How can I check my bank account balance on the phone?

The days when one had to visit banks to enquire about their accounts physically are gone. With rapid technological advancements, we are indeed citizens of the digital age. Every service has worked towards making itself more accessible and convenient to use—and banks are not far behind. It is now possible to send money, check the balance in your account, and manage your finances from the comfort of wherever you are.

If you’re wondering how to make banking more accessible and bring it to your fingertips, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five ways to check your bank account details from your phone.

If your phone has an active internet connection

The internet has made all our lives easier by bringing banks straight to our doorstep. With various features such as net banking, banking apps, and UPI, checking your bank balance has become faster than ever. Here are some of these facilities explained in detail:

1. Netbanking or online banking

Netbanking is one of the most common and widely used methods to check your bank balance. To get started, it is helpful if you already have your net banking account set up on your bank’s official website on your phone’s browser. However, it is effortless to register if you do not have a net banking account. When you go to the “Login” option on your bank’s official website, you will be able to “Register.” You can follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. The website will ask you for specific details that you should keep handy:
   1. Account number
   2. Mobile number
   3. Email address
   4. Debit card number
   5. CVV (the three digits found behind your debit card)
2. Once these details are accepted, you will be asked to set a username and password. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
3. Once this is done, you can log in using the username and password you set up. 

Once logged in, you can check your bank account balance by clicking on the “Check Account Balance” option. Netbanking allows you to carry out several other features, such as checking your bank statement online, sending funds, and other bank services.

2. Through UPI

UPI, also known as Unified Payments Interface, is another way to check your bank account balance. However, there are a few prerequisites to this:

1. Your bank account should be linked to your mobile number.
2. It would be best if you had a UPI account set up.

If you are a first-time user, setting up your UPI account is simple and convenient. First, download a UPI app of your choice (PayTM, Google Pay, and PhonePe are some popular choices). Here are the steps you can follow to set up a UPI account:

1. Ensure you have enough balance on your registered phone number (the mobile number linked to your bank account).
2. The app will check for accounts linked to your mobile number and validate them.
3. The linked bank accounts will show up. Choose the one that is relevant to you.
4. After verifying the above, you will be asked to set a unique four-digit PIN for the UPI app. Once you select your PIN, your registration is complete.

Once you’re on the UPI interface, you should be able to see an option to check your account balance. Click on it to view your bank balance. Do note that you can also use UPI apps to make payments.

3. Banking apps

As with the case of Point 1 (Netbanking), most banks will have a mobile application for their mobile processes. You can download the required app from either the Google Play Store (for Android users) or the App Store (for Apple users).

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can log in by following similar steps as with NetBanking. Once on the app, you should have the option to check your available bank balance.

Banking apps are versatile and can be used for other activities like banking services—loans, bank transfers, and much more.

If your phone does not have an active internet connection

Perhaps you will have to enquire about your bank balance, but you might not have access to mobile data or WiFi. If that is the case, there is no need to worry—there are other means to reach your bank.

Here are some ways you can check your bank balance if you do not have access to the internet:

1. Sending an SMS to your bank

SMS services are one of the quickest means of enquiring about your bank balance. You can get your account balance details by sending an SMS to the respective bank’s number from your registered mobile number.

It might also help to enable regular SMS alerts on your mobile number. SMS alerts can be enabled when setting up your bank account or using net banking services. This allows you to regularly receive updates whenever transactions are made from your account. 

Please note that regular SMS charges will apply to the use of this service.

1. Calling your bank

For those who wish to approach this traditionally, you can also call your bank on their customer service number and enquire about your bank balance. This number will be unique to every bank and is convenient if you’re not tech-savvy.

Please note that, unlike other banking services, this might not be available 24/7. However, if the bank’s calling system is automated, then you might be able to call them at any time in the day and ask about your balance by following the instructions narrated on the phone. You will be asked to enter your account number, and you can get your account balance details immediately.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this will get you started on how to check your bank balance from your phone, wherever you are, regardless of whether you have an internet connection. Keeping these options in check will allow you to manage your finances and easily track your expenses. Read more related blogs on the Piramal Finance website to explore our financial products and services, especially those on personal loans, credit cards, and financial calculators.