How to check my current debit card balance

How do you check your current debit card balance?

Check your debit card balance online, via an app, at an ATM, at your local bank, or via phone call. The easiest way to check your balance is by installing your banks app on your smartphone.

Checking your balance doesn’t have to be complicated. Fortunately, some methods only take a couple minutes to check your balance.

Luckily for you, I’ll show you how to check your current debit card balance. I’ll help you make a decision for which method is best for your situation. You’ll be on your way to knowing your balance in no time!

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The Best Ways to Check Your Balance

Debit cards are efficient, but overdrafting your account is a possibility. Keeping track of your balance is essential for budgeting, sticking to a savings plan, and avoiding overdraft fees.

The best ways to check your debit card balance include:

  • Online balance checking: best for those who often work on or use their computer, tablet, or laptop
  • Mobile app balance checking: best for those who use their phones throughout the day and are often on the go
  • ATM balance checking: best for those who are out running errands or also need to deposit or withdraw money that day
  • Local bank branch balance checking: best for those who prefer in-person transactions
  • Phone balance checking: best for those with prepaid debit cards, for those who don’t data available, or for those traveling out of the country

1. Check Your Balance Online

Checking your balance online involves logging into your debit card account. Typically, your debit card will be associated with a checking account from a bank or credit union.

Nowadays, almost every account has an online banking option. You will create your account either while initially opening your account or sign up once your account has been activated.

  1. First, head to your bank’s official website.
  2. Find the “Log in” or “Sign in” button and click it. Follow the prompts and input your username and password to log in.
  3. If you have multiple accounts with that same institution, you’ll need to choose the account you want to check the balance of.
  4. Once on your account’s page, your balance should be prominently listed somewhere at the top of the page.

If using a prepaid debit card, your card may also have a site that allows you to check the balance. You may or may not be required to create an account. Some will allow you to check the balance by entering your debit card number and the security code on the back of the card.

2. Check Your Balance via Apps

Most banks and credit unions have an app for their customers to use. This app will be very similar to the institution’s website, but more mobile-friendly.

These apps offer an easy way to check your balance, send money, find account details like routing and account numbers, and more. Some apps even allow you to freeze your card if it’s lost or stolen.

To access your balance via your bank’s app, follow these steps.

  1. First, download the app via the Apple Store or Google Play store. Make sure you are downloading the official app from that institution.
  2. Open the app and log in using your personal details. Your log-in details were likely established when you opened the account. If not, you will need to create a new account.
  3. Choose the account you want to inspect and view your remaining balance.

3. Check Your Balance at an ATM

There are about 60 ATMs for every 100,000 people in the world, making them fairly accessible to most individuals in urban and suburban areas. Chances are your local gas station has an ATM, alongside many other retailers in your area, so you can easily check your balance the next time you are out running errands.

To check your balance at an ATM, follow these steps.

  1. Insert or swipe your debit card.
  2. Enter your PIN. You should have chosen this the first time you used your card at an ATM. If this is the first time doing so, choose your PIN.
  3. Select the button that says “Check Your Balance” or a similar message.
  4. Once you’ve seen your balance, finish the transaction and make sure to take your card with you.

4. Check Your Balance at Your Bank

In the world of modern technology, it’s easy to miss face-to-face interactions. For those who prefer brick-and-mortar experiences, you can head to your local branch to check your debit card balance. This is specifically for those with a debit card connected to a bank or credit union.

  1. Drive to your nearest branch.
  2. Head inside to the teller and ask for your balance.
  3. Provide your ID and debit card to confirm your identity.
  4. If you’d like a printed copy of your balance, you may request this from the teller.

5. Check Your Balance via Phone Call

Using an app or getting online is not always possible or safe, especially if you’re traveling internationally. In these cases, you can easily call your bank’s customer service line – either the national or international number – to request your account balance.

  1. Find your bank’s official customer service number via their website. Do not use the phone numbers provided by third-party sites, as they could be a scam to get your information.
  2. Call the number and follow the prompts for balance inquiries.
  3. You will be asked to input your card number as well as the expiration date. To confirm your identity, you may also have to share the last four digits of the connected account number.

If you use a prepaid debit card, this is also likely to be the easiest method for checking your balance.

Summary: How to check your debit card balance

Keeping tabs on your debit card account balance is vital to managing your money safely. If you’ve been using your card often, review your transactions and ensure everything is in order every week or two.

You can check your debit card balance online, via your bank’s app, at an ATM, in person at a local branch, or via phone call. Each method has its pros and cons depending on your situation, so feel free to choose the most convenient one for you.

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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.