4 How To Check Account Balance

(doylc.com) How To Check Account Balance - You probably conduct most of your financial transactions electronically, making it difficult to track your spending. Luckily, your bank keeps a record of all your transactions for you, so all you have to do is check your account balance. The easiest way to monitor your account balance is to do online banking through your bank's website or app. You can also check your balance at any ATM or branch of your bank.

• How to use online banking

Go to your bank's website on your computer or phone. To find the website, enter the name of your bank in your internet browser's search bar. Then click the website link to open the page.

Make sure the URL starts with "https:" so you know the connection is secure.

Do not access your banking information from public computers or computers you are unfamiliar with.

Create an account with your account information if you don't already have one. Click the Create Account or Register link. Then fill out all the fields to create an account. You'll likely need to enter your account number, routing or sort number, name, date of birth, and email address. You will also create a username and password.

If you don't see a link to create an account, select "Sign In" and search for "Create Account " under the login fields.

If you already have an online banking account, skip this step and log in to your existing account.

Some banks may require you to call or visit a bank branch to begin online banking.

When creating a password for your bank, be sure to use a strong, unique password. The password should be at least 8 characters long and contain upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. It should be a unique password that you have not used with any other application. You can use a password manager to create strong and unique passwords for all your apps and store them securely.

Log in to online banking with your username and password. Enter your username and password in the correct fields on the screen to log in. Then answer the security questions if required.

Make sure the "Remind me" option is not enabled if you are using a public computer use.

It is common for banking websites to ask security questions when you first log in or use an unfamiliar computer.

Click on your account summary to view your account balance. Look for a tab that says something like "Account Summary" or "Checking account" is displayed. Click this link to view your account balance and recent transactions.

Quickly read through the listed transactions to make sure nothing is missing.

Sign out of your account when finished. Typically, banking websites will automatically log you out after a certain amount of time, which is usually 30 minutes. However, it is best to log out manually so that nobody can access your bank details. Click the "Logout" button to end your online banking session.

• Using a mobile app

Download and install your bank's mobile app. The most popular banks including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Capital One and USAA all have mobile banking apps. These apps can be used to check your bank balance, transfer money, pay bills, and sometimes even deposit checks. Follow these steps to download and install your bank's mobile app on your smartphone or tablet:

- Open the Google Play Store on Android or the App Store on iPhone or iPad.

- Tap the Search tab (iPhone and iPad only).

- Enter the name of your bank in the search bar.

- Next to your bank's mobile app, tap GET or INSTALL .

Open your bank's mobile app and register a new account. After the Mobile Banking app is downloaded, tap the app icon to open it, then select the Sign up option , Create an accountor something similar. The registration process differs from one mobile banking app to the next. In general, you must read and agree to the Terms of Service. Answer all questions to confirm your identity. Make sure you have your account number and routing or sorting number (or credit card) ready to enter. Then create a username and password and a security question in case you forget your password, or sign in on a different device.

If you have already created an online banking account through your bank's website, you may be able to log into the mobile app using the username and password you used to register for online banking.

Some mobile banking apps require you to create a PIN that you can use to log in. You may also be able to sign in with your fingerprint scanner, TouchID, or FaceID.

When creating a password for your bank, be sure to use a strong, unique password. The password should be at least 8 characters long and contain upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. It should be a unique password that you have not used with any other application. You can use a password manager to create strong and unique passwords for all your apps and store them securely.

Open your mobile banking app and log in. Once you have registered an account with your mobile banking account, you can log in with your username and password. Tap on the mobile bank app icon and then select the option Sign up , Sign in or similar. Enter your username and password, then tap Sign In , Sign In or similar.

Some mobile banking apps require you to enter a PIN or use your fingerprint or FaceID to log in every time you open the app.

Select the option to view your bank accounts. This is generally the home page that opens when you log into the app. If not, tap the Accounts , Summary , Bank Information , "My [bank name]" option or something similar. This should show any bank accounts you have with your bank.

Tap the account you want to verify. If you have multiple bank accounts at the same bank (e.g. a checking and savings account), you need to tap on the bank account you want to verify. The balance should appear at the top along with a list of all your recent transactions.

Bank balances may not be 100% accurate to the minute. If you have recently made transactions, it may take up to 24 hours for them to appear in your mobile banking app.

Be careful when accessing your bank account while traveling. Try to avoid accessing your bank account when using public WiFi. If you absolutely must access your bank account, be sure to use a VPN.

• Go to an ATM

Find an ATM in person or through your phone. You can usually check your balance at any ATM, even if it's not owned by your bank. Look for an ATM at local bank branches, grocery stores, gas stations, and some retail outlets. The bank should have an external ATM that is available 24 hours a day and an internal ATM that is available during business hours. In other locations, they are usually either in the front or the back of the store.

Many banks have a drive-up ATM that you can use without getting out of your car.

It is best to use indoor ATMs as they are less likely to be tampered with by thieves. However, it's usually safe to use outdoor ATMs, so don't worry if that's your only option.

Insert your debit card into the ATM. Check the chart on the machine to find out which side of the card the stripe needs to be on. Then slide your card into the device's card slot. Leave the card in during the transaction or pull it out depending on how the machine works.

Enter your PIN code (Personal Identification Number). This is the 4-digit number you received or set up when you received your debit card. Enter it using the keyboard and then select Enter.

If someone waits after you to use the ATM, cover the keyboard so they can't see what you're typing.

Select the option to view your bank balance. Most machines will display all of your banking options. Choose the one with "Balance". Then select the required document type.

It can display your balance on the screen. However, some machines only show your balance on your receipt.

Take the receipt that shows your account balance. You will usually receive a paper receipt or an electronic receipt. This will show you your current balance.

If the machine shows your balance on screen, you may not want to receive a receipt.

Log out of the machine. Some computers will sign you out automatically, while others allow you to select a different option. To ensure your account information remains secure, click the button to log out or complete your transaction.

Be sure to withdraw your card as well if you haven't already. If the machine holds your card while you complete your transaction, it will slowly eject from the card slot once you have completed your transaction.

• How to visit to the bank

Go to a branch of your bank. Find the bank branch closest to you by searching online. Then visit the branch so you can speak to a bank clerk.

When you open your phone's Maps app, it easily finds the branch closest to your current location.

Tell the bank clerk you need to check your account balance. You may have to wait in line to speak to a cashier. When it's your turn, go to the window and ask for your bank balance.

Typically, bank employees sit at a large desk in the center of the bank interior. If you can't find it, ask a member of staff for help.

Provide your account number or debit card and photo ID. The bank clerk will ask you for your account identification details. Provide your account number or debit card so they can look up your account. Then give them your photo ID to prove you are the account holder.

You can usually use any official ID card. The cashier will likely ask to see it to protect your account from someone impersonating you.

Get a receipt from the register showing your balance. The cashier might print you a receipt but might just write out your balance. Take the receipt with you when you leave.

The receipt may have your account details on it, so don't just leave it at the bank.