Monitoring your checking account balance can mean knowing you have enough to pay upcoming bills and cover everyday expenses. Checking your balance is usually an easy process, and there are several ways to do it, including online, through your bank’s app, at an ATM or in person at a bank.
Let’s learn more about how to check your bank account balance.
Ways to see your checking account balance
There are a few ways to check your balance. You can see how much you have in your checking account online through the bank’s app or website, at an ATM, with a bank teller, by viewing your statement or over the phone.
On your bank’s website
Most banks offer online banking through their website. You can view your checking account balance at any time by logging into your account.
To check your balance online, simply log in to your account using your username and password. Once you're logged in, navigate to the section that shows your account balances.
On your bank’s app
Many banks have mobile apps that let you check your balance on the go. To get started, download the app and log in with your credentials. Your checking account balance may be displayed on the dashboard, or you may have to navigate to the account.
At an ATM
You can check your checking account balance at an ATM. To do this, insert your debit card, enter your PIN and select the option to view your balance. There's typically no fee if you use an ATM from your bank’s network to view your balance. However, using an out-of-network ATM to check your balance may incur a fee.
On your bank statement
Unless you’ve opted to go paperless, banks usually mail statements showing account activity, including your balance. Your statement will show your current balance as of the statement’s closing date, but keep in mind this figure may not reflect recent transactions.
With a bank teller
It’s possible to check your account balance by visiting a branch of your bank and speaking to a teller. You’ll typically need information to verify your identity, like your debit card, account number or PIN.
By calling your bank
You can usually call your bank’s customer service line to check your balance. You may have to verify your identity by providing your account number or other information.
Reasons to monitor your checking account balance
Regularly monitoring your checking account balance can help you stay on top of your finances. Here are some reasons why checking your balance is important:
- Ensure checks will clear: By keeping an eye on your balance, you can ensure there’s enough money in your account to cover any checks you’ve written. This prevents bounced checks and the associated fees.
- Pay bills and credit cards on time:·Planning on-time bill payments is easier if you know how much money you have.
- Avoid overdraft fees or declined transactions: If you try to withdraw money or make a purchase you don’t have funds to cover, the transaction may be declined. It may be approved if you have overdraft protection, but you may incur fees. Knowing how much you have in your checking account can prevent this.
- Decide when to transfer to money savings: If you notice your balance has grown, it may be a good time to transfer extra funds into a savings account.
The answer to this question is different for everyone. Some people prefer to check their balance daily to stay on top of transactions and avoid overdrafts, while others find that a weekly or monthly check is right for their needs. It can be a good idea to check your balance before making large purchases, paying bills or transferring funds to ensure you have enough money available. Ultimately, the key is to monitor your balance as often as necessary to manage your finances and avoid unexpected fees.
This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.
