 |
| Image: Moneybestpal.com |
An account number is a unique string of numbers, letters, or other characters that identify a specific financial account. Account numbers are a standard part of almost all financial transactions. Routing and credit card numbers are a couple of examples of account numbers.
What are account numbers?
Account numbers function similarly to customer IDs or unique fingerprints for each account holder. Financial firms use them to specify precisely where the money in a transaction is coming from and going.
Depending on the kind of account and the financial institution, account numbers can have different lengths and formats. A bank account number, for instance, can be nine to twelve digits long, whereas a credit card number might be sixteen digits long.
Account numbers typically come with other details including the account's age, phone number, email address, physical address, and balance.
How to find your account number?
There are different ways to find your account number depending on the type of account and the financial institution. Here are some common methods:- On a paper check: Your bank account number can be found at the bottom of a paper check, immediately behind the routing number. The nine-digit routing number serves as a unique identifier for the bank that holds the account. Typically, the check number comes after the account number.
- On an online statement: You can access your statement by logging into your credit card or online banking account. You should be able to see your account number at the top or bottom of the page.
- On a mobile app: You can use a mobile app to access your online banking or credit card account. The main screen or the account details section may display your account number.
- On a card: There may be a printed account number on some debit or credit cards. This isn't always the case though, as some cards might just display a portion of the account number or a completely different number.
- By contacting customer service: You can always get in touch with customer care at your financial institution and ask for it if none of the aforementioned approaches work for you in locating your account number. The likes of your name, birth date, social security number, or answers to security questions could be requested as verification information.
How to protect your account number from fraud?
Your account number is a private piece of information that fraudsters may exploit to steal your identity or gain access to your money. Therefore, you should take some precautions to protect it from unauthorized use. Here are some tips:- Never provide your account number to someone you don't know or without first contacting them and establishing confidence. As an illustration, unless you are certain of the person you are speaking to and the reason they need your account number, never give it out over the phone, by email, or via text message.
- A sticky note, a notebook, an unencrypted file on your computer or phone, or any other unsecured location shouldn't be used to jot down or keep your account number. Your account numbers and other sensitive information should be kept in a secure vault or with the help of a password manager.
- To access your online banking or credit card accounts, avoid using unprotected or public Wi-Fi networks. To keep your data safe from hackers and snoopers, use a VPN or a secure connection.
- Regularly check your accounts, and notify your financial institution right away of any unauthorized or questionable activity. Also, you have the option of setting up alerts or notifications for any transactions or account changes.
- Employ MFA (multi-factor authentication) or other security measures to access your accounts. By requiring a fingerprint scan, voice activation, or a time-sensitive code delivered to your phone or email, MFA provides an extra degree of authentication before providing access to your accounts.
