Why was I asked for a 9 digit account number? (2024)

FAQs

Can an account number be 9 digits? ›

How many digits is a bank account number? Bank account numbers typically consist of eight to 12 digits, but some account numbers could even contain up to 17 digits. You can find your account number on your checks or by accessing your account on your financial institution's website or by contacting the bank directly.

When you start an account with Indian Bank, you will be given a 9-digit account number. Account numbers are assigned at random since Indian Bank employs BaNCS core banking.

The account number works in conjunction with the routing number. While the routing number identifies the financial institution's name, the account number—usually between eight and 12 digits—identifies your account.

If someone has your bank account and routing number, they could make unauthorized ACH transfers and payments, create counterfeit checks and even launder money through your account.

A routing transit number is a nine-digit number used to identify a bank or financial institution when clearing funds or processing checks.

Your bank account number alone is not enough for someone to withdraw money from your account. Scammers can use your bank account and routing number to commit ACH fraud, make online purchases, deposit money for illegal activities, and create fraudulent checks.

It should be 9 digit long. You may please find your routing and account number by signing in to chase.com and choosing the last four digits of the account number that appears above your account information—a PDF will open to display your account and routing number.

Routing numbers are always 9 numerical digits in length and are used specifically to identify each Financial Institution. They can ALL be found online by searching Bank Name. It's also on the bottom left corner of your check & within your online account.

Your account number (usually 10 digits) is specific to your personal account. It's the second set of numbers printed on the bottom of your checks, just to the right of the bank routing number.

In most cases, it's safe to share your bank account number with: Tax filing services to pay for or receive annual tax credits. Your employer to set up direct deposit for recurring paychecks. Online payment and money transfer services such as PayPal or Zelle to deposit funds into your account.

What is the difference between a routing number and an account number? ›

Routing vs Account Number

A routing number is nine digits that identify the financial institution that holds your account, while an account number is the unique 9 to 12 digit number that identifies your specific account within that financial institution.

Most banks no longer allow others to check or know your bank account balance. However, some banks provide the account balance details when people simply call and request it. For instance, anyone knowing your account information can call the bank to verify the fund on a cheque.

If someone obtains your bank account and routing number, the potential for financial fraud increases. These numbers alone may not be enough to withdraw money directly from your account, but they can be used in several deceptive practices, including setting up fraudulent transactions and unauthorized direct debits.

The safest way to receive money from a stranger online is to use secure and reputable payment methods that prioritize user protection. For instance, you can use a platform like PayPal to receive money from someone you haven't met before. You can also use cryptocurrency—it is a practical way.

If you want to make instant transfers with routing and account numbers without verification, you can rely on money transfer apps such as Zelle, Wise, PayPal, or other digital banking services. These apps make it easy to move money fast using your routing and account numbers.

Routing numbers are always 9 numerical digits in length and are used specifically to identify each Financial Institution. They can ALL be found online by searching Bank Name. It's also on the bottom left corner of your check & within your online account.

Your account number is a unique eight-digit code that identifies your personal bank account. You can find it in lots of places, including on your debit card and in the mobile banking app, your bank statements and on printed cheques. Find out more about account numbers below.