Start with your own records and bank statements
The fastest way to find an old savings account is to look through your own paperwork first. Check your tax returns from the past several years — they often list bank account numbers or interest income from savings accounts. Look for old bank statements, deposit slips, or checkbooks in a file, drawer, or storage box. Even a statement from five or ten years ago will have the account number and the bank's name.
If you have old email addresses you used for banking, log into those email accounts and search for keywords like "account", "bank", or "savings". Banks send statements, alerts, and password reminders to the email on file. You may find confirmation emails that tell you which bank holds the account and when it was opened.
Ask family members who might have records. A parent, spouse, or adult child may have seen statements, received account information, or know which bank you used during a particular time period. If you inherited money or had a joint account, the other account holder or their estate documents may list the details.
Key Takeaways
- Your own old statements, tax returns, and email records are usually the fastest way to locate a forgotten account number and bank name.
- The National Registry of Unclaimed Property (MissingMoney.com) searches all 50 states at once and costs nothing to use.
- If you remember the bank but not the account, call the bank's customer service line with your Social Security number and they can search their records for you.
- State unclaimed property programs hold money from inactive accounts, and each state maintains its own searchable database if you prefer to search one state at a time.
- Banks are required by law to turn over inactive account funds to the state after a set period, usually three to five years of no activity.
Search the National Registry of Unclaimed Property
If you cannot find your own records, search MissingMoney.com, which is the official multi-state database run by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. It searches all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories in one search. Enter your first and last name, and the database will show any unclaimed property — including money from old savings accounts — that has been turned over to state custody.
The search is free and takes less than a minute. You will see the state where the property is held, the type of property (savings account, checking account, insurance refund, etc.), and the name of the financial institution. If you find a match, the search results will direct you to that state's unclaimed property program, where you can begin the process of reclaiming the money.
Money ends up in unclaimed property when an account has no activity for a set period — usually three to five years, depending on the state and account type. Banks are required by law to report these accounts to the state. The money does not disappear; it sits in state custody until you reclaim it.
Contact the bank directly if you remember which one
If you remember the bank's name but not the account number or details, call the bank's customer service line. Have your Social Security number ready. Tell the representative you are looking for an old savings account you opened years ago. They can search their records using your name and Social Security number to see if an account exists in their system.
The bank may ask for additional information to confirm your identity — such as a previous address, phone number, or the approximate year you opened the account. If they find the account, they will tell you the account number, current balance, and whether it is still active or has been closed or transferred to unclaimed property.
If the account was closed or transferred to the state, the bank will direct you to the state's unclaimed property program. If the account is still active but dormant, the bank can reactivate it or help you withdraw the funds.
Search individual state unclaimed property databases
Each state maintains its own unclaimed property database separate from MissingMoney.com. If you prefer to search state by state — or if you want to search states where you have lived or worked — you can visit each state's treasurer or comptroller website directly. The database name and web address vary by state; some call it "Unclaimed Property", others call it "Lost Money" or "Abandoned Property".
State databases work the same way as MissingMoney.com: enter your name and search. Some states also allow you to search by business name if you are looking for a business account. Once you find a match, the state's website will explain how to file a claim and what documents you need to provide.
Searching multiple states takes longer than using MissingMoney.com, but some people prefer it because they can see exactly which state holds the property and review that state's specific rules before starting a claim.
Look for accounts at credit unions and smaller banks
If you banked at a credit union or a smaller regional bank, that institution may no longer exist — it may have merged with another bank, been acquired, or closed. This does not mean your money is gone. When banks merge or close, accounts are usually transferred to the acquiring bank, or the funds are sent to the state's unclaimed property program.
Search MissingMoney.com and your state's unclaimed property database first. If you do not find the account there, try searching the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) website at fdic.gov. The FDIC maintains a database of failed banks and can tell you what happened to accounts at a bank that closed. They will direct you to the institution that now holds your account or to the state unclaimed property program.
If you remember the name of a credit union, visit co-opsharedbranch.org or call the Credit Union National Association to learn about the credit union still exists or merged with another institution.
Gather documents you will need to reclaim the money
Once you locate an old account, you will need to prove your identity and ownership before the bank or state will release the funds. Prepare a copy of a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You may also need to provide your Social Security number, the account number if you have it, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease).
If the account is held in unclaimed property, the state will send you a claim form to complete. Some states allow you to file online; others require a mailed form. The state may ask for additional documentation, such as a bank statement from the time you opened the account or proof that you are the rightful owner (especially if the account is very old).
Keep copies of everything you submit. Processing times vary by state and bank, but reclaiming money from unclaimed property typically takes four to twelve weeks from the time you file a complete claim.
What to do if you find multiple old accounts
It is not uncommon to discover more than one old account, especially if you have moved frequently or changed banks over the years. Search MissingMoney.com and your state databases thoroughly — enter variations of your name (maiden name, nickname, middle name) to catch accounts opened under a different version of your name.
If you find multiple accounts at the same bank, contact the bank directly to ask whether they can consolidate the claims or process them together. If the accounts are in different states, you will need to file separate claims with each state's unclaimed property program. Each state has its own forms and timelines.
Keep a list of all accounts you find, including the account number, bank name, state where the property is held, and the date you filed a claim. This helps you track your progress and follow up if a claim takes longer than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get money back from an old savings account?
If the account is still active at the bank, you may be able to withdraw funds immediately or within a few business days. If the account is in unclaimed property, the state typically processes claims within four to twelve weeks, though some states take longer. Contact the state program to ask about their current processing time.
Will I owe taxes on money from an old savings account?
Possibly. If the account earned interest while it was inactive, that interest may be taxable income in the year you reclaim the funds. The bank or state may issue you a 1099 form. Consult a tax professional if you are unsure whether the funds are taxable.
What if I find an account but the bank says it was closed?
If a bank closed your account, the funds were either returned to you by check or transferred to unclaimed property. Check your old mail and bank statements to see if you received a check. If not, search your state's unclaimed property database — the money is likely there.
Can I search for someone else's old account?
You can search for an account if you are the account holder, a joint owner, or an authorized representative (such as a power of attorney or executor of an estate). If you are searching on behalf of a deceased person, you will need to provide a death certificate and proof that you are authorized to act on their behalf.
Is there a fee to reclaim money from unclaimed property?
No. State unclaimed property programs do not charge a fee to search or file a claim. Be cautious of third-party websites or services that charge a fee to help you find or reclaim unclaimed property — you can do this yourself for free through official state and federal databases.