[header] How to check your bank balance [title] Get your atm/debit card. [step] Make sure you activate it and know your personal identification number (pin) before going to the atm. In some cases, it will activate the first time you place it in the atm. 
[title] Insert your atm card into an atm. [step] You can avoid fees by using your bank's atm, but most machines will allow you to check your balance for free.