According to a 2018 New York Post article, only one out of every four Americans actually carries around any cash. Since most stores accept electronic payments, it's easier to carry a debit card instead. When making multiple purchases, it's important to keep track of your debit card history, as your card is attached to a checking or savings account. Withdrawing more than you have in the account will result in non-sufficient fund or overdraft fees. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can go about finding your debit card history to check a purchase or review your total account balance.
Check Transactions Using Your Phone
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Most banks have an automated system you can use to check on your most recent transactions. Flip your debit card over and look for the bank's customer service number. Dial this number and follow the prompts to get the information you need. For example, TD Bank's automated debit card customer service number is 1-888-751-9000. When you call, you'll be prompted to enter your full account number followed by the pound sign. Next, you'll need to enter the four-digit phone code you created when you set up your account. Afterward, the system will automatically relay your account balance and your most recent transaction. You can press "1" to hear this information again or "4" to get a more detailed list of your account transactions.
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Use Your Local Bank
If you prefer to speak to a live employee, you can call or visit your local bank directly. When you call, be prepared to provide information that will verify you as the account holder. This may be your PIN, Social Security number or the four-digit phone code you set up when creating the account. The representative can then read off the list of your most recent transactions. If you visit the office, you can request a printout of your recent transactions. The teller may ask to see your license or some other form of ID before creating the document.
Create an Online Account
Almost all banks now offer the ability to view account information through their website. You simply need to visit the bank's website and look for the "Online Banking" link. There may be a tab for it across the top of the screen, or you may need to access it from a drop-down menu. Once you've arrived at the "Online Banking" page, you can create or register your account. This process involves setting up a username and password to make logging in a breeze in the future.
After your account is set up and you log in, you'll most likely see all the posted transactions listed for your current statement period. If you're looking to review older transactions, search for a "View Statements" tab. From there, you'll be able to choose the statement you'd like to examine more closely. Wells Fargo provides up to 18 months of statements via their online accounts.
Utilize the Bank's Chat Feature
Check to see if your bank has a chat feature. You may be able to provide your account information to the representative and get a list of your most recent transactions that way. If not, the chat representative will at least give you detailed instructions as to how to find this information using their website. For example, Huntington Bank's chat feature reports that enrolled customers can view up to two years of their transaction histories by selecting their account on "The Hub" page and clicking "More Transaction Views," and then "Advance Search." Account holders will then need to fill in the form and click "Apply" to get their results.