How to Check Bank Balance on Your Phone
Published: November 10, 2026
Source: Your bank's official app, missed-call & SMS banking; NPCI UPI
Four quick ways — UPI app, missed call, SMS and mobile banking — for any bank account.
Before you start
- Use the mobile number that is registered with your bank account — the missed call, SMS and UPI methods only work from that number.
- For the UPI app and mobile banking methods, your bank account must already be set up in the app, and you should know your UPI PIN or app login.
UPI app method
Open your UPI app — Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, or your bank's own app — and go to your bank account. On the account screen, tap "Check Balance" or "Balance". The app will ask for your UPI PIN, which is the same PIN you use to send money with UPI.
Enter your UPI PIN and the app will show your current balance on the screen, usually within a few seconds. Check that the account name shown is the right one if you have more than one bank account in the app. The balance shown is the money available in that account at that moment.
Missed call method
From your registered mobile number, dial your bank's balance enquiry number — every bank has its own number, so check it on your bank's official website, your passbook, or the back of your debit card. Let the call ring; it will cut off by itself after a couple of rings, and you will not be charged for it.
Within a short time you will get an SMS with your account balance. If no SMS comes, check that you called from your registered number and that you dialled the right number for your bank, then try once more. This method works without internet, which is why many people use it when they are travelling.
SMS method
Open the messaging app on your registered mobile and type a new SMS in the format your bank asks for — the format is different for each bank, so check it on your bank's official website or passbook. A common format is a short word like BAL followed by the last digits of your account number, but do not guess it — use the exact format your bank gives.
Send the SMS to your bank's SMS banking number, which is also different for each bank. You will get a reply SMS with your balance. If the reply does not come, check the format and the number once more, and make sure you sent it from your registered mobile.
Mobile banking method
Open your bank's official mobile banking app on your phone and log in with your user ID and password, or with your fingerprint or face lock if you have set that up. On the home screen, tap your account or "Accounts" to open the account summary.
The summary shows your balance for each account, and usually your recent transactions too. Check that you are looking at the right account if you have more than one. If the app asks you to update it or shows an error, update the app from your phone's official app store and try again — do not download your bank's app from any other place.
Tips
- Only your registered mobile number works for missed call and SMS balance.
- The UPI app method is usually the quickest when you have internet — try it first.
- If the balance looks wrong, check your recent transactions in the app before worrying — a payment or a charge you forgot may explain it.
- Save your bank's official balance number in your contacts, so you do not have to search for it each time.
Keep in mind
- Never enter your UPI PIN on a website or share it on a call.
- Never share your UPI PIN, OTP, password or card details with anyone — real bank staff never ask for them.
- Only use your bank's official app and your bank's official numbers. Do not use a number or an app link sent to you in a random message.
- If someone calls claiming your account is blocked and asks for your PIN or OTP, hang up — it is a scam.
FAQs
Is checking balance on UPI free?
Yes, balance checks in UPI apps are free. The missed call and SMS methods are also free in most cases, but SMS charges depend on your mobile plan, so check with your operator if you are unsure.
Why is my balance not showing in the UPI app?
First check your internet connection and that you entered the right UPI PIN. If the app still shows an error, the bank's server may be down for a short time — wait a little and try again, or use the missed call method, which does not need internet. If it keeps failing, check that your bank account is still linked in the app.
Can I check the balance of someone else's account?
No — all four methods only work for your own account, from your own registered mobile number and with your own PIN or login. If you need to check a family member's account, they must do it themselves, or give the bank a written authorisation as per the bank's rules.
What if the balance shown is wrong?
First, check your recent transactions in the app or the SMS alerts from your bank — a recent payment, a charge or a deposit may explain the difference. If the numbers still do not match, note the balance, the date and your last few transactions, and contact your bank through its official helpline or branch.
