What Is an Account Number? A Complete Guide
Account Number An account number is a unique sequence of numbers (sometimes letters) assigned to a financial account . It's used to identify and distinguish that specific account within a financial institution . In banking, account numbers help institutions route deposits, withdrawals, and other transactions accurately. In accounting or taxation , they serve as unique identifiers tied to individual entities, departments, or accounts. Account numbers are not standardized globally — their format and length vary depending on the country, bank, and type of account. Why Account Numbers Matter Account numbers are essential for: Receiving direct deposits like salaries or government benefits Sending domestic or international money transfers Paying bills and scheduling automatic payments Performing business accounting and reconciliation Verifying account ownership in audits and compliance checks Without a reliable account number, money could be sent to the wrong recipien...