The fastest way to know what you have
Look at your bank statement or log into your online banking. The account type appears on the first page of your statement, usually near your account number. It will say "Checking Account" or "Savings Account" — sometimes abbreviated as "CHK" or "SAV". If you have both, each one will be listed separately with its own number.
If you cannot find it on your statement, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card. Tell them your account number, and they will tell you the account type in under a minute. You can also walk into a branch with your ID and ask a teller.
Key Takeaways
- Your account type is printed on every bank statement next to your account number, usually in the top section.
- Checking accounts come with a debit card and are meant for frequent deposits and withdrawals; savings accounts restrict how often you can withdraw.
- If you have both types at the same bank, each has its own account number and appears as a separate line on your statement.
- Calling your bank's customer service line is the fastest way to confirm if you are unsure what your statement says.
Where to look on your statement
Open your most recent paper or digital statement from your bank. At the top, you will see your name, address, and account number. Right next to or just below the account number, the account type is listed. Some banks put it in a box labeled "Account Information" or "Account Details." Others print it as part of the account number line itself.
If your statement is digital, use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Command+F on Mac) and search for the word "checking" or "savings." This takes you straight to it. If you have multiple accounts, each one will have its own section on the statement, and the type will be labeled for each.
What to look for in online banking
Log into your bank's website or mobile app. On the dashboard or accounts page, you will see a list of all your accounts. Each one shows the account type next to the account number. Some banks use icons — a checkbook symbol for checking, a piggy bank for savings — to make it even clearer.
Click on any account to see more details. The account type will appear again on the account summary page, along with your current balance, recent transactions, and routing number. If you have trouble finding it, look for a section labeled "Account Details" or "Account Information."
The difference between what each type does
A checking account is designed for regular money movement. It comes with a debit card, checks, and online bill pay. You can deposit and withdraw as many times as you want with no limits. Banks do not pay interest on checking accounts, or they pay very little.
A savings account is designed to hold money and earn interest. It has fewer ways to move money out — typically six withdrawals per month, though this rule has loosened at many banks. You cannot order checks or get a debit card for a savings account. The tradeoff is that the bank pays you interest on the balance you keep there.
Some banks offer hybrid accounts like money market accounts, which sit between the two. If your statement says "Money Market Account" or "Money Market Savings," it is a savings product with some checking-like features. The rules about withdrawals and interest will be spelled out in your account agreement.
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank
Each account has its own number and appears as a separate entry on your statement. If you have one checking and one savings, your statement will show both, labeled clearly. Your debit card is linked to your checking account only — you cannot use it to withdraw from savings at an ATM, though you can transfer money between them online.
When you call the bank or log in online, make sure you are looking at the right account number. It is easy to mix them up if you have several. Write down both numbers and label them so you know which is which.
What to do if your statement is unclear
If your statement does not clearly say "Checking" or "Savings," or if you cannot find the account type listed, contact your bank directly. Call the number on the back of your debit card or the number listed on your statement. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm the type in seconds.
You can also visit a branch in person with your ID. A teller can pull up your account and tell you the type, and they can answer any questions about what you can do with it. This is especially helpful if you are new to banking or if you inherited an account and are not sure what it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account from savings to checking?
Yes. Contact your bank and ask to convert the account. Some banks do this over the phone; others require you to visit a branch. There is usually no fee, but the bank may close the old account and open a new one with a different number. Ask whether your new account number will change before you convert.
Why does my statement show two account numbers for what I thought was one account?
You likely have two separate accounts — one checking and one savings — even if you thought you opened just one. Many banks set up both automatically. Each has its own number, balance, and rules. Check your statement to see which is which, or call the bank to confirm.
What if I have a checking account but no debit card?
You still have a checking account. A debit card is optional. You can still write checks, make deposits, and withdraw money at the teller window or ATM using your account number. Ask your bank to issue a debit card if you want one, or confirm whether one is on the way.
Does my savings account earn interest automatically?
Yes, but the amount depends on the interest rate your bank offers and your balance. The bank calculates and deposits interest monthly or daily, depending on the account. Check your statement to see how much interest you earned last month. Rates vary widely, so compare banks if you want higher returns.
Can I use my savings account number to receive direct deposit?
Yes. You can set up direct deposit to either a checking or savings account. You will need your account number and routing number. However, if you plan to withdraw the money regularly, a checking account is usually more practical since savings accounts have withdrawal limits.