How to Check Bank Account Number?

Are you looking to receive your salary or want to keep your funds in a safe avenue and manage them well? With a bank account, you can do all this and even more. Your bank account is identified using a unique account number or UAN. But how do you find your bank account no.? Before deep diving into the ways, let’s know what bank account no. is. If you're unsure about how to check your bank account number, there are some simple ways to find it out.

A bank account number is a unique identifier allotted to every individual account held at a bank. It is essential for both the bank as well as the account holder because the bank account number allows one to make accurate transactions and assists in distinguishing between distinct accounts. When you want to transfer, receive funds, or set up automatic payments, your bank account number is what you provide.

Each bank account number is secured and confidential, and it is essential to keep it safe. Sharing your bank account number carelessly can expose you to risks. It is also recommended to always cross-check bank account numbers before making the transaction to make sure your funds are heading to the right place. So, the importance of a bank account number cannot be undermined in contemporary banking.

In simpler terms, bank account no. helps identify a bank account and is different for every bank account opened. In India, its format differs from bank to bank but it typically has between 11-16 digits. For instance, the IDFC FIRST Bank account no. has 11 digits. This unique code helps identify the IDFC FIRST Bank branch and the type of account easily. Nevertheless, the format of the account number differs depending on the banks’ convenience, as well as ease of use.

While it is crucial to know your bank account number for accepting payments, investing, and paying bills, it is also crucial to have an account that offers comprehensive benefits in your everyday banking. Considering this, IDFC FIRST Bank offers savings accounts with a range of features to enhance your banking experience and help you save more. As an account holder, you get one of the highest savings account interest rates of up to 7% p.a., with the facility of monthly interest credit, and 28 commonly used savings account services without any charges * to help your money grow better. Explore More!

What is a bank account number?
 

This is a unique identifier allotted to you when you open an account with the bank. This number helps figure out the bank account and distinguish it from other accounts. Apart from identification, a bank account is also used for sending money or setting up a standing instruction.

As a bank account number is a basic identifier, no two banks can have the same bank account number.

How does a bank account number work?
 

To figure out your bank account number, you can check your chequebook, passbook, online banking, account statements, etc. This bank account number is unique and has a defined format depending on your account variant, bank branch and other details.

A regular savings bank account number can be utilised for account identification, to transfer funds, or to set an auto pay mode. Cheque payments and utility bill payments also require an account number since it is the key identifier during transactions.

Protecting bank account numbers
 

A bank account number is crucial information and is vulnerable to theft and bank fraud. Thus, it is necessary to safeguard it. That’s the reason, you are asked security questions when updating details like a bank account number in your e-mail account, or a payment app.

With advanced digital intervention, several other security measures have been employed such as two-factor authentication, multi-step verification and more. When you update any changes in your bank account, you must verify through OTP and provide profile passwords. A profile password is an added layer of security which is different from your log-in password, and it is only used when changing information in your bank account such as address, adding beneficiary and more.

Businesses that store your bank account number create hard-to-hack vaults to keep your account number safe from any vulnerability.  Also, accountholders are getting accustomed to new security measures.

How to locate your bank account number?
 

In case you are not sure about your bank account number, then you can conveniently find the same on your chequebook, passbook, or bank account statements. New bank accounts often offer a welcome kit that contains account details such as debit card info, online banking log-in access, etc., including your account number.

The simplest way to know your bank account number is via your mobile banking application. To fetch your bank account number, simply sign into your online banking account and search for the account detail option.  

How long is a bank account number?
 

Banks in India follow a defined format for assigning bank account numbers. The account number can be an 11-digit to 16-digit number depending on the bank.

Ways to know your bank account number
 

Having understood what is account number, we will now see some simple ways to find bank account numbers. There are numerous ways to know what your bank account number is and here are five simple ways to do:

A welcome letter
 

When a bank account is opened, the new customer receives a welcome kit. You too must have received a welcome kit or letter on opening your bank account. This letter includes bank branch ID, customer ID, account number details, and other crucial information. Locating your account number details in the welcome letter is the easiest and simplest way.

