The fastest way to know what you have
Look at your bank statement or card. If it says "checking" or "demand deposit account" anywhere on the front, you have a checking account. If it says "savings" or "money market" or "certificate of deposit," you have a savings account. You can also call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card and ask directly — they will tell you in under a minute.
The difference matters because checking accounts are built for spending and paying bills, while savings accounts are built to hold money and earn interest. Your bank treats them differently for fees, withdrawal limits, and how much interest (if any) you earn. If you are not sure which one you opened, your bank's website or app will show you all your accounts listed by type.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank statement or debit card will print the account type — look for the words "checking" or "savings" near the account number.
- Checking accounts let you write checks and use a debit card to spend money, while savings accounts restrict how often you can withdraw.
- You can call your bank's customer service line and ask what type of account you have; they can answer in one phone call.
- Your bank's website or mobile app shows all your accounts sorted by type, usually on the main dashboard after you log in.
- Some banks offer hybrid accounts that blend checking and savings features, so read your account agreement if the name is unclear.
Where to find the account type on your statement
Open your most recent bank statement — either the paper one mailed to you or the PDF you downloaded from your bank's website. Near the top, usually under your name and address, you will see a line that says "Account Type" or just lists it as "Checking Account" or "Savings Account." The account number appears on the same section.
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one will be listed separately with its own type. Some banks also print a small icon — a checkbook symbol for checking, a piggy bank for savings — to make it faster to scan. If you cannot find it on the statement, log into your bank's website or app and look at the account summary page; the type is almost always displayed there in large text.
What your debit card or checkbook tells you
If you have a debit card, look at the front. Some banks print the account type right on the card itself. If yours does not, the card alone does not tell you — a debit card can be linked to either a checking or savings account depending on how your bank set it up.
A checkbook is a clearer signal: if you have one, you have a checking account. Savings accounts do not come with checks because they are not meant for frequent transactions. If you have both a checkbook and a debit card, both are tied to your checking account.
How to check your bank's website or app
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. On the main dashboard or "Accounts" page, you will see a list of all your accounts. Each one shows the account type — usually in bold or as a label next to the account name. Click on any account to see more details, including the full account number, current balance, and recent transactions.
If you have trouble finding it, look for a link that says "Account Details" or "Account Information." Some banks hide the account type in a dropdown menu or a settings page. If you still cannot locate it, the fastest route is to call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask a representative to tell you over the phone.
Calling your bank to confirm
Have your debit card or account number ready. Call the number on the back of your card or find it on your bank's website. When a representative answers, say: "Can you tell me what type of account I have?" They will ask for your name and account number to verify your identity, then tell you whether it is a checking account, savings account, or something else.
This call takes two to five minutes. The representative can also tell you what features come with your account — whether you can write checks, how many withdrawals you get per month, and whether the account earns interest. If you have multiple accounts, ask them to list all of them and their types.
Understanding hybrid and specialty accounts
Some banks offer accounts that blur the line between checking and savings. A money market account works like a savings account but may come with a debit card and check-writing privileges. A NOW account (Negotiable Order of Withdrawal) is a savings account that lets you write checks. These accounts have their own names on your statement, so if you see something other than "Checking" or "Savings," that is what you have.
Read the account name on your statement carefully. If it says "Money Market," "NOW Account," "Super Savings," or anything with a brand name, call your bank to ask what rules apply — specifically, how many times per month you can withdraw money and whether you can write checks. The account type determines your fees and how you can use the money.
What to do if you still cannot find the answer
If you have looked at your statement, checked your bank's website, and still are not sure, contact your bank directly. You can call, visit a branch in person, or send a message through your bank's website chat or secure email. Have your account number ready so they can pull up your account immediately.
You can also ask your bank to send you a copy of your account agreement — the contract you signed when you opened the account. It will state the account type and all the rules that come with it. Some banks post this document on their website under "Account Agreements" or "Disclosures."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both a checking and savings account at the same bank?
Yes. Most people have both. Your bank will list them separately on your statement and in your online account dashboard. Each account has its own number, balance, and rules. You can transfer money between them, usually for free.
Does my account type affect my taxes or refunds?
No. Tax refunds and government payments can go to either a checking or savings account. The bank routing number and account number are what matter, not the type. When you set up direct deposit, you will provide both pieces of information.
What if my account name does not say "checking" or "savings"?
Call your bank and read them the exact name printed on your statement. They can tell you what type it is and what rules apply. Specialty accounts like money market or NOW accounts have different withdrawal limits and features than standard checking or savings.
Can I change my account from savings to checking?
Some banks let you convert an account by calling customer service or visiting a branch. Others require you to close the old account and open a new one. Ask your bank what your options are — there may be a fee to convert or open a new account.
Why does my bank statement show multiple accounts with similar names?
You may have opened more than one account over time, or your bank may have created a linked savings account automatically when you opened checking. Log into your online account or call your bank to review all your accounts and close any you no longer use.