A bank account number on a check is a unique string of numbers that identifies a specific account at a financial institution. For instance, if you receive a check from someone, the string of numbers printed at the bottom left corner, usually starting with the bank’s routing number, represents the bank account number on the check.
Having your bank account number printed on a check is essential for check processing. It ensures that the funds are directed to the correct account and reduces the risk of errors or fraud. Automated Clearing House (ACH) processing, developed in the 1970s, played a crucial role in standardizing and automating check processing, making bank account numbers on checks increasingly important.
