The simplest way to know which account you have
Look at your bank statement or log into your online banking. The account name will say either "Checking" or "Savings" — usually at the top of the page or in your account list. If you have both, they will appear as separate accounts with different account numbers. Your debit card, if you have one, is tied to your checking account, not your savings account.
If you cannot find a statement or do not remember your login, call the bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on the bank's website. Have your ID ready. They will tell you in under a minute what type of account you have and how many.
If you have never opened an account and are not sure whether you did, ask yourself: do you have a debit card, or have you ever received a statement in the mail? If yes to either, you have at least a checking account. If you only have a savings account, you typically will not have a debit card.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank statement or online account dashboard will label your account as "Checking" or "Savings" — this is the definitive answer.
- A debit card is issued with a checking account, not a savings account, so if you have one you know you have checking.
- Checking accounts let you write checks and make unlimited deposits and withdrawals; savings accounts restrict how often you can withdraw.
- You can have both types of accounts at the same bank, and they will have separate account numbers and statements.
- If you cannot find your information, your bank can confirm your account type in one phone call.
What your debit card tells you
If you have a debit card, it is connected to a checking account. Debit cards are not issued for savings accounts. The card lets you withdraw money at ATMs and pay for things in stores or online — features that require a checking account.
If you have a card but are not sure which account it draws from, check your bank statement. The statement will show which account the card is linked to. Some people have multiple debit cards from the same bank, each tied to a different account, though this is less common.
The difference in how you use each account
A checking account is built for frequent transactions. You can deposit money as many times as you want, withdraw as many times as you want, write checks, set up automatic bill payments, and use a debit card. There are no limits on how often you move money in or out. Most checking accounts do not earn interest on your balance.
A savings account is built to hold money and earn a small amount of interest over time. Federal rules historically limited you to six withdrawals per month, though many banks have removed that cap. You cannot write checks from a savings account, and most do not issue a debit card. You can still deposit money whenever you want, but the account is designed to discourage frequent withdrawals.
If you use your account to pay bills, buy groceries, or withdraw cash regularly, it is a checking account. If you rarely touch the money and mainly watch it sit there, it is likely a savings account.
Where to find your account type on your statement
Open your most recent bank statement — either the paper copy or the PDF from your email. At the top, you will see your account name. It will read something like "Checking Account," "Savings Account," "Money Market Account," or "High-Yield Savings." The name is always printed clearly.
If you have multiple accounts, each one will be listed separately with its own account number and balance. The statement will also show the account type next to each one. Some banks use abbreviations like "CHK" for checking or "SAV" for savings, but the full name is always there too.
If you have not received a statement in years, your bank may have switched to online-only statements. Log into your account on the bank's website or app. Your account dashboard will show all your accounts with their types labeled.
What to do if you have both accounts
Many people have a checking account for daily spending and a savings account for money they want to keep separate. If this is you, your bank statement or online dashboard will show both accounts listed, each with its own number and balance.
Money in your checking account and money in your savings account are separate. Transferring money between them takes a day or two, depending on your bank. If you need cash quickly, use your checking account. If you want to set money aside and earn interest, use your savings account.
Some banks offer accounts with both features combined — for example, a checking account that also earns interest. These are less common, but if you have one, your statement will name it clearly, usually something like "Interest-Bearing Checking" or "Premium Checking."
If you are not sure you have an account at all
If you have never opened a bank account and are trying to figure out whether you already have one, look for evidence: a debit card in your wallet, a statement in your mail, an email from a bank, or a record of direct deposit to your paycheck. Any of these means you have at least a checking account.
If you find none of these, you likely do not have an account. You can confirm by calling any bank where you think you might have opened an account. They will search for you by name and ID number. If nothing comes up, you do not have an account there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a checking account without a debit card?
Yes. Some people request accounts without debit cards, and some banks offer checking accounts that do not include one. You can still deposit money, write checks, and set up automatic payments. You just cannot withdraw cash at an ATM or swipe at a store.
Does a savings account come with a debit card?
No. Savings accounts do not issue debit cards. If you have a debit card, it is tied to a checking account. You can still withdraw money from savings at an ATM or in person at a branch, but you need to use your checking account card or ask a teller.
What if my statement says "Money Market Account"?
A money market account is a hybrid — it works partly like a checking account and partly like a savings account. It usually earns interest, may come with a debit card, and often has limits on withdrawals. Your statement will label it as "Money Market" rather than checking or savings.
Can I change my savings account to a checking account?
You cannot convert one to the other, but you can open a new checking account and transfer your money over. Most banks let you open a new account in minutes online or at a branch. Once the new account is open and funded, you can close the old one.
What if I have accounts at multiple banks?
Each bank will send you separate statements or let you log in separately to see your accounts. You will need to check each bank individually to see what types of accounts you have there. Some people use a personal finance app that aggregates all accounts in one place, but the bank statement is always the official record.