How to Check Bank Balance

Digital technology has made many tasks much simpler than before. For instance, instead of visiting the bank, you can now easily handle financial transactions online. With just a few clicks, you can transfer money, check your balance, deposit funds, and more.

Since we make transactions frequently, it's important to keep an eye on our bank balance. Regularly checking your account helps you catch any errors or potential fraud. You can do this through various channels like email, push notifications, SMS, online banking, UPI, and more.

Here's how you can check your bank account balance in 8 simple steps:

1. Through Net Banking

The most common way to check your account balance is by using the net banking service.

Follow these steps to register for net banking:

Fill out the registration form: Enter your account number, cell phone number, email address, debit card number, and CVV number in the registration form. Submit the form.
Receive OTP: A one-time password (OTP) will be generated and sent to your registered mobile number.
Enter OTP and create login credentials: Enter the OTP received on your mobile number. After that, choose a username and password for your net banking account.
Complete registration: After entering the OTP and creating login credentials, your net banking account is set up.
Log in: To access your bank account, select 'login' from the drop-down menu on the bank's website. Use the username and password you just created.

Once logged in, you can check your account balance online at any time using net banking. Additionally, net banking allows you to perform various banking activities and transactions conveniently.

2. Through text messages

Checking your account balance via text message is one of the simplest methods offered by most banks. Once you've activated this service with your bank, you can request a quick balance update anytime you need it.

Here's how it works:

Request a balance update: Send a text message to your bank's designated number to request your account balance.
Receive balance information: Your bank will promptly reply with your current account balance via text message.
Turn on message alerts: Your phone should automatically receive these text message alerts. These alerts are also sent for any financial transactions on your account, keeping you updated in real-time.
Stay informed with push notifications: This service, often called "message alert service," ensures you receive push notifications on your phone with the latest balance information and transaction updates.

By using this service, you can easily stay informed about your account balance and any recent activity without needing to log in or visit the bank.

3. Using an ATM

You can also use an ATM to check your account balance easily. Just follow these steps:

Insert your ATM card or debit card: Slide your card into the ATM slot.
Enter your PIN: Input your ATM PIN, which is typically four or six digits long.
Select "Balance Enquiry": From the options displayed on the screen, choose the "Balance Enquiry" or similar option.
Complete the transaction: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction.

Currently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set a limit on the number of free transactions per ATM card, and this includes balance inquiries. Once you've exhausted your free transactions, you'll be charged a transaction fee for each subsequent transaction in that month.

4. By calling the bank

You can also call your bank to check your balance, which is a more traditional method. Most banks provide automated systems that offer account information 24/7. While you might need to establish a PIN and navigate through the system initially, it becomes easy with time.

5. Using missed call services

To receive balance update notifications via missed calls, ensure the following:

Registered Mobile Number: Your mobile number must be registered with the bank. Balance updates will only be sent to registered numbers.
Active Phone Number: Your mobile number must be active to make missed calls or receive SMS notifications.
Service Availability: This service should be offered by your bank. Check with your bank to confirm if they provide balance update notifications via missed calls.

6. Via passbook

When you open an account with a bank, they provide you a passbook. This passbook contains details of all your account transactions, provided you regularly update it. You can check your account balance by simply opening your passbook.

The passbook displays a list of all debit and credit transactions, so it's important to keep it updated regularly. However, updating your passbook requires visiting the bank each time you want to do so.

7. By setting up alerts

Instead of always checking your bank balance manually, you can have your bank send you messages when something important happens. Set up alerts so your bank sends you emails or texts when your balance gets too low or when there's a big withdrawal. You can choose what alerts you want and set amounts that matter to you.

You have the option to choose the types of notifications you want and set specific money limits that matter to you. Once you've set up alerts, you can go about your day without worrying, knowing that your bank will let you know if anything important happens. This proactive approach keeps you in the loop and ensures you can take action quickly if anything out of the ordinary occurs.

8. Through UPI and other banking apps

Checking your account balance through UPI and banking apps is convenient and straightforward. If you're new to this, follow these steps:

Download a UPI app: Install any UPI app on your phone from your app store.
Ensure active SIM card: Make sure the SIM card linked to your registered mobile number is active and has enough balance to send an SMS.
Provide bank details: If you have a dual SIM phone, enter your bank's name and your registered mobile number when you launch the app.
Verify your phone number: The app will send you an SMS to verify your phone number.
Create a unique PIN and UPI ID: After verification, create a unique PIN (different from your ATM card PIN) and a UPI ID.
Set up a UPI code: Choose a four-digit UPI code as per your preference to complete the registration process.
Check your account balance: Open the UPI app and select 'check account balance.' Enter your UPI PIN, and your balance will be displayed instantly.

Remember, if you've already created a UPI ID for one app, you can use it across all UPI apps. Checking your balance using UPI is free of charge.

Keep the following points in mind when checking your bank account balance:

Ensure your mobile number is registered with the bank.
Your mobile number must be active to send and receive SMS and make calls.
You'll need a smartphone with an active internet connection to use banking apps or UPI apps.
Make sure your ATM or debit card is linked to your bank account.
Ensure you have activated internet banking services provided by your bank.

Benefits of checking account balance on phone

Checking your bank balance over the phone offers several advantages:

You can check your balance from almost anywhere in the world, as there are no geographical limitations.
Toll-free numbers and Missed Call services are accessible 24/7, allowing you to check your balance at any time without constraints.
By avoiding visits to the bank branch, you save time and effort, making the process more efficient.
It's a convenient method to check your balance. However, this service is only accessible if you've registered your mobile number with the bank, ensuring privacy and security as third parties cannot access your bank balance.