You can request a new account number from your bank, but the process and reasons vary by bank and account type

Most banks will issue you a new account number if you ask, though the reason matters. Banks change account numbers for fraud, identity theft, or security concerns without charging you. If you want a new number for privacy reasons or because you shared it with someone you no longer trust, your bank will usually do it, but some may charge a small fee or require you to close the old account and open a new one instead.

The actual process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your bank. During that time, your old account number stops working for new transactions, but automatic payments and direct deposits linked to the old number may fail. This is why you need to update your account number with your employer, creditors, and any services that pull money from your account before the switch happens.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your bank's customer service by phone, in person, or through online banking to request a new account number.
  • Banks typically change account numbers for free if fraud or identity theft is involved, but may charge a fee if you want a new number for other reasons.
  • You must update your new account number with your employer, creditors, and any automatic payment services before the old number becomes inactive.
  • The process usually takes three to ten business days, during which both account numbers may be active or only the new one will work, depending on your bank.

When your bank will change your account number without a fee

If someone has fraudulently used your account or you believe your account number has been compromised, your bank will issue a new number at no cost. This includes situations where you shared your account number with a scammer, a data breach exposed your information, or unauthorized transactions appeared on your account. Banks treat these as security issues, not customer requests.

Identity theft is another reason banks change numbers for free. If your Social Security number or personal information was stolen, contact your bank when ready and explain the situation. They will flag your account and issue a new number as part of their fraud prevention process. Document the date you called and the name of the representative you spoke with, in case you need to reference it later.

When your bank may charge a fee or require closing the account

If you want a new account number straightforward because you gave it to someone you no longer want to have access—a roommate, ex-partner, or contractor—your bank may treat this as a routine request rather than a security issue. Some banks charge $25 to $50 for this service, while others offer it free. Call your bank's customer service line and ask directly what their policy is before you request the change.

A few banks do not issue new numbers on existing accounts at all. Instead, they require you to close the old account and open a new one, which means a completely new account number and routing number. This is less common with large national banks but more common with smaller regional banks or credit unions. If your bank has this policy, you will need to update your account information everywhere it is used before closing the old account.

How to request a new account number

Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. Tell the representative you want to request a new account number and explain why—fraud, security concern, or personal preference. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready.

You can also visit a branch in person and speak to a banker directly. Bring your ID and ask to speak with someone who handles account changes. In-person requests sometimes move faster because the banker can verify your identity when ready and start the process on the spot. If you prefer not to call or visit a branch, some banks allow you to request a new account number through their online banking portal under account settings, though this option is not available at all banks.

What happens to automatic payments and direct deposits

This is the most important step many people miss. Before your new account number becomes active, contact your employer's payroll department and provide your new account number and routing number so direct deposit continues without interruption. If your paycheck goes to the old number after the change, it may be rejected or delayed.

Do the same for any automatic bill payments, subscription services, or transfers you have set up. Log into each service—your mortgage lender, credit card company, utility company, insurance provider, streaming services—and update your account information. Some services allow you to update online; others require you to call. Make a list of every place your account number is used and work through it before the old number is deactivated.

If you miss updating a payment and it fails, contact that company when ready and provide your new account number. Most will reprocess the payment once you update your information. Ask them to waive any late fees since the failure was due to your account number change, not a lack of funds.

Timeline and what to expect during the change

Most banks complete an account number change within three to ten business days. During this time, your bank may keep both account numbers active so payments can still process, or they may deactivate the old number when ready and set up the new one right away. Ask your bank which approach they use when you request the change.

If both numbers are active during the transition, you will receive a new debit card with the new account number printed on it within one to two weeks. Your old debit card will stop working once the transition is complete. If the bank deactivates the old number when ready, your old debit card stops working right away, so make sure you have updated all your automatic payments first.

You will receive written confirmation of the change by mail or email, depending on your bank's policy. Keep this confirmation in case you need to prove the account number change to a creditor or employer. Some banks also send a new account statement showing the old and new account numbers side by side for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my account number affect my credit score?

No. Your credit score is tied to your Social Security number and personal information, not your account number. Changing your account number will not show up on your credit report or affect your credit in any way.

What if I forget to update my account number somewhere and a payment fails?

Contact the company or service when ready and provide your new account number. Most will reprocess the payment once you update your information. Ask them to waive any late fees since the failure was due to the account number change. If they refuse, you can dispute the fee with your bank.

Can I keep using my old account number after the change?

No. Once your bank deactivates the old account number, it stops working for all transactions. Any payments sent to the old number will be rejected. This is why updating your account information everywhere before the change is critical.

Do I need a new routing number too?

Usually not. Your routing number identifies your bank branch and typically stays the same when you change your account number. However, if your bank requires you to close the old account and open a new one, you may get a new routing number. Ask your bank to confirm whether your routing number changes.

How much does it cost to change my account number?

It is free if fraud or identity theft is involved. If you want a new number for other reasons, fees range from nothing to $50 depending on your bank. Call your bank's customer service to ask about their specific policy before you request the change.