It is important to know how much money you have in your bank account and how much of your total balance you can spend.
After checking your balance, understand the difference between your account balance and the available balance. Here are some steps by which you can check your bank balance without going to the bank.
Table of Contents
1. Log in Online
You can also use the mobile application, as described below. In most cases, look for options such as “Sign in” and “Account access.” If this is your first visit, select options such as “Register” or “First User.”
If you are new to online banking ideas, give it a try. In addition to checking your balance online, you can also send money to other banks and pay invoices without writing a check.
2. Mobile Apps and Text messages
With your mobile phone, tablet, or other device, you can easily verify your account from almost anywhere. Most banks offer apps (or at least websites designed for mobile devices) that allow you to view your account balance online and on the go. Applications usually do more than you can do from your desktop computer.
For example, banks are increasingly allowing checks to be deposited on mobile devices, so you can stop wasting time travelling to branches and get money faster.
The fastest way to use a mobile phone is to set up text messaging with your bank. You do not need to log in. If your bank offers that option, you can request a quick update of your balance.
3. Use ATM
ATMs can provide renewed account balances. Simply insert your ATM or debit card and follow the on-screen instructions. It is best to use your bank’s ATM (or the ATM network your bank uses). Other ATMs may charge you even if you don’t withdraw cash. Your bank may also charge an additional fee for using “foreign” ATMs, so those balance inquiries may cost you.
4. Call the Bank
If you prefer a more traditional approach, call your bank to check your balance. Most banks have an automated system that provides account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, although you may need to call at specific times to talk to people. Setting up to use these systems can take some effort. But when it goes live, it becomes routine.
5. Configure Alerts
Instead of manually checking your bank account balance, you can have the bank send you information when something happens. This will automatically protect your account.
Do you need to be notified only if your account balance is low or if you have a large withdrawal? In that case, set an alert on your bank and send an email or text message. In general, you can customize the type of messages you receive and the amount of money relevant to you. If alerts are set, everything can be considered okay until the bank contacts you.
6. Talk to the Cashier
If everything else fails, talk to someone directly, assuming you are using a traditional bank with a local branch. Unfortunately, access to ATMs has become increasingly difficult, and some banks may even charge extra for personal services. However, if you use a credit union that is part of a shared branch network, thousands of locations may be available nationwide.
Face-to-face chat can be useful, but it’s best to get used to some of the self-service methods above. You will be grateful that you can do things at your own time and from almost anywhere.
Available Balance
When checking your bank balance, pay attention to the type of balance displayed. When you go online or use the banking app, most banks will show you the available balance (indicating you’re spending or withdrawal today) and the total balance of your account.
Due to pending transactions such as debit card approval, future invoice payments, and unsettled deposits, the available balance is often lower than expected. These funds may be available in a few days, but until then, the funds will be frozen.
You Know More than Your Bank.
If you regularly adjust your account balance, you rarely need to check your balance (although it’s a good idea to check it to identify the problem before it gets worse).
You probably know where your balance goes before your bank does. If you write or send a check before the transaction reaches your account, your records will be more accurate than your bank records.
