Look at your account type in the Bank of America app or online
Open the Bank of America mobile app or log into your online account. On the main dashboard, your account type appears next to your account number — it will say "Checking" or "Savings" directly. If you have multiple accounts, each one shows its type separately.
On the mobile app, tap the account you want to check. The account details screen displays the type at the top. Online, the same information appears in your account summary or under "Account Details." This is the fastest way to confirm what you have.
If you cannot find it on the dashboard, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch with your debit card or ID. A representative can tell you in seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Your account type is labeled "Checking" or "Savings" in the Bank of America app or website under your account details.
- Checking accounts have a debit card, allow unlimited deposits and withdrawals, and charge a monthly fee if you do not meet balance or deposit requirements.
- Savings accounts earn interest on your balance, limit how many withdrawals you can make per month, and typically have lower or no monthly fees.
- If you opened your account online or by phone, your welcome email or account confirmation document stated which type you opened.
What checking and savings accounts do differently
A checking account is designed for regular spending. It comes with a debit card, allows you to write checks, and has no limit on how many times you can withdraw money or make transfers each month. Bank of America checking accounts typically charge a monthly maintenance fee (usually $12 for the standard account) unless you meet a minimum balance or have direct deposits.
A savings account is designed to hold money and earn interest. It does not come with a debit card or checkbook. Federal law limits you to six withdrawals or transfers per month (though Bank of America may enforce this differently depending on the account type). Savings accounts usually have lower or no monthly fees, and your balance earns interest, though the rate varies.
If you are unsure which one fits your needs, the account type you chose when you opened it tells you what you signed up for. Bank of America offers several versions of each — for example, "Advantage Checking" and "Premium Savings" — but they all fall into one of these two categories.
Find your account type in your welcome email or paperwork
When you opened your Bank of America account, you received a welcome email or printed confirmation. That document states the account type you opened. Search your email for "Bank of America" and "welcome" or "account confirmation." If you opened the account in a branch, check any paperwork you received at that time.
The confirmation will list the account name (such as "Bank of America Checking" or "Bank of America Savings") and your account number. If you cannot find the email, log into your Bank of America account online and look for "Account Documents" or "Statements" — older confirmations are sometimes stored there.
What your debit card tells you
If you have a debit card linked to the account, it is a checking account. Bank of America does not issue debit cards for savings accounts. If the account has no card and you cannot withdraw money at an ATM using a card, it is likely a savings account.
This is not a foolproof test — you could have a checking account without using the debit card — but it is a quick indicator. A savings account will never have a debit card attached to it.
How to switch account types if you need to
If you have the wrong type of account for how you use money, you can change it. Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000, visit a branch, or use the mobile app to request a conversion. The process usually takes a few business days and does not close your account or change your account number.
You can also open a second account of the other type if you want to keep both. Many people use a checking account for daily spending and a savings account for money they want to set aside and earn interest on. Bank of America allows multiple accounts under one login.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Bank of America checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the account type), have direct deposits totaling a certain amount per month, or maintain a linked savings account with a minimum balance. Savings accounts typically have no monthly fee or a much lower one.
Review your account statements to see if you are being charged a monthly fee. If you are, log into your account and check which conditions you need to meet to waive it. If you cannot meet them, switching to a savings account or a different checking product might save you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both a checking and savings account at Bank of America?
Yes. Many people maintain both accounts under the same login. You can transfer money between them instantly using the app or online, and each account has its own number and fee structure. This setup lets you spend from checking and save in a separate account that earns interest.
What happens if I withdraw money from my savings account more than six times a month?
Federal law historically limited savings withdrawals to six per month, though that rule was suspended in 2020. Bank of America's current policy varies by account type — check your account terms or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm the withdrawal limit on your specific savings account.
Does my checking account earn interest?
Most Bank of America checking accounts earn little to no interest. Savings accounts are designed to earn interest, though the rate changes based on market conditions. If earning interest is important to you, confirm your account type and consider moving money to a savings account.
Can I use my checking account number to receive direct deposits?
Yes. You can use your checking account number and routing number to set up direct deposits from your employer or other sources. Savings accounts can also receive direct deposits, though they are less commonly used for this purpose.
What if I opened my account years ago and cannot find the confirmation?
Log into your Bank of America account online or in the app and look for "Account Details" or "Account Information." Your account type is listed there. If you still cannot find it, call 1-800-432-1000 with your account number and ID ready.