Most banks let you upgrade online, but the process and what changes depends on which bank you use and what type of account you have now
You can upgrade many accounts through your bank's website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The upgrade usually means moving to an account with different fees, higher interest rates, more features, or fewer restrictions—like switching from a basic checking account to one that waives monthly fees if you keep a minimum balance, or moving to a premium account with travel perks.
The actual steps vary. Some banks let you change account types in seconds through a menu in your app. Others require you to call or visit in person because the upgrade involves a credit check, a new agreement, or a change to your account ownership structure. A few banks won't let you upgrade at all—they require you to close the old account and open a new one, which can affect your account history and routing number.
Before you start, know what you're upgrading to. Banks often have multiple account tiers, and the one that looks best on the website might not match your actual spending or balance. Read the fee schedule and interest rate for the new account, not just the marketing description.
Key Takeaways
- Many banks allow account upgrades through their website or app, but some require a phone call or branch visit because of credit checks or new agreements.
- Upgrading usually changes your monthly fees, interest rate, or features—read the full fee schedule and terms before you confirm the change.
- Some banks won't let you upgrade an existing account and will require you to close it and open a new one instead, which may change your account number and routing number.
- Your account history and any linked services (direct deposit, automatic payments, linked savings accounts) may be affected by the upgrade, so check with your bank first.
How to find the upgrade option in your bank's app or website
Log into your account and look for a menu labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Account," "Account Services," or "Account Products." Some banks put it under a "Checking" or "Savings" tab. Others hide it under a gear icon or a "More" menu.
If you can't find it, search the bank's website for "upgrade account" or "change account type." Most banks have a help article that walks you through the steps for your specific account. If the option doesn't appear in your app or online portal, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch—your bank may require human approval for the upgrade.
Before you click anything, have the account number of the account you want to upgrade ready. You'll also want to know what account type you're upgrading to. If your bank offers multiple premium or checking options, make sure you're choosing the right one.
What happens to your money, direct deposits, and automatic payments when you upgrade
Your money stays in the account. The upgrade doesn't move your balance to a different account or freeze your funds. Direct deposits and automatic payments linked to your old account usually continue without interruption, because they're tied to your account number and routing number—which typically don't change during an upgrade.
However, some banks do change your account number when you upgrade, especially if you're moving between very different account types or if the upgrade involves a credit check. Before you confirm the upgrade, ask your bank whether your account number will stay the same. If it changes, you'll need to update your employer's payroll system, any creditors you pay automatically, and any apps or services that pull money from your account.
If you're worried about disruption, contact your bank's customer service before you upgrade and ask them to confirm what will and won't change. They can also tell you whether there's a waiting period before the new account terms take effect.
When your bank requires a phone call or branch visit instead
Some upgrades trigger a hard inquiry into your credit report, which banks can't do through an app. This happens most often when you're upgrading to a premium account that comes with a credit card, overdraft protection, or a line of credit. Your bank needs your verbal or written consent to pull your credit, so they'll ask you to call or come in.
Other upgrades require a new account agreement or a change to account ownership—for example, if you're converting a personal account to a business account, or if you're adding a co-owner. These changes usually need a signature, so your bank will either mail you a form or ask you to visit a branch.
A few banks won't upgrade accounts at all. Instead, they require you to close your current account and open a new one. This is rare, but it happens with some older account types or at smaller regional banks. If your bank tells you this is the only option, ask whether closing and reopening will affect your account history with them, your credit report, or any linked services.
Fees and interest rates that change after you upgrade
Your monthly maintenance fee may go down, stay the same, or disappear entirely—depending on the account you're upgrading to. Premium accounts often waive the monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance (usually $500 to $2,500, but this varies by bank) or if you set up direct deposit. Read the fee schedule carefully, because some banks charge a monthly fee even on premium accounts if you don't meet the balance requirement.
Interest rates on savings or money market accounts may increase when you upgrade, but they may also decrease if you're moving to a different account type. Interest rates change based on the Federal Reserve's decisions, so the rate you see today may not be the rate you get after the upgrade. Check your bank's current rates for the account type you're upgrading to before you make the change.
Overdraft fees, ATM fees, and out-of-network fees usually stay the same unless your new account type has different rules. Some premium accounts offer unlimited free ATM withdrawals at partner banks, while others charge the same fees as your old account. Look at the full fee schedule, not just the headline features.
What to do if you change your mind after upgrading
Most banks let you downgrade back to your old account type within a certain window—often 30 days, but this varies. Contact your bank's customer service and ask whether you can reverse the upgrade. If you can, they'll usually do it over the phone or through your app, and your account number will revert to what it was before.
If you're past the window for reversing the upgrade, you can close the account and open a new one, but this will give you a new account number and routing number. You'll need to update any direct deposits or automatic payments again. Some banks charge a fee to close an account if you've had it open for less than a certain amount of time (often 90 days to six months), so ask before you close.
If the upgrade caused a problem—for example, if your direct deposit stopped working or if you were charged a fee you weren't told about—contact your bank and explain what happened. Many banks will reverse unexpected fees or help you troubleshoot linked services.
Upgrades that require you to close and reopen your account
If your bank won't let you upgrade an existing account and requires you to close it and open a new one instead, you'll get a new account number and routing number. This is inconvenient, but it's not a financial problem—your money will move to the new account, and you can update your direct deposits and automatic payments once the new account is open.
Before you close the old account, make sure there are no pending transactions, outstanding checks, or automatic payments still linked to it. Wait at least a week after your last transaction to close it, so you don't accidentally block a delayed payment. Some banks require you to have a zero balance before they'll close the account.
Ask your bank whether closing and reopening will affect your account history with them or show up on your credit report. Most banks don't report account closures to credit bureaus, but some do, so it's worth asking. Also ask whether there's a waiting period before you can open a new account—some banks require you to wait 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will upgrading my account hurt my credit score?
Only if the upgrade involves a hard credit inquiry. Most account upgrades don't trigger a credit check, so your credit score won't be affected. If your bank tells you a credit check is required, ask them whether it will be a hard or soft inquiry. A soft inquiry doesn't affect your score; a hard inquiry may lower it slightly for a few months.
Can I upgrade if I have a negative balance or owe the bank money?
Most banks won't let you upgrade if your account is overdrawn or if you owe them money from a previous account. Pay off the negative balance first, then contact your bank to request the upgrade. Some banks require you to wait a certain amount of time after paying off a negative balance before you can upgrade.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank—do I upgrade them all at once?
No, you upgrade each account separately. If you have a checking account and a savings account, you can upgrade just the checking account, just the savings account, or both. Each account has its own settings and terms, so you control which ones change.
Do I need to update my employer or creditors after I upgrade?
Only if your account number changes. Most upgrades don't change your account number, so your direct deposits and automatic payments will continue without interruption. Before you upgrade, ask your bank whether your account number will stay the same. If it will change, update your employer's payroll system and any creditors you pay automatically before the upgrade takes effect.
Can I upgrade to a business account if I'm currently using a personal account?
Some banks allow this, but most require you to close the personal account and open a new business account instead. Business accounts have different requirements and terms than personal accounts, so your bank will likely need new documentation and a signature. Contact your bank to ask whether you can upgrade or whether you need to open a new account.