The simplest way to know what type of account you have
Look at your bank statement or log into your online banking. The account type is printed right there — usually near the top of the page or in the account summary section. It will say "Checking Account" or "Savings Account" (or sometimes "Savings Deposit Account"). If you have a physical debit card, it is almost certainly a checking account, because savings accounts typically do not come with cards.
If you cannot find a statement or do not have online access, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card, or visit a branch in person. Have your account number ready — you can find it on a check, a deposit slip, or any mail from the bank. A representative can tell you in under a minute.
The reason this matters: checking and savings accounts work differently. Checking accounts are built for spending — you can write checks, use a debit card, and set up automatic bill payments. Savings accounts are built for storing money — they typically pay you a small amount of interest, but limit how many times per month you can move money out. Knowing which one you have helps you understand what you can and cannot do with it.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank statement or online account summary will display the account type clearly at the top or in the account details section.
- If you have a debit card linked to the account, it is a checking account, because savings accounts do not usually issue cards.
- Calling your bank's customer service line with your account number is the fastest way to confirm if you cannot locate a statement.
- Checking accounts allow frequent withdrawals and payments, while savings accounts limit withdrawals and often pay interest on your balance.
What the account paperwork tells you
When you opened the account, your bank gave you a welcome packet or sent one by mail. This packet includes a document called a "Disclosure Statement" or "Account Agreement." On the first page or two, it states the account type and describes what you can do with it. If you still have this paperwork, that is the official record.
If you opened the account online, you received an email with the same information. Search your email inbox for messages from your bank with words like "account opened," "welcome," or "account agreement." The type will be listed in that email or in a PDF attached to it.
You can also request a copy of your account agreement from the bank at any time — call customer service or ask at a branch. There is no charge for this, and they can email or mail it to you.
Why banks separate these two account types
A checking account is meant for money you use regularly. You can withdraw cash, write checks, use your debit card, and set up automatic payments as many times as you want each month. The bank makes money by lending out deposits and charging overdraft fees, not by paying you interest.
A savings account is meant for money you want to keep and grow. The bank pays you interest — a small percentage of your balance each month — in exchange for letting them lend your money to other customers. In return, the bank limits how many times you can withdraw per month, usually to six times. This rule comes from federal banking law, though some banks enforce it loosely.
Some banks offer hybrid accounts called "money market accounts" that sit between the two. These pay interest like savings accounts but allow more frequent withdrawals and sometimes come with a debit card. The rules vary by bank, so check your account agreement to see which category yours falls into.
What to do if you have both types
Many people have one checking account and one or more savings accounts at the same bank. This is common and useful — you keep spending money in checking and long-term savings in a separate account where it earns interest and is harder to spend by accident.
If you have multiple accounts, your online banking dashboard will list all of them, usually on the main page after you log in. Each one will be labeled with its type and its own account number. You can move money between your own accounts when ready, usually for free, through online banking or at an ATM.
If you are unsure how many accounts you have, log into your online banking or call customer service. Some people open accounts and forget about them, especially if they have not used them in months. It is worth knowing what you have so you do not miss interest payments or forget about money sitting in an old account.
Signs you might have the wrong account type for your needs
If you opened a savings account but you are using it like a checking account — withdrawing money multiple times a week, setting up automatic bill payments, or using a debit card — you may be hitting withdrawal limits without realizing it. Some banks charge a fee each time you exceed the monthly limit, usually $10 per excess withdrawal. If you see these fees on your statement, that is a sign you need a checking account instead.
If you opened a checking account but you want to save money and earn interest, you are missing out. Checking accounts pay zero or nearly zero interest. If you have money sitting in checking that you do not plan to spend for months, moving it to a savings account at the same bank will earn you a small return. The difference is small, but it adds up over time.
Switching account types is straightforward: you can open a new account of the correct type and transfer your balance over, or ask your bank to convert the existing account. Call customer service or visit a branch to ask which option is easier for your situation.
How to read your account number and routing number
Your account number and routing number appear on checks, deposit slips, and bank statements. The account number is unique to that specific account — it tells the bank which of your accounts to use. The routing number is the same for all accounts at your bank and tells other banks how to find your bank.
Neither of these numbers tells you whether the account is checking or savings. You need to look at the account name or type field instead. However, knowing where to find these numbers is useful because you will need them to set up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, or transfers from other banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account from checking to savings or vice versa?
Yes. Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch and ask to convert the account. Some banks do this when ready; others may close the old account and open a new one. Either way, your account number may change, so update any automatic payments or direct deposits afterward.
What if my bank statement does not say the account type?
Call customer service with your account number. They can confirm the type in seconds. If your statement is very old or from a different bank, the format may be different, but the account type is always listed somewhere on official bank documents.
Do I need a checking account if I only use online banking?
No. You can pay bills and transfer money using a savings account if your bank allows it. However, checking accounts are designed for frequent transactions and usually have no withdrawal limits, while savings accounts may charge fees if you withdraw too often. Ask your bank what features your savings account includes.
Can a savings account have a debit card?
Rarely. Most banks do not issue debit cards for savings accounts because the accounts are meant for storing money, not frequent spending. Some banks offer money market accounts that combine savings features with a debit card, but these are less common and have different rules.
Why does my account say "deposit account" instead of checking or savings?
"Deposit account" is a general term that includes both checking and savings. Look for more specific language on your statement or account agreement — it should say "checking" or "savings" somewhere. If it does not, call the bank and ask them to clarify which type it is.