The fastest way to know what type of account you have
Look at your bank statement or log into your online banking portal — the account type is printed right there, usually near the top or in the account details section. It will say "Checking Account" or "Savings Account" explicitly. If you have a physical debit card, the back of the card or the paperwork that came with it will also state the account type.
If you cannot find a statement or access online banking, call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person with your ID. They will tell you in under a minute. The account type matters because it determines what you can do with the money — how often you can withdraw it, whether you get a debit card, and what fees apply.
Key Takeaways
- Your account type appears on your monthly statement, in your online banking dashboard, and on paperwork from when you opened the account.
- Checking accounts come with a debit card and allow unlimited withdrawals; savings accounts restrict how often you can withdraw and usually do not include a card.
- Some accounts are hybrid products with features of both — ask your bank directly if you are unsure whether yours is a true checking or savings account.
- Your bank can change your account type if you request it, though you may need to close one account and open another depending on the bank's policies.
Where to find the account type on your statement
Open your most recent bank statement — paper or digital. Near the top, usually under your name and account number, you will see a line that reads "Account Type: Checking" or "Account Type: Savings." Some banks label it differently, such as "Product Type" or "Account Description," but the language is always clear.
If you receive statements by mail, check the envelope or the first page. If you get them by email, open the PDF and look at the header section. The account type is one of the first pieces of information banks print because it is a basic fact about the account.
What to look for in online banking
Log into your bank's website or mobile app. Find the section that shows your accounts — usually labeled "Accounts," "My Accounts," or "Account Summary." Each account listed will have the type displayed next to the account number. It may appear as a label, a tag, or a line of text that says "Checking" or "Savings."
If you have multiple accounts, each one will be labeled separately. Some banks also show the account type in a dropdown menu when you click on an individual account to see its details. If you cannot locate it after checking the main account view, look for an "Account Details" or "Account Information" link.
Signs that tell you what type of account you have
If you still cannot find a statement or access online banking, look at what came with your account. A debit card is the clearest sign you have a checking account — savings accounts rarely include one. If you have a card with your bank's logo that you use to withdraw cash or pay for things, it is almost certainly attached to a checking account.
Check your paperwork from when you opened the account. The welcome letter, account agreement, or fee schedule will state the account type on the first or second page. Banks are required to give you this information in writing, so if you opened the account in person or by mail, you should have received something.
Look at your monthly fees. Checking accounts often charge a monthly maintenance fee (usually $5 to $15), while savings accounts typically charge little to nothing. If you see a regular monthly charge labeled "Monthly Service Fee" or "Account Maintenance Fee," you likely have a checking account. Savings accounts may charge fees only if you fall below a minimum balance or exceed withdrawal limits.
What to do if you cannot find the account type
Call your bank's customer service number — it is on the back of your debit card, on your statement, or on the bank's website. Tell them your account number and ask them to confirm whether it is a checking or savings account. They will answer immediately and can also explain what features come with your specific account.
If you prefer not to call, visit a branch in person with your ID. A teller can pull up your account on their system and tell you the type in seconds. You can also send a message through your online banking portal if your bank offers that option — though a response may take a day or two.
Hybrid and specialty accounts that blur the line
Some banks offer accounts that combine features of both checking and savings. These might be called "Money Market Accounts," "Sweep Accounts," or "All-in-One Accounts." They may have a debit card like a checking account but also earn interest like a savings account. The account paperwork will still label it as one type or the other for regulatory purposes, but the features may not match what you expect.
If your account has features you do not recognize — such as earning interest on a checking account or having withdrawal limits on what you thought was a checking account — ask your bank to explain what type it is and what rules apply. Some banks also offer accounts designed for specific purposes, such as student checking or senior savings, which may have different rules than standard accounts.
Changing your account type
If you have the wrong type of account for your needs, you can usually switch. Some banks let you convert a savings account to checking (or vice versa) by calling customer service or visiting a branch. Other banks require you to close one account and open a new one, which may take a few business days.
Before you switch, ask your bank whether there are any fees for closing the old account or opening a new one. Also confirm that your direct deposits, automatic payments, or other services linked to the old account will transfer smoothly to the new one. If you have a debit card attached to the account you are closing, ask whether you need to order a new card for the new account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both a checking and savings account at the same bank?
Yes. Most banks let you open multiple accounts of different types. You can have a checking account for everyday spending and a savings account for money you want to set aside. Each account will have its own account number, and you can transfer money between them through online banking or at a branch.
What if my bank calls my account something other than "checking" or "savings"?
Some banks use different names — "Transaction Account" instead of checking, or "Reserve Account" instead of savings. The name does not matter as much as the rules. Ask your bank directly: "Is this a checking account or a savings account?" They will clarify, even if the official name is different.
Does my account type affect my debit card PIN or how I use it?
No. If you have a debit card, you use it the same way regardless of whether the account is checking or savings. The account type affects withdrawal limits, fees, and interest — not how the card works at an ATM or store.
Can I see my account type on my debit card itself?
Not usually. The debit card itself does not print the account type. However, the presence of a debit card is a strong signal that you have a checking account, since savings accounts rarely come with cards. To confirm, check your statement or ask your bank.
What if I opened my account years ago and cannot remember what type it is?
Your bank's records go back as far as the account exists. Call customer service with your account number, and they will tell you the account type and when you opened it. You can also ask them to email or mail you a copy of your original account agreement, which will state the type.