A cheque book
 

In the case you have requested a chequebook online or offline and received it at your address, then you can find your bank account number on it. This book contains all crucial details like your name, mobile number, address, bank account number, etc. Also, you can find your current or savings bank account number digits on every cheque leaf.

A bank passbook or account statement
 

Banks issue a passbook or an account statement, which consists of all your account’s debit and credit transactions. The first page of the passbook has your account details, which include your name, account number, age, date of birth, contact address and number, and so on.  You can either check your account number on your passbook or conduct a bank account number search online through net or mobile banking.

With most banks offering e-statements on request, you can even conduct an account number check online by looking into your registered email account for the receipt of the same. As every monthly statement contains your bank account number, it makes it simpler for you to perform your bank account number search in case of any requirement or urgency.

Mobile banking app
 

By using your bank’s mobile app, you can locate your account number easily. On logging into the app, you get to see your bank account number.

Net banking
 

When a bank account is opened, you can sign up for net banking to access various banking services conveniently online. This platform also allows you to check your bank account balance, transfer funds, open a fixed deposit, invest, and more. You can also look at all your essential bank account details on the net banking portal, including your bank account number. This is usually on the homepage once you log in to your account along with your account balance and other basic details.

With these simple ways, you can find your bank account number. In case of any further clarifications, you can talk to the customer support team or visit the nearest branch.

Importance of keeping your bank account number secure 
 

A bank account number is a unique identifier for fund transfer and people usually share their account numbers without hesitation. However, registering your bank account number anywhere might lead to fraud or data theft, so it is necessary to keep your account number secure and be aware of how to utilise it securely. Mentioned here are some crucial reasons why you must keep your account number safe.

• Banking Fraud

It is the most common reason why you shouldn’t share your bank account details without checks. A bank account number contains numerous details and has your debit and credit card details linked with the account. Banks also suggest not sharing your account details unless a fund transfer is involved. Even if you share your bank account details for money transfers, you must be aware of the credibility of the sender, especially if it is a first-time sender or an online source from where you are receiving the money.

• Personal identity theft

Identity theft is quite common in the current digital environment. Whatever details you put public online are vulnerable to data thieves who collect information for possible fraud or cybercrimes. However, knowing just your account number, unethical hackers won’t be able to withdraw funds from your bank account but, they can closely monitor your activities and put you under the radar to collect crucial information, which can eventually result in financial losses. Ensure to keep your account number confidential unless you are accepting fund transfers from a trusted source.

• Online threat

It is always advisable not to share your account number online through e-mails or similar sources since they can be read by anyone accessing the device. Sending account numbers online through unsecured channels and messaging apps can also create a similar threat to your bank account such as fraud and data theft. Use trusted and secured channels to share your account details, especially when using a social media platform for sharing information.

• Avoid providing details to random texts requesting your account numbers

A common fraud that surfaced recently was requesting account numbers instead of sending some prize money through lotteries, online games, and more. Always avoid responding to such texts, emails, or messages. Providing account numbers to such sources can surely cause you severe financial harm. It is always important to make the right decisions and keep your bank account safe by not sharing your bank account details with a random communication you received online.

Due to a lack of awareness, people often share their account details and face severe consequences. It is advisable to secure your shared information through encryption. Even if you are sending your account number through e-mail, you can send a password-protected zip file to maintain adequate security.

If sending account details through messaging apps, you can set up disappearing messages to keep your details safe. The person needing your details can access it once and later it gets automatically deleted, reducing the chances of data theft.

By following the above methods, you can ensure your bank account is safe and away from threats and fraud.  

A bank account number is crucial information that helps banks identify your bank account details. It is uniquely assigned to each account holder and no two accounts can have the same number. Banks use a defined set of formats to assign a bank account number to the account holder. Indian banks usually allocate 11-to-16-digit account numbers depending on the type of bank.

To find your account number, you can check your bank mini statement, passbook, and chequebook or log in to your online bank account. Since it is sensitive information, you must keep your account number safe and use it with trusted and known sources. They are prone to unethical hackers so you must keep them secure to avoid financial losses.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.