You can convert a savings account to a checking account at the same bank, but the process and what happens to your money depends on whether you want to keep the account open or close it
Most banks let you change an existing savings account into a checking account without moving your money elsewhere. The conversion usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, and your balance stays where it is. However, some banks treat this as closing one account and opening another, which means you get a new account number and new debit card. Other banks simply change the account type while keeping everything else the same. The exact process depends on your bank's system and whether you do it online, by phone, or in person.
If you want to convert without closing and reopening, call your bank first and ask whether they can do a "type change" on your existing account. If they can, your routing number, account number, and any automatic transfers stay the same. If they cannot, you will need to open a new checking account and decide what to do with the savings account — keep it open for a second savings pot, or close it after the money moves.
Key Takeaways
- A type change keeps your account number and routing number the same, so automatic bill payments and direct deposits do not need to be updated.
- Some banks close the savings account and open a new checking account instead, which means you get a new account number and must update any automatic transfers.
- Your money does not leave the bank during conversion — it stays in the same account or moves to a new one at the same institution.
- Call your bank before you start to confirm whether they do type changes or require you to open a new account.
- If you close the savings account, make sure no automatic transfers or bill payments are still linked to it.
Type change versus closing and opening a new account
When you call your bank and ask to convert your savings account to checking, ask specifically whether they can do a "type change" or "account conversion." This is the simpler route. The bank changes the account classification in their system, removes the savings account restrictions (like limits on how many withdrawals you can make per month), and adds checking features like a debit card and check-writing ability. Your account number stays the same, your routing number stays the same, and any money you have in the account stays put.
If your bank cannot do a type change, they will ask you to open a new checking account. This is a separate account with a separate account number. Your savings account balance can be transferred to the new checking account, but you will have two different account numbers. Any automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or transfers that were linked to the old savings account number will fail unless you update them. This is the main reason to confirm your bank's process before you start.
What happens to your money during the conversion
Your money does not go anywhere during a type change. It stays in the account at the same bank. If your bank requires you to open a new checking account instead, they will transfer your balance from the savings account to the new checking account as part of the process — you do not have to move it yourself. The transfer is internal and usually happens the same day or within one business day.
After the conversion, you can use the account like any other checking account: make deposits, write checks, use your debit card, and set up automatic bill payments. Some banks charge a monthly fee for checking accounts but not for savings accounts, so your account may start costing money each month if it did not before. Check your bank's fee schedule before you convert, or ask the bank representative what the monthly cost will be.
How to convert your account
Start by logging into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account settings or account management. Many banks let you change the account type yourself online without calling. If you see an option to "change account type" or "convert account," follow the prompts. The system will usually ask you to confirm that you want to switch from savings to checking and may warn you about any fee changes.
If you cannot find the option online, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card or on your statement. Tell them you want to convert your savings account to a checking account and ask whether they can do a type change or whether you need to open a new account. They will walk you through the steps, which usually take fewer than five minutes. If you open a new checking account, ask them to transfer your savings balance to it at the same time.
If you prefer to do it in person, visit a branch with your ID and savings account card or statement. A banker can convert your account on the spot or open a new checking account and transfer your money while you wait. Bring a form of ID and ask about any fees before you start.
Updating automatic transfers and bill payments
If your bank did a type change and kept your account number the same, you do not need to update anything. All your automatic transfers, direct deposits, and bill payments will keep working because the account number has not changed.
If your bank closed the savings account and opened a new checking account with a new number, you must update any automatic transfers or bill payments that were linked to the old account. Log into each service — your employer's payroll system, your utility company, your insurance company, any subscription services — and update the account number to the new checking account number. This usually takes a few minutes per service. If you do not update them, payments will fail and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
To find all the places where your old account number is used, check your bank statements from the past few months and look for automatic transfers and deposits. Write down each one, then update them one by one. Some companies let you update online; others require a phone call.
What to do with the old savings account
If your bank required you to open a new checking account and your old savings account is now empty, you can close it. Call the bank or visit a branch and ask them to close the savings account. Make sure the balance is zero before you close it, or ask the bank to transfer any remaining balance to your new checking account.
If you want to keep the savings account open — for example, to keep a separate emergency fund or to take advantage of a higher interest rate — you can leave it open. There is no penalty for having both a checking and a savings account at the same bank. Just make sure you understand the monthly fees for each account and whether the savings account has any minimum balance requirements.
Fees and interest rate changes
Checking accounts and savings accounts often have different fee structures. A savings account might have no monthly fee but limited withdrawals, while a checking account might charge a monthly fee but let you withdraw as much as you want. Before you convert, ask your bank what the monthly fee will be for the checking account, whether there is a minimum balance requirement, and whether you get any interest on the balance.
Most checking accounts pay little to no interest, while savings accounts are designed to earn interest on your balance. If you are converting because you need checking features, understand that you may lose the interest you were earning. If the interest rate matters to you, ask whether your bank offers a checking account with interest, or whether you can keep a small savings account for interest-earning money while using the checking account for daily spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit still work after I convert my account?
Yes, if your bank did a type change and kept your account number the same. If your bank opened a new checking account with a new number, you will need to give your employer the new account number so they can update their system. Direct deposits to the old account number will fail once the account is closed.
Can I convert back to a savings account later?
Yes. Most banks let you change the account type back to savings at any time, either online or by calling customer service. If your bank required you to open a new account, you can close the checking account and reopen a savings account, though it will have a new account number.
Will converting affect my credit score?
No. Converting a savings account to a checking account is an internal change at your bank and does not show up on your credit report. It does not affect your credit score.
What if I have automatic transfers set up to or from the savings account?
If your bank kept the account number the same, the transfers will keep working. If your bank opened a new account with a new number, the transfers will fail. You will need to update them with the new account number, or set up new transfers from the new checking account.
Do I lose my debit card when I convert?
If your bank did a type change, you keep your existing debit card and it keeps working. If your bank opened a new checking account, you will get a new debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old debit card will stop working once the savings account is closed.