The difference comes down to what the account is designed for
A checking account is built for regular spending. You get a debit card and checks, money moves in and out constantly, and the bank expects you to make many transactions each month. A savings account is built to hold money and earn interest. You typically have fewer withdrawal options, fewer transactions per month, and the bank pays you a small percentage of what you hold.
The easiest way to know which one you have is to look at your bank statement or log into your online banking. The account name itself usually tells you: it will say "Checking" or "Savings" right in the title. If you have both, they will be listed separately with different account numbers.
If you cannot find your statement or do not remember your login, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent piece of mail from the bank. They will tell you in under a minute what type of account you hold and what account number goes with it.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank statement or online account dashboard will show the account type in the account name itself.
- Checking accounts come with a debit card and checks for frequent spending; savings accounts earn interest and limit how often you can withdraw.
- If you have both types, they will have separate account numbers and appear as separate lines in your banking portal.
- Your bank's customer service line can confirm your account type in one call if you cannot locate your statement.
Where to find the account type on your statement
Paper statements list the account type near the top, usually in large text next to your name and address. Look for a line that says "Account Type: Checking" or "Account Type: Savings." The account number appears on the same section.
Online statements follow the same pattern. Log into your bank's website or app, go to "Accounts" or "My Accounts," and you will see each account listed with its type and number. Some banks use tabs or a dropdown menu to switch between accounts if you have more than one.
If your statement is older than a few months, the format may look slightly different depending on your bank, but the account type will always be labeled clearly somewhere on the first page.
What your debit card and checks tell you
If you have a debit card linked to the account, it is almost certainly a checking account. Savings accounts rarely come with debit cards because they are not meant for everyday spending. The debit card itself will not say "Checking" on it, but the fact that you have one is a strong signal.
Checks are an even clearer sign. Only checking accounts come with a checkbook. If you have checks with your account number printed on them, you have a checking account. Savings accounts do not issue checks.
Some accounts blur the line—a few banks offer "hybrid" accounts that combine features of both—but these are uncommon and your bank will have explained it when you opened the account.
How to check your account online or by phone
Most banks let you see your account type instantly through their website or mobile app. Open the app, tap "Accounts" or "Account Details," and the type will be listed next to the account name. This works even if you have not logged in for months.
If you do not have online access set up, call the number on the back of your debit card or the number listed on your bank's website. Have your account number or Social Security number ready. A representative will confirm whether you have a checking account, a savings account, or both, and can answer questions about what each one does.
Some banks also let you text or use their chat feature to ask this question. The answer is always free and takes less than five minutes.
What happens if you have both types
Many people hold both a checking account for daily spending and a savings account for money they want to keep separate. If you have both, your bank statement or online portal will show them as two different accounts with two different numbers.
You can move money between them instantly through online banking, usually at no cost. Some people use this to move money from checking into savings each month as a way to save automatically. Others keep them at different banks entirely.
If you are not sure whether you have opened a second account, check your online banking portal or call your bank. They will show you every account in your name at that institution.
What to do if you cannot find your account information
If you have lost your statement and cannot log into online banking, start by calling your bank's main customer service line. The number is usually on your debit card, on old mail from the bank, or on the bank's website. Tell them you need to confirm your account type.
Be ready to verify your identity with your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions the bank set up when you opened the account. This protects your account from unauthorized access.
If you have moved or changed your phone number, the bank may have trouble reaching you or confirming your identity. Bring a photo ID and visit a branch in person if you are having trouble over the phone. A teller can look up your account and print a statement on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my checking account to a savings account or vice versa?
Most banks will not convert an existing account from one type to another. Instead, you would close the old account and open a new one of the type you want. Your bank can walk you through this process, and it usually takes a few days. Ask about any fees before you close an account.
What if my account statement does not say "Checking" or "Savings"?
Some banks use different names like "Everyday Account," "Smart Account," or "Money Market Account." Call your bank and read them the exact name on your statement. They will tell you whether it functions as a checking or savings account and what features come with it.
Do I need both a checking and a savings account?
No. Many people use only a checking account for all their banking needs. A savings account is useful if you want to earn interest on money you are not spending, but it is not required. Your bank can tell you the interest rate on any savings account they offer.
If I have two accounts at the same bank, can I see them both in one login?
Yes. When you log into online banking, you will see all accounts you hold at that bank listed together. You can usually switch between them with a dropdown menu or by tapping the account name. Each account has its own separate number and balance.
What if I opened an account years ago and forgot about it?
Call your bank and ask them to search for any accounts in your name. Banks keep records for years. If you find an old account with money in it, you can reactivate it or close it and transfer the funds to an active account. Some states hold onto unclaimed account balances, so check your state's unclaimed property website if the bank cannot locate the account.