Check your account type on the Bank of America website or app
Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app. On the dashboard or account summary page, your account type appears next to your account number — it will say "Checking" or "Savings" explicitly. If you have multiple accounts, each one lists its type separately.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and give them your account number. They will tell you the account type immediately. If you have your debit card or checkbook, the account type is often printed on those as well — checking accounts come with a debit card and checks; savings accounts typically do not.
Key Takeaways
- Your account type appears on your Bank of America online dashboard, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
- Checking accounts come with a debit card and checkbook; savings accounts do not.
- Checking accounts are designed for frequent transactions and bill payments; savings accounts are designed to hold money and earn interest.
- Bank of America charges different fees for checking and savings accounts depending on the account tier you hold.
- You can transfer money between your checking and savings accounts at Bank of America without a fee.
What checking and savings accounts are used for
Checking accounts are meant for everyday spending. You receive a debit card and checks to pay bills, buy groceries, and withdraw cash. Bank of America checking accounts allow unlimited transactions — you can deposit and withdraw as many times as you want without penalty. Most checking accounts earn little to no interest on your balance.
Savings accounts are meant to hold money and let it grow. Bank of America savings accounts earn interest, though the rate varies and is typically low. Savings accounts have limits on how many withdrawals you can make per month — Bank of America allows up to six withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle before charging a fee. You do not receive a debit card or checks for a savings account.
How to tell by looking at your card or checks
If you have a debit card issued by Bank of America, it belongs to a checking account. Savings accounts do not come with debit cards. If you have a checkbook, those checks are drawn on a checking account — savings accounts do not issue checks.
Look at the bottom left corner of a check or the front of your debit card. Your account number appears there. You can cross-reference that number with the account list in your online banking dashboard to confirm which account it belongs to.
Bank of America account fees by type
Bank of America charges different monthly maintenance fees depending on your account type and which tier you hold. Checking accounts typically have a monthly fee unless you meet certain requirements, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Savings accounts also have monthly fees that vary by account type.
Some Bank of America accounts waive fees if you keep a certain balance or have other products with the bank. Log into your account online to see your specific monthly fee, or call 1-800-432-1000 to ask what fee applies to your account and what steps you can take to waive it.
Moving money between your checking and savings accounts
Bank of America allows you to transfer money between your checking and savings accounts at no charge. You can do this through online banking, the mobile app, or by calling customer service. Transfers between your own accounts happen immediately or within one business day.
If you need to move money out of your savings account more than six times per month, you will face a fee on each withdrawal beyond six. Transferring to your checking account counts toward that limit. If you find yourself hitting that limit regularly, you may want to keep more money in checking instead.
What happens if you are not sure which account you need
If you use your account mainly for everyday spending — paying bills, buying things, withdrawing cash — you have a checking account or should open one. If you are trying to set aside money and let it sit, you have a savings account or should open one.
Many people hold both: a checking account for regular transactions and a savings account for money they want to keep separate. Bank of America lets you open multiple accounts. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch if you want to open a second account or switch the type of account you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my checking account to a savings account?
Bank of America does not convert one account type to another. You would need to open a new savings account and transfer your money over, then close the old checking account if you want. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to open a new account.
Do I earn interest on a checking account?
Most Bank of America checking accounts earn no interest or a very small amount. Savings accounts are designed to earn interest. If earning interest matters to you, keep money in a savings account rather than checking.
What if I do not have online access to my account?
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 with your account number or the phone number associated with your account. A representative will tell you whether your account is checking or savings and answer other questions about your account.
Can I use my savings account like a checking account?
You can withdraw money from a savings account, but you are limited to six withdrawals per month before Bank of America charges a fee. You cannot write checks or use a debit card on a savings account. For frequent transactions, use a checking account instead.