What is a Bank Account Number? Meaning, Uses & Safety Tips
5 min read | about 2 months ago
What is a Bank Account Number?
A bank account is a necessity for everyone. From receiving and saving money to carrying out transactions and growing wealth for the future, it all starts with a bank account. Now, when you finish setting up your bank account with any financial institution, it gives you the bank account number. Let us learn more about it below.
Bank Account Number Meaning & Functions
A bank account number is a unique identifier that is assigned to your specific account by the bank. It is necessary for various banking operations and financial transactions. The account number helps banks manage and track all financial activities associated with your account, including payments, transfers, withdrawals, deposits, etc. The numbers are intelligently designed in a combination of digits which help identify not only your account, but also the bank and the local branch. This ensures more accuracy throughout the whole banking process.
Many banks have account numbers between 11 and 16 digits, while some may also go up to 17 digits. Public sector banks in India usually have an 11-digit pattern for account numbers, while private sector counterparts may use 12 or 14-digit account numbers. The functions of the bank account number include the following.
Identifying the Account
The account number helps identify your account, ensuring that funds are added to/removed from the right account. It is unique to every bank account and works as an identifier for availing all banking and transaction services.
Managing Transactions
The account number is also helpful for managing transactions including deposits, transfers, and withdrawals.
Automatic Payments
Bank account numbers are also useful for setting up automatic payments including automatic billing and direct deposits.
Account-Related Details
The account number is also helpful for accessing all details related to the account, including the balances, transaction history, and other vital information.
Now that you have a better understanding of what a bank account number is, let us look at how you can find it seamlessly.
Where to Find the Bank Account Number
How do you find your bank account number? Here are some easy ways you can follow.
Welcome Letter of the Bank
Check the welcome letter given by the bank after opening the account. It will contain your bank account number and other important details.
Cheque Book
You can instantly find your bank account number by accessing your cheque book. It is written on every leaf in a designated box along with the bank branch, IFSC code, etc.
Passbook
You can also check the first page of the bank passbook for more information on your account number and other details.
Account Statement
You can view both physical or email statements to find the account number easily.
Mobile & Net Banking
You can login to your net or mobile banking account and then go to the section containing your primary account details. The bank account number will be displayed here.
Customer Support
In an extreme situation where you cannot try any of the methods mentioned above, you can contact customer support with your request. You will have to answer a few questions and validate your identity first before the bank account number is shared with you.
It’s not just about finding your bank account number quickly or using it for transactions. You should know how to keep it safe as well. This is even more important today due to growing risks of cyber fraud and other online threats. Let us look at a few tips in this regard.
Keeping Your Bank Account Number Safe
Sharing your bank account number is something that should be done carefully, since there are several risks involved. Here are some basic measures that you can follow to keep it safe.
- Watch out for phishing messages that resemble official bank communication and trick you into sharing the bank account number
- Don’t fall for fraudsters who impersonate banking officials and Government representatives to ask for your bank account number and other details
- Never share your details on any fake website that looks like the banking portal or click on any such unauthorized link
- Only share your account number with legitimate and trusted entities and choose secure communication channels like reputed messaging apps and encrypted emails. Always verify the recipient's identity carefully before sharing your banking information.
- Enable two-factor authentication for your bank accounts and apps wherever it is possible and do not share any details when you are connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
Conclusion
Keep the above-listed tips in mind to find your bank account number seamlessly and keep it secure. A bank account number is a must and is the main identifier for your account. If you are thinking of opening a savings bank account, consider Unity Small Finance Bank. You can expect attractive interest rates between 6-7.5% per annum along with several other benefits.
About Unity Small Finance Bank
Unity Small Finance Bank is committed to making banking simpler and more accessible for everyone. Our services include Savings Account, NRI account, Current Account, Fixed Deposits, and Personal Loans offering flexible tenures and attractive interest rates. We also offer financing options like MSME Loans and Microfinance to support businesses and underserved communities. Learn more about Unity Small Finance Bank here.
