Your account number is the unique identifier for your specific bank account. It's typically 8-12 digits long and appears on your checks, bank statements, and online banking portal. This number tells the bank exactly which account to access when processing transactions.

You'll need your account number and the institution’s routing number for direct deposits, automatic payments, wire transfers, and ACH transactions. Keep this number secure—while it's not as sensitive as your Social Security number, sharing it with unauthorized parties could potentially lead to fraudulent transactions. When setting up new financial services or changing banks, having your account number handy speeds up the process.