number).

Is my account number on my debit card? ›

No. The number shown on the debit card is the card number, not the checking account number. The checking account number can be found along the bottom of a check, on a bank statement, or through an online banking platform.

Where do I find my account number? ›

How Do You Find Out Your Account Number? You can find your bank account number on your bank statements, printed at the bottom of a paper check, or by logging on to the bank's website. If you can't find it in these ways, try visiting a bank branch in person.

Where should I find my account number? ›

Look at a check. Your account number (usually 10 digits) is specific to your personal account. It's the second set of numbers printed on the bottom of your checks, just to the right of the bank routing number.

Where is account number on card? ›

Most banks also print the bank account number on the front or back of your bank card. However, this is not to be confused with the card number, which is the 16 digit number, usually placed in the middle of your bank card.

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