Is it safe to give out one’s bank account number?

1.  Answers

The utility of the house I am sharing with another person. He asks me to provide my bank account number, so that he can transfer his money to my account when paying the utility.

1. I wonder if it is safe to give out my bank account number?
   For example, if I am correct, many online payment just needs the account number to draw money out of it.
2. Is giving out bank account number safer than handing a check to another person, since there are also account number printed on the check?

2.  Answers

Technically, no. There is very little security in the US for bank drafts. With your bank account routing number it is very easy for people to draw funds without your authorization. Another thing people can do is buy stuff online with “demand drafts”. Essentially it works like a credit card number where the create an electronic version of a check to purchase things. There is generally no password, PIN or signature requirement.

That said, it is printed on every check you write so keeping it private isn’t really practical. I’d make sure you trust anyone you give it to and watch your account statements closely.

An important thing to know is that a routing number isn’t a one-way deal. If you give out the number for someone to wire you money, they can just as easily draft on the account.