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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask how often you look at your bank account?

118 replies

TheWildMintBear · 11/04/2025 11:10

I’ve seen people say they check their balance every day, while others barely look at it unless something goes wrong. Some swear by keeping a close eye on their money, while others say ignorance is bliss.

How often do you check yours? Do you think it’s better to monitor it regularly or just go with the flow?

OP posts:
DaisyDooordont · 11/04/2025 11:51

As a general avoider in life, I used to be in the ignorance is bliss category, until the bliss ends abruptly when your card gets declined in Sainsburys or your electric DD fails.

I was at a time in debt and it's scary so now I'm in a better situation - not well off, but no debts - I really have to make myself be more vigilant and I will make myself check my account probably once a week.

Funnily enough I did it this morning, and was pleasantly surprised that there was a bit more than I thought in there.

Celeryedition · 11/04/2025 11:50

Every morning. It’s one of the first things I do.

I worked in a bank for a few years after graduation and had access to my bank accounts before apps and online banking made them as accessible as they are now. I’d get jittery if I couldn’t check them, even though I know I have enough money to cover any eventuality.

ItGhoul · 11/04/2025 11:48

If I have the awful nagging doubt that I might be in the red, I'll look. Other than that, I avoid it as much as possible. I hate dealing with money stuff.

faerietales · 11/04/2025 11:47

Both my accounts are set up so that I get a notification on my phone every time money goes in/out, but I still check 3-4 times a week to make sure everything is how it should be.

TennesseeStella · 11/04/2025 11:47

Maybe once a week or so. More often if I need to check if something has gone in or out, or if I'm wondering how much money I have got left for the month.

Goody2ShoesAndTheFilthyBeast · 11/04/2025 11:46

Every day. I have a very limited budget and have to keep on top of it.

BacktoBeginnersFran · 11/04/2025 11:46

Every day, sometimes more than once a day.
I have a spreadsheet which tracks every penny in and out, and I can see where we are going over budget for food etc...

insomniacalways · 11/04/2025 11:45

I used to never, but I now have one of those apps that shows me my daily and spending—it's saved me a lot, seeing how much I was spending on grocery top-ups, etc.

CynicalCynthia · 11/04/2025 11:45

whataboutnow · 11/04/2025 11:24

Every morning . My account was hacked a few years back. A considerable amount had been taken which was refunded by my bank but had I not spotted it they would most likely have taken more

Same here every morning on the app takes a minute. NatWest account been hacked a couple of times, Amex too and always on a Friday afternoon!

PoppyBaxter · 11/04/2025 11:44

I look at it on pay day (monthly), when I sit down and transfer my salary into our joint account.

I've only ever kept my spending habits modest, and I'm a highish earner (£75k), so I know there's no way I'm overspending.

TeenToTwenties · 11/04/2025 11:43

Once a month when statements come through the letterbox. Grin

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 11/04/2025 11:42

Hardly ever, but I get a text every time money goes into or out of my account, so I know my card hasn't been cloned and that the bills have been paid.

BountifulPantry · 11/04/2025 11:42

I don’t check every day, maybe every few days.

Depends how skint I am - when I was watching every penny I checked every day.

I don’t know how people did it before there was internet banking.

SilverButton · 11/04/2025 11:42

Once or twice a month unless I have a particular reason to check.

ilovesooty · 11/04/2025 11:41

Every day - my current accounts and credit cards.

ProfessionalWhimsicalSkidaddler · 11/04/2025 11:39

DH checks everyday with his morning poo. I’m a keep tapping the card until it stops working kind of girl. Check more than once a week and am always surprised and how much has gone.

Nevertrustacop · 11/04/2025 11:39

Probably every day

LillyPJ · 11/04/2025 11:38

It depends how important it is to you to keep track. When money was very tight, I recorded every transaction to ensure I didn't accidentally get overdrawn. In those days, there wasn't internet banking so I had to wait for the monthly statement to check. Now I probably check about once a week or if I'm making a big transaction. I hate to be in debt so have never been overdrawn. I'd rather do without than spend money I don't have

flyinghen · 11/04/2025 11:38

Most days I check balance. I’ll generally once a week check our bank accounts to our spreadsheet and check the ones that’s have gone out to make sure we are short in a certain account. On Payday I divvy up salary to the different accounts. Honestly I really love it, love a spreadsheet!!

Dueanamechange2025 · 11/04/2025 11:38

At least every couple of days but not every day now I get a notification of any transactions coming in or out.
Guess this habit started by working for the bank for 20 years so could check my accounts very easily every day before the times of online banking & apps.

Seawolves · 11/04/2025 11:35

Daily. I have been financially in the shit before and sticking my head in the sand about it did me no good at all so now I check daily.

Eileen101 · 11/04/2025 11:35

Every day. To check I have been de-frauded and to make sure I haven't missed anything and gone overdrawn as I'm just out of the overdraft circle and hoping to keep it that way.

MightyGoldBear · 11/04/2025 11:34

Everyday

jay55 · 11/04/2025 11:33

I have notifications set up for all movements and check in if I’m not sure what it is. Otherwise weekly.

peekabooyou · 11/04/2025 11:33

Most days