Can you check your debit card balance online

Can you check your debit card balance online?

As long as your debit card is linked to a checking account that you have online banking for, then you will be able to check your debit card balance online. You can do this either from your mobile device or from a computer.

A lot of people have heard of online banking. Most Americans have started to transition toward the idea of using it. It is incredibly useful. But, what can you do with online banking? 

Luckily for you, I’ll show you how to register for an online banking account. I’ll then show you how you can check your debit card balance online or from your phone.

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How To Register For An Online Banking Account 

First, an online banking account is not a separate bank account. Online banking is a way for you to access your bank account online. Creating an online bank account will create a username and password associated with your bank account. 

If you already have online banking with your bank, then head to your bank’s website and log in using your bank’s details. You will be able to check your debit card balance in seconds.

However, you will have to create your online banking account if you don’t already have one.

To register for online banking, do the following:

  1. Head to your bank’s website.
  2. Look for a link, such as ‘Enroll in Online Banking’
  3. Click the link and follow the on screen prompts

Depending on the bank, setting up online banking can be instant or take a few days. Banks will need to verify your identity. Some banks may choose to verify your identity via mail, while others ask for personal information, such as your account number, SSN, etc.

For example, Banner Bank allows you to verify your identity while you’re setting up your online banking account. Banner Bank will ask for your Account Number, Last Name, Date of Birth, Account Type, and Social Security Number.

You will also need to set up a Login ID and create a password in addition to providing your personal information. These are the credentials you will need to log into your online banking account.

Checking Your Debit Card Balance Online

Armed with your username and password, it shouldn’t be too difficult to check your debit card balance online. Just head to your bank’s website and hit the ‘login’ button. Enter your user name and password and click submit.

Some banks will have two factor authentication enabled for added security. Two factor authentication will have you enter in a unique code that changes every 30 seconds to one minute. This code may be sent to you via text message, email, or through an authenticator app like Microsoft Authenticator.

Once you are logged in, look for the checking account that is tied to your debit card. This will list your current account balance. This figure should include any pending charges, although you may want to check the bank statement if you are not 100% sure.

Remember, you can do many things with your online bank account. While the main reason people use it is to check their balance, you can also do the following:

  • Check past bank statements
  • Look at any scheduled payments
  • Schedule a payment
  • Pay bills
  • Carry out a bank transfer to another account that you own
  • Order new debit cards
  • Look at the PIN for your debit card (not all online banks allow you to do this!)

So, even if you do not plan on checking your debit card balance online regularly, we still suggest that you get an online bank account. You will have made your financial life so much easier to manage. 

Can You Check Your Debit Card Balance Online Using Mobile?

Checking your bank account balance with your phone is possible using your bank’s mobile app. You will likely need to log in using your online banking credentials. Some apps may require you to create a shorter PIN just to make it easier to log in on your mobile device. 

This isn’t an issue if your bank does not have a mobile app. Most banks will have a mobile website that you can use. It is a little less convenient as you will have to head to your bank’s site from your mobile web browser (e.g., Chrome or Safari) and log in. However, you will still be able to access your bank account wherever you have an internet connection.

Are There Any Risks To Checking Your Debit Card Balance Online?

A lot of people are reluctant to check their debit card balance online. They believe there are risks to it. 

Sure. There are risks. 

However, with a bit of know-how, you will be able to mitigate those risks to the point where they shouldn’t pose too much of a problem.

Don’t Write Your Online Banking Details Down

We aren’t completely forbidding you from writing down your online banking details when we say this. We know that some people have to. Those usernames and passwords can be pretty complicated.

We are saying that you should not write down your online banking details so that people can access them easily. This means that you should write them down on paper or in a notebook. Do not save them to your phone. Do not attach a sticky note to your computer. You can get special password notebooks for this purpose.

Don’t Download Random Files Online

If you can’t trust the source of a file, don’t download it.

While it seems less common nowadays, some files online are not quite what they say they are. They could have a piece of software called a ‘keylogger.’ The keylogger will record every stroke of your key and send the data to somebody else. This means that they could look at your bank log-in. The risk is small, but do you want to risk it?

This is more common if you engage in piracy (i.e., downloading files, movies, etc. illegally)

Regularly Scan Your Computer For Malware

Even if you are careful with your downloads, it is always worth checking your computer every so often. Download a piece of anti-malware software. If a keylogger is found on your computer, it will catch it! 

One of our favorite pieces of software is Malwarebytes, but you can use pretty much any piece of software. Just make sure that you download from a legit source. 

Log Out Of Your Account When You Are Finished Using It 

If other people use your computer, especially if it is a public computer, make sure that you log out of your account. Some banks will have an automatic logout feature. However, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Final Thoughts 

If your bank offers online banking, then you will likely be able to check your debit card balance online. You may need to create an online banking account, though. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. Once you have the details, you will be able to check your bank account no matter where you are.

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John is the founder of TightFist Finance and an expert in the field of personal finance. John has studied personal finance for over 10 years and has used his knowledge to pay down debt, grow his investment portfolio, and launch a financial based business. He is committed to sharing content related to personal finance based on his experience in his career, investing, and path towards reaching financial independence.