Check the Balance of a Debit Card

Debit cards are convenient, but checking your balance can be a hassle. When attempting to check your balance, always go to the official sources of your card issuer. This can be visiting the bank or store in person, visiting their website, or using their mobile application. Also, check online for numbers you can call or text to receive your balance. Finally, you may also be able to get your balance by using a merchant or ATM approved by the issuer to accept your card.

Steps

Checking Bank Debit Cards

  1. Log into your bank’s website. Go to the official website of your bank. If you haven’t yet, you’ll have to connect your account information to a User ID and password. Use these to log into the website. Your account summary will be listed prominently on the page.[1]
  2. Download a banking application. Most banks now have official applications for banking on the go. For example, Huntington Bank has Huntington Mobile and Ally Bank has Ally Mobile. Log into the application using the same User ID and password you use to access the bank’s website, or register for one if you haven’t already.
  3. Check your account balance at an ATM. Any ATM should work, since they’re all linked to the financial system. Simply put your card in the machine, enter your pin number, and navigate to the balance option.
    • Any ATMs not affiliated with your card issuer may charge a fee for usage.
  4. Sign up for text alerts. Many banks will send you text messages to signify changes to your account, such as deposits and withdrawals. You will have to log into your account through the website or application, then sign up for the messages. Follow the text prompts to see your balance.[2]
    • Many banks also allow you to send these alerts to your email address instead of your phone.
    • When using text messages, message and data rates still apply as determined by your phone carrier.
  5. Ask a bank teller. When you go into the bank, the teller will be able to help you. Speak to them about getting your balance or an account statement. They can provide you with the detailed information you get on statements sent to you by snail mail or email once a month.
    • For some prepaid cards, such as the U.S. Bank ReliaCard, the teller most likely won’t be able to see your balance.[3]
  6. Call the bank’s service line. Check your bank’s website or on official mail from the bank to find their phone number. Your bank may have an automated system in place where you can follow the system’s prompts to navigate to your balance. However, the system will also tell you that you can press a number, often 0, to speak to a bank representative.[4]
    • The bank representative will require personal identification, such as the last four digits of your social security number, before accessing your account.

Checking Prepaid Debit Cards

  1. Go to the card issuer’s website. Make sure you go to the card issuer’s website. For example, go to Walmart for a debit card you got from there. Log in to check your balance. You will need to register your card by inputting your card number and security code.[5]
    • Typically, the security code is three to six digits on the back of the card under a security strip you’ll have to scratch or peel off. The card number is a string of 16 numbers on the front or back of the card.
  2. Use the card at an affiliated merchant. A quick way to check your card when away from home is to use it where you know it will be accepted. For example, if you have a VISA prepaid debit card, a cashier at a place that accepts VISA may be able to show your balance when they scan your card.
  3. Log into the card issuer’s phone application. Some card issuers, mostly large store chains and credit companies, have come out with applications. Walmart has Walmart Moneycard and Bluebird by American Express has the Bluebird mobile application. Use the application to register your card and log in with the User ID and password you choose.[6]
  4. Send a text message to the card issuer. Some card issuers allow you to send a text after you’ve registered your phone to your cardholder account. For example, text BAL followed by the last four numbers of your card to 96411 to check the balance of a Walmart card. Look on your card issuer’s website for texting options.[7]
    • Remember, message and data rates through your phone carrier apply.

Tips

  • Only use the card issuer’s official site when attempting to access your account.
  • Use in-network ATMs. This will ensure you don’t have to pay fees to see your account balance.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://www.pnc.com/en/personal-banking/banking/debit-and-prepaid-cards/pnc-bank-visa-debit-card.html
  2. ↑ https://www.huntington.com/Personal/mobile-banking/view-alert-types
  3. ↑ https://dss.sd.gov/childcare/childcareassistance/faq.aspx
  4. ↑ https://www.commercebank.com/about/contact/account-information-line.asp
  5. ↑ https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/frequently-asked-questions.html#prepaid
  6. ↑ https://www.bluebird.com/#money-management-tools
  7. ↑ https://www.walmartmoneycard.com/account/faqs#mob
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