How to Keep Tabs on Your Money in 6 Convenient Ways

It's important to keep track of your bank balance and the amount of available funds. When you log in to your account on a regular basis, you can see exactly where you stand financially and catch any potential issues (like fraud or errors) early on.

Be sure to differentiate between your account balance and your available balance once you've viewed both.

Anytime and anywhere, you can view your account balance and more information about your account in an online format. Step one is to log into your bank's online banking portal and review your account history. A mobile app is also an option, and it will be explained further down. It's common practice to look for a "Login" or "Account Access" button. Select "Register" or "First-time User" if this is your first visit. ”

Accounts can be accessed from anywhere with the help of mobile phones, tablets, and other devices. To check your bank account balance while you're on the go, most financial institutions have apps (or at least mobile-friendly websites) available. Generally speaking, you can do even more with an app than you could on a desktop computer.

For instance, mobile check deposits are becoming more commonplace, allowing customers to forego unnecessary trips to the bank in favor of instant access to their funds.

Texting your bank is the quickest way to use your phone. In some cases, you may be able to check your account balance without even logging in.

Currently available account balances can be obtained from ATMs. Put your bank card or ATM card in the machine, and then follow the on-screen prompts. It's preferable to use an ATM that is affiliated with your own bank. At most other ATMs, fees apply even if you don't take any money out. Checking your account balance at a "foreign" ATM may result in additional fees from your financial institution.

Check your balance the old fashioned way by calling your bank. Most banks have automated systems that provide account information 24/7, though you may only be able to speak to a human being during certain hours. It could take some time to get set up to use those systems (you might need to create a PIN, for example). On the other hand, once you've got things rolling, they'll become routine.

You can avoid the hassle of constantly checking your bank account by opting to receive push notifications whenever certain events occur. An extra layer of protection for your account has been added automatically.

I'd like to receive an alert whenever your account balance drops below a certain threshold or there is a sizable withdrawal. In that case, have your bank notify you via email or text message. In most cases, you can alter the frequency with which you receive messages and the specific amounts of money mentioned in them. If you have set up alerts, you can rest assured that everything is in order until you hear otherwise from the bank.  

Finally, if all else fails, visit a branch of your bank in person. It's becoming increasingly difficult to interact with a teller, and some banks even charge extra for one-on-one service. If you use a credit union that participates in a shared branching network, however, you may have access to thousands of branches across the country.

However, before seeking out human assistance, you should become familiar with the available self-service options (listed above). As a result, you can do your work whenever and wherever it is most convenient for you.

Keep in mind the type of balance you see when you check your bank account. Most banks display both your current account balance and your available balance (how much you can spend or withdraw today) when you log in to your account online or through their mobile app.

Because of things like debit card authorizations, upcoming bill payments, and deposits that haven't yet cleared, your available balance is typically less than what you think you have (what you think of as your "account balance"). Those funds are currently unavailable, but they may become accessible in a few days.

Checking your account balance isn't necessary if you maintain a consistent pattern of balancing your finances. (Although it is a good idea to do so, as it can help you spot potential issues before they become serious.)  

You'll have a better idea of your account's future trajectory than your bank does. You can trust your own records more than the bank's if you write checks or make purchases before the money reflects in your account.