The quickest way to know what type of account you have
Look at your bank statement or log into your online banking. The account type appears near the top of your statement, usually labeled "Account Type" or "Product Type," and will say either "Checking" or "Savings." If you have both, each one will be listed separately with its own account number. Your debit card is tied to checking only, so if you use a debit card with an account, that account is checking.
If you cannot find your statement or do not have online access, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent bank letter. Tell them your account number or the phone number associated with your account, and they will tell you the account type in under a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank statement lists the account type near the top, labeled "Account Type" or "Product Type."
- A debit card is only connected to a checking account, so if you have a debit card for an account, that account is checking.
- Monthly fees, withdrawal limits, and interest rates differ between checking and savings, so knowing which you have affects how you use the account.
- If you cannot locate your statement, call your bank's customer service line and provide your account number to get the answer immediately.
Where to find the account type on your statement
Paper statements and online statements both display the account type in the same location. Look at the top section of the statement, where your name, address, and account number appear. The account type is usually printed just below or to the right of the account number. Some banks label it "Account Type," others use "Product Type" or "Account Product."
If you receive statements from multiple accounts at the same bank, each statement will show only one account type. Checking and savings accounts have separate account numbers, so you will see them as distinct statements or as separate sections if your bank combines them into one document.
What your debit card tells you
If you have a debit card linked to an account, that account is checking. Debit cards only work with checking accounts because they are designed for frequent spending and immediate access to funds. Savings accounts do not come with debit cards.
Some banks issue a debit card automatically when you open a checking account. Others require you to request one. Either way, the presence of a debit card means the account is checking, not savings. If you have a debit card but are unsure which account it is tied to, your statement will show which account number the card is connected to.
Checking your online banking portal
Log into your bank's website or mobile app using your username and password. Your dashboard or home page will show all accounts you hold at that bank. Each account will be labeled with its type—checking or savings—and its account number. Click on any account to see its full details, including the account type, current balance, and recent transactions.
If you have forgotten your login information, use the "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username" link on the bank's login page. You will need to verify your identity using your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.
Calling your bank to confirm
Have your account number ready before you call. You can find it on a check, your debit card, a bank statement, or your online banking portal. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on any letter from your bank. Tell the representative you want to know the account type, and provide your account number.
The representative will confirm whether the account is checking or savings in seconds. They may also tell you the account's current balance, recent activity, or any fees associated with it. This is the fastest method if you do not have access to your statement or online banking.
Why the difference matters
Checking and savings accounts have different rules and costs. Checking accounts are meant for frequent deposits and withdrawals—paying bills, getting cash, making purchases. Savings accounts are meant to hold money and earn interest, with limits on how often you can withdraw. Checking accounts often have monthly fees; savings accounts usually do not, but they may have minimum balance requirements to earn interest.
Knowing which account you have helps you understand what fees you might owe, how often you can move money without penalty, and whether the account is earning interest. If you are unsure whether an account is right for how you use it, your bank can explain the differences and help you decide whether to switch or open a different type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both a checking and savings account at the same bank?
Yes. Many people hold both types at the same bank. Each account has its own account number, balance, and statement. You can move money between them through online banking or at a branch, usually with no fee.
What if my statement does not show the account type?
Some older or simplified statements may not label it clearly. Look for the account number and compare it to your online banking portal, where the type is always shown. If you still cannot find it, call your bank's customer service line.
Does a savings account come with a debit card?
No. Savings accounts do not include debit cards. If you need a debit card, you must have a checking account. Some banks let you link a debit card to a checking account and transfer money from savings as needed.
Can I change my account type from checking to savings?
Most banks allow you to close one account and open another, but they do not convert an existing account from one type to the other. Contact your bank to ask whether they can close your current account and open a new one of the type you want, usually at no cost.
What if I have accounts at multiple banks?
Each bank's statement and online portal will show only the accounts you hold at that bank. If you have checking at one bank and savings at another, you will need to log into each bank separately or call each one to see all your accounts.