Which Is the Accounting Number on a Check?

A check serves as a written instruction to a financial institution, directing it to transfer an amount of money from the payer’s account to a designated recipient. To ensure these transactions are processed accurately, every check contains several distinct numerical sequences, each fulfilling a unique purpose. Understanding these numbers is important for managing personal finances and verifying that funds are directed correctly.

The Bank Account Number

The bank account number is the primary identifier for an individual’s or entity’s account at a financial institution. This unique set of digits ensures that funds are accurately debited from or credited to the correct account during a transaction. Its purpose is to clearly distinguish one account from another within the same bank or credit union.

Account numbers range from 8 to 17 digits. This number is usually found in the middle section of the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) line at the bottom of a check. It is a private number unique to your specific account.

The Routing Number

The routing number, also known as the American Bankers Association (ABA) routing transit number, identifies the specific financial institution involved in a transaction. Its main function is to facilitate the movement of funds between different banks. The routing number ensures that when a check is processed, it reaches the correct bank for clearance.

This number is always nine digits long in the United States and is typically the first set of numbers located on the far left of the MICR line at the bottom of a check. Unlike account numbers, routing numbers are public and are shared by all customers of a particular financial institution, though larger banks may have multiple routing numbers depending on the region or specific services.

The Check Number

The check number is a sequential identifier used primarily for personal record-keeping. Its purpose is to help individuals track their expenditures and reconcile their bank statements efficiently. This number allows for easy identification of specific transactions when reviewing financial records.

This sequential number is commonly found in two locations on a standard check. It appears in the top right corner of the check and also as the last set of numbers on the MICR line at the bottom. While useful for organization, the check number does not directly participate in the transfer of funds between accounts, unlike the routing and account numbers.