Where to find your 6-month average balance

Your 6-month average balance is the total of your account balance on the last day of each of the past six months, divided by six. Banks calculate this number automatically — you do not have to do the math yourself. The easiest place to find it is in your online banking portal, usually under account details or account summary.

Log into your bank's website or app, find your checking account, and look for a section labeled "Account Summary," "Account Details," or "Account Information." Some banks display the average balance right on the main account page. Others hide it one click deeper, under a tab that says "More Details" or "View Full Details." If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line — they can tell you the number in under a minute.

The reason banks track this number is that some accounts waive monthly fees if your balance stays above a certain level, or pay higher interest rates when your average balance is high. Some programs also use it to decide whether you meet their requirements. Knowing where to find it saves you time when you need it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank calculates your 6-month average balance automatically and stores it in your online account portal under account details or summary.
  • The number is the total of your balance on the last day of each of the past six months, divided by six.
  • If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service number and ask them to read it to you over the phone.
  • Banks use this number to decide whether you may have access to for fee waivers, higher interest rates, or other account benefits.

Checking your online banking portal

Start by logging into your bank's website or mobile app with your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for your checking account in the list of accounts. Click on it to open the account view.

On the main account page, you should see your current balance and recent transactions. Look for a link or button that says "Account Details," "Account Summary," "View Details," or "More Information." Click it. The 6-month average balance is often listed here alongside other account statistics like your current balance, interest earned, and fees paid.

If the account details page does not show the average balance, try looking under tabs labeled "Statements," "Account History," or "Account Settings." Some banks put it in a different spot depending on the account type. If you still cannot find it after checking these places, move on to calling your bank — it is faster than hunting through every menu.

Calling your bank to ask

The fastest way to get your 6-month average balance is to call your bank's customer service number. This number is usually on the back of your debit card, on your monthly statement, or on the bank's website.

When you call, have your account number ready. Tell the representative: "I need my 6-month average balance for my checking account." They will pull it up in seconds and read it to you. You can ask them to repeat it, write it down, or email it to you if you need a record. There is no charge for this service.

If you are calling during business hours and reach a live person, this is the simplest route. If you reach an automated system, look for a menu option about account information or account details. Some banks' automated systems can read your average balance to you without a representative.

Understanding what the number means

The 6-month average balance is not your current balance — it is a snapshot of how much money you typically keep in the account over time. If your balance swings wildly from month to month, the average smooths out those swings and shows the middle ground.

For example, if your balance on the last day of each month was $500, $1,200, $800, $600, $1,100, and $900, your 6-month average would be $850. Banks use this number instead of your current balance because it shows your actual banking habits rather than a single moment in time. A person might have $5,000 in the account today but only $200 most other days — the average balance tells the real story.

This matters because many banks set their fee-waiver thresholds based on average balance, not current balance. If your account requires a $1,500 average balance to waive the monthly fee, you need to maintain that average over the six-month period, not just have it on one day.

What to do if you cannot find the number

If your bank's website does not display the 6-month average balance and you cannot reach customer service by phone, try sending a message through your online banking portal. Most banks have a "Contact Us" or "Message Center" option where you can ask a question and receive a response within one business day.

You can also visit a branch in person with your ID and account number. A teller can look up your average balance and write it down for you on the spot. This is useful if you need the number when ready and cannot wait for a phone call or email response.

If you are switching banks or opening a new account and need your old bank's average balance, the same methods explore — call the old bank, log into their portal, or visit a branch. Banks keep this information for at least seven years, so even if you closed the account months ago, they can still pull the number.

When you might need this number

Banks ask for your 6-month average balance when you are opening a new account and want to know whether you will may have access to for a premium checking account with higher interest rates or lower fees. Some employers or government programs also ask for it to verify your financial stability.

If you are trying to meet a minimum balance requirement to waive fees on your current account, your bank will use your 6-month average to decide whether you have met it. Some accounts also use the average to calculate how much interest you earn — the higher your average balance, the more interest the bank pays you.

Knowing your number ahead of time means you are not caught off guard when someone asks for it. If your average is lower than you hoped, you can ask your bank what balance you would need to reach to unlock better terms, and then work toward that goal over the next few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my 6-month average balance include money in savings accounts?

No. Your bank calculates the 6-month average for each account separately. If you have both a checking account and a savings account, each one has its own average balance. Only the money in your checking account counts toward your checking account's average.

What if I just opened my checking account?

If your account is fewer than six months old, your bank will calculate the average based on however many months you have had the account. So if you opened it three months ago, they will average those three months instead of six. Once you reach six months, they will start using the full six-month calculation.

Can I see my average balance for different time periods, like three months or one year?

Most banks only display the 6-month average in their standard account details. If you need a different time period, call customer service and ask — they can usually pull a custom average for you, though it may take a few business days.

Does my average balance affect my credit score?

No. Your bank account balance and average balance do not appear on your credit report and do not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on borrowing and repayment history, not on how much money you keep in checking or savings accounts.

If I deposit a large sum of money, will it raise my 6-month average right away?

It will raise your average, but only starting from the next month. The 6-month average is locked in on the last day of each month. A large deposit made in the middle of the month will not change this month's average, but it will be included in next month's calculation.