Look at your bank statement or account details online
The fastest way to know is to log into your bank's website or app and look at your account list. Your bank will label each account clearly — it will say "Checking" or "Savings" right next to the account name. If you have paper statements, the account type appears at the top of the first page, usually near your account number.
If you cannot access your account online, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. A representative can tell you the account type in under a minute. Have your account number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank labels the account type directly in your online account list or on your paper statement — it will say "Checking" or "Savings".
- Checking accounts come with a debit card and allow unlimited deposits and withdrawals, while savings accounts limit how many times you can withdraw per month.
- If you have a debit card linked to the account, it is almost certainly a checking account, because savings accounts typically do not issue debit cards.
- Your bank's customer service line can confirm the account type in one call if you cannot find it online.
Check whether you have a debit card for this account
Checking accounts come with a debit card — a card you can use to pay for things or withdraw cash at an ATM. Savings accounts rarely issue debit cards. If you have a physical card connected to this account, it is a checking account.
Look at the cards in your wallet. The card will have your account number printed on it, and it will be linked to only one account at your bank. If you are not sure which card goes with which account, your bank's app or website will show you which cards are connected to each account.
Review what you can do with the account
Checking accounts let you write checks, set up automatic bill payments, and make as many withdrawals as you want each month. If you have been using this account to pay bills or write checks, it is a checking account.
Savings accounts are built for storing money rather than spending it. Most banks limit you to a certain number of withdrawals per month — often six. If you have never written a check on this account and rarely move money out of it, it is probably a savings account. Some savings accounts also have a lower minimum balance requirement or earn interest, which checking accounts typically do not.
Look at your account paperwork from when you opened it
When you opened the account, your bank sent you paperwork or a welcome email that stated the account type. Search your email for messages from your bank with words like "welcome" or "account opened." The account type will be listed in the first few paragraphs.
If you have paper documents from account opening, the type will appear on the signature card or the initial disclosure form. These documents are usually kept with other financial records or in a file with your bank statements.
Understand why the difference matters
Knowing your account type affects how you can use the money and what fees you might pay. Checking accounts are meant for regular spending and bill payments, so they have no withdrawal limits. Savings accounts are meant to hold money, so banks limit withdrawals to encourage you to keep the balance steady.
Some banks charge a fee if you exceed the withdrawal limit on a savings account, or they may convert the account to checking if you withdraw too often. Checking accounts may charge a monthly fee if you do not keep a minimum balance, while many savings accounts do not. Understanding which type you have helps you avoid unexpected fees and use the account the way the bank intended.
What to do if you still cannot find the answer
Visit your bank in person with your ID and ask a teller to confirm the account type. Bring your debit card or account number so they can pull up your account quickly. This takes just a few minutes and requires no advance notice.
You can also send a message through your bank's online banking portal if it has one. Many banks respond to account questions within one business day. Write down your account number in the message so the bank knows which account you are asking about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both a checking and savings account at the same bank?
Yes. Many people have one of each. Your bank will list both accounts separately in your online banking portal, and each will have its own account number. You can transfer money between them, usually for free.
What if my account does not have a label?
Every bank account has a type — checking or savings — even if the label is not obvious at first glance. Check your welcome paperwork, call customer service, or visit a branch. The bank's records will show the type even if your statement does not display it clearly.
Does a savings account earn interest?
Many do, but not all. Interest rates vary by bank and change over time. Your account statement or online banking portal will show your current interest rate and any interest you have earned. Checking accounts rarely earn interest.
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, while others require you to visit a branch or submit a form online. There is usually no fee to convert.
What happens if I withdraw too much from a savings account?
Your bank may charge a fee for each withdrawal over the limit, or they may convert your account to checking. Some banks simply decline the withdrawal. Check your account agreement or call your bank to learn their specific policy.