Quick answer

The line of numbers at the bottom of a check has three parts. From left to right:

Routing number: the first 9 digits. It identifies your bank.
Account number: the next group of digits. It identifies your account at that bank, and its length varies.
Check number: the last few digits. It matches the number in the top right corner of the check.

Some business checks print the check number first, on the far left. If you’re not sure which group is which, the routing number is always exactly 9 digits between two ⑆ symbols.

The parts of a check, labeled

Every part of a personal check. Sample illustration with placeholder numbers, not a real bank or account.

#	Part	What it tells you
1	Payer information	The name, and often the address, of the account holder writing the check.
2	Check number	Numbers each check in sequence. It matches the check number in the bottom line.
3	Fractional routing number	An older form of the routing number. Its bottom half matches the first four digits of the 9-digit routing number.^[1]
4	Date	The date the check was written.
5	Payee line	The person or business the check is paid to.
6	Amount box	The amount in numbers.
7	Written amount	The amount in words. If it doesn’t match the box, the words count.^[3]
8	Bank name	The bank that holds the account. Some checks also show its city or logo.
9	Memo line	An optional note, such as an invoice or account number.
10	Signature line	The account holder’s signature, which authorizes the payment.
11	Routing number	9 digits that identify the bank.
12	Account number	Identifies the account at that bank.
13	Check number	The same number as the top right corner.

To fill in these fields yourself, see our guide to writing a check.

The routing number on a check

The routing number is the first group of numbers at the bottom left, always exactly 9 digits, between two ⑆ symbols. It’s also called the ABA routing number or routing transit number. The ABA’s official registrar issues these numbers to eligible banks and credit unions.^[2]

The digits follow a pattern:^[1]

First four digits: the Federal Reserve routing symbol. The first two of these show the Federal Reserve District the bank is in, for example 01 for Boston and 12 for San Francisco.
Next four digits: identify the specific bank.
Last digit: a check digit. It’s calculated from the other eight, so processing systems can catch a mistyped routing number.

Look up a routing number. Enter the 9 digits from a check in our free bank routing number lookup to see which bank it belongs to.

Wires and direct deposit can use a different number. A bank may give you one routing number for checks and another for wire transfers or electronic payments. When you set up a wire or direct deposit, use the number your bank lists for that purpose.

Where is the account number on a check?

The account number is the middle group of numbers at the bottom of a check, right after the routing number. It usually ends with a ⑈ symbol. Its length depends on your bank, so don’t worry if yours is shorter or longer than someone else’s.

On many business checks the order is different. The check number comes first on the far left, then the routing number, then the account number. The routing number is still the 9-digit group between the two ⑆ symbols.

If you don’t have checks, find your account number in your bank’s app or online banking, or on your bank statement. Don’t use a debit card number. It isn’t the same as your account number.

The check number

The check number appears twice: in the top right corner and in the bottom line. The two should always match. It lets you and your bank track which checks have cleared, and a gap in the sequence is a reason to look for a lost, voided or stolen check. If you cancel one, note the number as described in how to void a check.

What are the symbols at the bottom of a check?

The bottom line is printed in a special typeface called E-13B, using magnetic ink, so bank machines can read it. This is called the MICR line. The symbols tell those machines where each field starts and ends:

⑆ Transit symbol: marks the start and end of the routing number.
⑈ On-us symbol: separates the account number and check number.

The blank space at the bottom right is for the amount, which can be printed during processing. For the full story on fonts, toner and placement, see what is MICR.

Signs a check is genuine

The check numbers match at the top and bottom.
The routing number matches the bank printed on the check. Check it with the routing number lookup.
A padlock icon on the front means the check has security features, such as microprinting or a warning band, which are usually listed on the back. The icon belongs to the Check Payment Systems Association.^[4]
The bottom line looks clean and evenly spaced. Blurry or uneven numbers can be a warning sign.

None of these prove a check is good. If something seems wrong, call the bank using a phone number you look up yourself, not one printed on the check. Our check fraud guide covers more.

Printing your own checks

When a business prints its own checks on blank check stock with software such as MultiCHAX, the software prints the bank name, routing number, account number and check number along with the payment, including the MICR line at the bottom. That makes accurate bank details critical. Copy the numbers from a check or statement your bank issued, confirm the routing number with the lookup tool, and test one printed check with your bank before you send any.

Once you’ve received a check, see how to endorse a check to deposit it.

Frequently asked questions

Is the account number the first or second set of numbers on a check?

On most personal checks it’s the second set, after the 9-digit routing number. On many business checks the check number comes first, so the account number is the third set.

How many digits is a routing number?

Always 9. If you count more or fewer, you may be looking at the account number or the check number.

Can I use the routing number on a deposit slip?

Use a check or your bank’s app instead. Some banks print internal processing numbers on deposit slips that aren’t the routing number you need.

Is it safe to share my routing and account numbers?

Your routing number is public and identifies your bank, not you. Your account number is more sensitive, though it appears on every check you write. Share both only with people and companies you trust, such as an employer setting up direct deposit.

What does the fraction in the top right corner mean?

It’s the fractional form of the routing number, a format from before machines read checks. Its bottom half matches the first four digits of the 9-digit routing number.^[1]

Sources

Last reviewed November 2026. This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Confirm account details with your bank.

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How to Read a Check: Routing Number, Account Number and Check Number