Many banking operations require an account number. It helps to address the individual account that is held by a bank or a credit union. Checking and savings accounts are not the only ones to have an account number. Credit cards and brokerage accounts have their account numbers. Most often when someone refers bank account number it means a checking account.
A checking account can be used to receive money from your employer and other people. When you are getting a job, the employer usually asks for a VOID check. The most important part of the VOID check is the account number and routing number. A routing number is a unique identifier of a bank. Often you can just provide account and routing numbers without the VOID check. The employer should make direct deposits to your bank account.
Other transfers like ACH transfers and wire transfers require you to use an account number of your checking or savings account. If you have two bank accounts in different banks then you can use the account number to connect each other.
In addition to an account number, for transfers between banks, you need a routing number. The number is specific to each bank so customers of the same bank often have the same routing number. However, you should know that national banks can have many routing numbers for every state they operate in.
How to find my bank account number?
Looking for an account number on a check is an old and outdated suggestion. Many modern banks don’t offer a checkbook by default or you have to order it for a fee. Then the best way to find your bank’s account information is to find it in your bank’s mobile app.
However, if a mobile app is not an option, you can use your bank’s website and find the account number in the direct deposit section.
Can someone steal money using those numbers? Knowing the account number and routing number of your checking account is not enough to withdraw money from your account. However, it should be enough for you to receive money. If you still don’t want to share this numbers you can ask for a Zelle transfer. This way your friend need only your phone number or email. No need to any bank numbers.
This is what a bank account number is.