What you can do in your online savings account
Once you log into your online savings account, you can transfer money between your accounts, deposit checks by phone or app, withdraw cash at ATMs, set up automatic transfers, and check your balance and transaction history. Most banks let you do these things 24 hours a day from your phone, computer, or tablet — you do not have to visit a branch or call during business hours.
The specific features available depend on your bank. Some banks let you photograph a check and deposit it through their app. Others require you to visit an ATM or branch for deposits. Some offer bill pay through the online account, while others do not. When you open your account, your bank will show you what is available in your particular account type.
Online access is separate from the debit card your bank may have issued. You can use online banking even if you do not have a card, and you can use a card even if you never log into the online account. Most people use both.
Key Takeaways
- You log in with a username and password or through your bank's mobile app, and most banks let you set up two-factor authentication to make your account more secure.
- Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually happen instantly or within one business day, while transfers to accounts at other banks take one to three business days.
- Mobile check deposit lets you photograph a check and submit it through your bank's app, but the bank must clear the check before the money is available — this usually takes one to two business days.
- You can withdraw cash at your bank's ATMs anytime, and many banks let you withdraw at ATMs in other networks, though some charge a fee.
- If you forget your password or cannot log in, your bank's website has a password reset option, or you can call the customer service number on the back of your debit card.
How to log in and set up your account
To log in, go to your bank's website or open their mobile app. Enter your username (often your email address or a number your bank assigned) and your password. If this is your first time logging in, your bank will ask you to create a password or confirm one they sent you.
After you log in, your bank will likely ask you to set up two-factor authentication. This means that when you log in from a new device, the bank sends a code to your phone or email, and you have to enter that code before you can access your account. This step takes a few minutes but makes it much harder for someone else to get into your account if they learn your password.
Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard or home screen showing your account balance, recent transactions, and links to different features. The layout varies by bank, but most organize things the same way: transfers, deposits, withdrawals, and settings.
Transferring money between your own accounts
If you have more than one account at the same bank — for example, a checking account and a savings account — you can move money between them online. Look for a link labeled "Transfer" or "Move Money" on your account dashboard. Select the account you want to transfer from, the account you want to transfer to, and the amount. Then confirm the transfer.
Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually complete instantly or within one business day. You will see the money leave one account and arrive in the other almost right away. Some banks show the transfer as pending for a few hours before it settles.
If you want to transfer money to an account at a different bank, the process is similar, but it takes longer. You will need to enter the other bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. The transfer usually takes one to three business days. Some banks charge a small fee for transfers to other banks, though many do not.
Depositing checks through your phone or app
Most banks now let you deposit checks without visiting a branch or ATM. Open your bank's mobile app, look for "Mobile Deposit" or "Deposit Check," and follow the prompts. You will photograph the front and back of the check. The app will ask you to confirm the amount and then submit the deposit.
After you submit the deposit, the bank sends the check to a processing center where it is scanned and cleared. This usually takes one to two business days. Until the check clears, the money shows as "pending" in your account — you can see it, but you cannot spend it yet. Once it clears, the money is available.
Some banks limit how much you can deposit per day or per month through mobile check deposit. For example, a bank might allow $5,000 per day or $25,000 per month. If you need to deposit more than your bank allows, you can visit an ATM or branch, or deposit on a different day.
After you deposit a check through your phone, you should write "Mobile Deposited" on the back of the check and keep it for your records. Do not deposit the same check twice — if you do, the bank will catch it and may charge you a fee.
Withdrawing cash and using ATMs
You can withdraw cash from your savings account at any ATM owned by your bank. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN (the four-digit number you chose when you opened the account), select "Withdrawal," choose the amount, and take your cash and receipt. This works 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Many banks also let you withdraw cash at ATMs in other networks — for example, if your bank is part of the Allpoint network, you can use thousands of ATMs across the country. Check your bank's website to see which networks they belong to. If you use an ATM outside your bank's network, your bank may charge a fee (usually $2 to $3), and the other bank may charge a fee too.
If you do not have a debit card or forgot it, some banks let you withdraw cash by logging into your online account and requesting a withdrawal. The bank gives you a code, you go to an ATM, enter the code instead of your card, and the ATM dispenses cash. Not all banks offer this, so check with yours.
Viewing your balance and transaction history
When you log into your online account, your current balance appears on the main screen. This balance includes pending transactions — money you have transferred or checks you have deposited that have not yet cleared. Your available balance may be lower if some transactions are still pending.
To see a detailed list of all your transactions, look for "Transaction History" or "Account Activity." You can usually filter by date range, transaction type, or amount. This list shows deposits, withdrawals, transfers, fees, and interest your bank has paid you. Most banks keep transaction history online for at least one year.
You can download your transaction history as a PDF or CSV file, which is useful if you need it for taxes, budgeting, or record-keeping. Some banks also let you export transactions directly to accounting software like QuickBooks or Mint.
What to do if you cannot log in or forget your password
If you forget your password, go to your bank's login page and look for a link that says "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password." Click it, enter your username or the email address associated with your account, and your bank will send you a link to create a new password. Follow the link, create a new password, and you can log in again. This usually takes a few minutes.
If you cannot find the password reset link or it is not working, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. A representative can verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting information from your account, and then they can help you reset your password or unlock your account.
If you think someone else has accessed your account without permission, call your bank immediately. Your bank can freeze your account, review recent transactions, and help you dispute any unauthorized charges. Most banks protect you from fraud, but it is important to report it as soon as you notice it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic transfers from my savings account?
Yes. Most banks let you schedule recurring transfers — for example, moving $100 from your checking account to savings every payday. Log into your account, find the transfer section, and look for "Recurring Transfer" or "Scheduled Transfer." You choose the amount, frequency (weekly, monthly, etc.), and start date. The bank will automatically make the transfer on that schedule.
Is it safe to use online banking on my phone?
Yes, if you use your bank's official app and keep your phone updated. Download the app directly from your phone's app store, not from a link in an email or text. Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication. Do not use public WiFi to log into your account — use your phone's cellular data or a private WiFi network instead. If your phone is lost or stolen, call your bank right away to freeze your account.
How long does it take for money to show up after I deposit a check?
Mobile check deposits usually take one to two business days to clear. The bank scans the check and sends it to a processing center, where it is verified and cleared. Until it clears, the money shows as pending. Weekends and bank holidays can add extra time, so a check deposited on Friday might not clear until Tuesday.
Can I transfer money from my savings account to pay bills?
Yes, but the method depends on your bank. Some banks offer bill pay through your online account — you enter the biller's information and the amount, and the bank sends a payment. Others let you transfer money to your checking account and pay from there. A few banks do not offer bill pay at all. Check your bank's website or call customer service to see what options are available.
What happens if I withdraw more money than I have in my account?
Most banks will not let you withdraw more than your available balance at an ATM — the machine will simply reject the transaction. If you try to transfer more than you have to another account, the transfer may be declined or your bank may charge you an overdraft fee. Check your available balance before you withdraw or transfer money to avoid this.