The simplest way to know what you have
Your bank statement or account agreement will say the account type directly — usually near the top of the first page or in a section labeled "Account Information" or "Account Details." If you log into your online banking, the account type appears next to your account number in the accounts list. You can also call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card) and ask them to tell you in 30 seconds.
If you have lost your statement or cannot find it online, the fastest way is to ask yourself: Can I write checks on this account? If yes, it is checking. If no, it is savings. That one question answers it for most people, because checking accounts are built for frequent transactions and savings accounts are built to hold money.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank statement or online account page will label the account type explicitly — look for "Account Information" or "Account Details" sections.
- Checking accounts let you write checks and use a debit card for everyday spending; savings accounts do not.
- Savings accounts usually pay interest (a small amount of money the bank gives you for keeping money there) and limit how many withdrawals you can make per month.
- If you are unsure, call your bank's customer service line — they can confirm your account type in under a minute.
What checking accounts let you do
A checking account is designed for money you use regularly. You can write checks, use a debit card to buy things, set up automatic bill payments, and move money in and out as often as you want. There is no limit on how many times you withdraw or transfer money each month.
Checking accounts usually do not pay interest — the bank does not give you money for keeping your balance there. Some checking accounts charge a monthly fee (usually $5 to $15), though many banks waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit of your paycheck.
What savings accounts let you do
A savings account is designed to hold money you are not spending right now. You can deposit money and withdraw it, but you cannot write checks or use a debit card. Some savings accounts let you make a limited number of withdrawals per month — often six — before the bank charges a fee.
Savings accounts do pay interest, which means the bank gives you a small amount of money (usually a fraction of a percent per year) for keeping your balance there. The longer you leave money in a savings account, the more interest it earns. Savings accounts rarely charge monthly fees.
Where to find the account type on your statement
Open your most recent bank statement — the paper one that came in the mail or the PDF you downloaded. Look at the top of the first page. You will usually see a section that says "Account Information," "Account Summary," or "Your Account." In that section, the account type will be listed as "Checking," "Savings," "Money Market," or something similar.
If your statement does not show it there, check the page that lists your transactions (the page showing deposits and withdrawals). Sometimes the account type appears in smaller print above the transaction list or in a header at the top of that page.
How to check online if you use digital banking
Log into your bank's website or mobile app. Look for a section called "Accounts," "My Accounts," or "Account Overview." You will see a list of all your accounts with your account number next to each one. The account type — "Checking" or "Savings" — will appear right there, usually in bold or in a label next to the account name.
If you see multiple accounts listed, the names often help too. An account might be labeled "Primary Checking" or "Emergency Savings," which tells you the type when ready. If the label is unclear, click on the account name to open the account details page, where the type will be stated explicitly.
What to do if you still cannot find it
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. Tell them your account number (or your name and the last four digits of your Social Security number). Ask them to confirm whether your account is checking or savings. They will tell you in less than a minute.
You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller. Bring your debit card or a piece of mail from the bank so they can look up your account quickly. This is a straightforward question and takes no time at all.
Why the difference matters for how you use the account
Knowing your account type helps you understand what you can do with it and what it costs. If you have a checking account, you can use it for everyday spending — paying bills, buying groceries, getting cash from an ATM. If you have a savings account, you should use it to set money aside for emergencies or goals, not for daily transactions.
The fee structure is different too. A checking account might charge you a monthly fee if your balance drops below a certain amount, but a savings account usually does not. On the other hand, a savings account pays you interest, while a checking account usually does not. Understanding which you have helps you avoid surprise fees and take advantage of any interest your bank is offering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change a checking account to a savings account?
Yes. Contact your bank and ask them to convert the account. They will close the checking account and open a new savings account, or sometimes they can change the type of the existing account. This usually takes a few days and does not cost anything.
What if I have both checking and savings accounts?
Many people do. Use the checking account for money you spend regularly and the savings account for money you want to keep separate. You can move money between them whenever you need to, usually for free.
Do all savings accounts pay interest?
Most do, but the amount varies widely. Some banks pay almost nothing; others pay more, especially if you keep a larger balance. When you open a savings account, ask the bank what interest rate they are offering.
Can I write checks on a savings account?
No. Savings accounts do not come with a checkbook. If you need to write checks, you need a checking account. Some banks offer money market accounts, which are a hybrid — they pay interest like savings accounts but let you write a limited number of checks.
What if my account statement says "Money Market"?
A money market account is a third type of account that sits between checking and savings. It usually pays interest like a savings account but lets you write checks or use a debit card like a checking account. The rules vary by bank, so ask your bank what you can and cannot do with yours.