You can reach your money through online banking, a mobile app, an ATM, a debit card, a branch visit, or by phone

The method you choose depends on what you need to do and how fast you need to do it. Online banking and mobile apps are fastest for checking your balance, moving money, and paying bills — you can do all of this in seconds from anywhere. ATMs let you withdraw cash 24 hours a day without visiting a branch. A debit card works like a credit card but pulls money straight from your checking account. Visiting a branch in person is the best option if you need to deposit cash, withdraw a large amount, or talk to someone about your account. Phone banking is slowest but works if you do not have access to a computer or app.

Most banks let you use several of these methods at the same time. Your account is the same whether you access it online, at an ATM, through a debit card, or at a branch. Some banks charge fees for certain types of access — for example, using another bank's ATM usually costs $2 to $3 — so it matters which bank you chose and what account type you have.

Key Takeaways

  • Online banking and mobile apps let you see your balance, move money, and pay bills when ready from a phone or computer, and are free at nearly all banks.
  • ATMs let you withdraw cash and check your balance 24 hours a day, though using another bank's ATM usually costs $2 to $3 per transaction.
  • A debit card works like a credit card but pulls money straight from your checking account, and you can use it anywhere cards are accepted.
  • Visiting a branch in person lets you deposit cash or checks, withdraw large amounts, and talk to a teller about account questions during business hours.
  • Phone banking lets you check your balance and move money by calling your bank's customer service number, though it is slower than online access.

Online banking and mobile apps are the fastest way to check your balance and move money

Most banks give you a username and password to log into their website or app. You set this up when you open the account, or you can create it later by going to the bank's website and clicking a link like "Enroll in Online Banking" or "Sign Up". Once you are logged in, you can see your current balance, recent transactions, and money you have pending. You can also set up automatic bill payments, transfer money to another account at the same bank or a different bank, and read statements.

The mobile app is usually faster than the website if you are on a phone. You read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then log in with the same username and password. Some banks let you log in with your fingerprint or face recognition instead of typing a password each time. If you forget your password, you can reset it through the website or app by answering security questions or confirming your identity through email or text message.

Online banking is free at nearly all banks. The only time you might pay is if you use a service like bill pay through a third-party app that is not your bank's own system, though most banks' bill pay is free.

ATMs let you withdraw cash and check your balance outside of branch hours

An ATM is a machine where you insert your debit card, enter your PIN (a four-digit number you chose when you opened the account), and withdraw cash. You can also check your balance, deposit checks or cash at some ATMs, and transfer money between your own accounts. ATMs work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when the bank branch is closed.

Most banks own a network of ATMs you can use for free. If you use an ATM owned by a different bank, you usually pay a fee — often $2 to $3 per transaction. Some banks reimburse these fees if you have a higher-tier account. To avoid fees, use your own bank's ATM or look for a bank that is part of a shared network. For example, many credit unions belong to the CO-OP or Allpoint networks, which means you can use thousands of ATMs without a fee.

If you forget your PIN, you can reset it at an ATM, through online banking, or by calling your bank's customer service number. If your debit card is lost or stolen, call your bank when ready to freeze it so no one else can use it.

A debit card works like a credit card but takes money straight from your checking account

Your bank sends you a debit card when you open a checking account. You can use it to buy things at stores, online, or at restaurants. The money comes out of your checking account right away or within a day or two. You do not have to pay interest or a bill later — it is not a loan like a credit card is.

When you use a debit card, you usually enter a PIN at the register or sign your name. Some stores let you use it without a PIN for small purchases. If you use your debit card online, you enter the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back.

If your debit card is lost or stolen, call your bank right away. If someone uses it without permission before you report it, your bank will usually refund the money, though it can take a few days. If you report it stolen before anyone uses it, you have no liability.

Visiting a branch in person is the best option for deposits and large withdrawals

You can go to any branch of your bank during business hours to deposit cash or checks, withdraw cash, or talk to a teller about your account. Bring your debit card or ID. If you are depositing a check, the teller will take it and it usually shows up in your account within one or two business days. If you are withdrawing a large amount of cash, the bank might ask where you are using it — this is a federal requirement, not the bank being suspicious.

Some banks charge a fee if you visit a branch too many times in a month, though most do not. If your bank has multiple branches, you can visit any of them — your account is the same everywhere. If you bank with a large national bank, you can usually find a branch near you. If you bank with a smaller or local bank, you might have fewer branch locations.

If you do not have a branch near you, you can still deposit checks through the mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back of the check. This is called mobile check deposit. The check usually clears within one or two business days.

Phone banking lets you check your balance and move money by calling customer service

You can call your bank's customer service number, which is usually on the back of your debit card or on your statement. You will be asked to verify your identity by entering your account number and PIN or answering security questions. Once you are verified, you can check your balance, hear recent transactions, transfer money between accounts, and stop a payment.

Phone banking is slower than online banking because you have to wait on hold and listen to menus. Most people use it only when they do not have access to a computer or phone app, or when they need to talk to a person about a problem with their account. Some banks offer live chat through their website or app as a faster alternative to phone banking.

What to do if you cannot remember your login information or PIN

If you forget your online banking password, go to the bank's website and look for a link that says "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password". You will be asked to verify your identity by answering security questions, confirming your email address, or receiving a code by text message. Once you verify, you can create a new password.

If you forget your ATM PIN, you can reset it at an ATM by selecting the option to change your PIN, or you can call your bank's customer service number and ask them to reset it. You will need to verify your identity. Some banks let you reset your PIN through online banking as well.

If you forget your username, most banks let you look it up on the website by entering your account number and other identifying information. If you cannot remember anything, call your bank and a representative can help you regain access to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my checking account at any bank's ATM?

You can use any ATM, but you will usually pay a fee of $2 to $3 if it is not your bank's ATM. To avoid fees, use your own bank's ATM or look for a shared network like CO-OP or Allpoint. Some banks reimburse out-of-network ATM fees if you have a premium account.

How long does it take money to show up after I transfer it online?

Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually show up when ready or within a few hours. Transfers to a different bank take one to three business days. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer on Friday might not arrive until Tuesday.

What happens if I lose my debit card?

Call your bank when ready to freeze the card so no one else can use it. Your bank will send you a new card, which usually arrives within five to ten business days. If someone used your card before you reported it stolen, your bank will refund the unauthorized charges.

Can I set up online banking if I do not have a computer?

Yes. You can use the mobile app on a smartphone instead. read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then log in with your username and password. If you do not have a smartphone, you can call your bank's customer service number to check your balance and move money by phone.

Is online banking safe?

Banks use encryption to protect your information when you log in online or through the app. Never share your password with anyone, and do not log in from a public WiFi network unless you use a VPN. If you see a transaction you did not make, call your bank right away.