A combined balance is the total amount of money you have across all linked bank accounts, like checking, savings, and CDs. It can also help you avoid monthly fees depending on the account.
Your combined balance is the total money you keep across all connected bank accounts.
What Is a Combined Balance?
A combined balance is the total amount of money you have across all of your linked accounts at the same bank. This usually includes your checking account, savings account, and any certificates of deposit (CDs).
Banks add these balances together to get one overall number — your combined balance.
For example, if you have:
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$1,200 in your checking account
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$3,500 in your savings account
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$5,000 in a CD
Your combined balance is $9,700.
Many banks use this number when deciding what fees, perks, or benefits your account qualifies for.
Why Does a Combined Balance Matter?
The idea is simple: the more money you keep with the bank, the more benefits they may offer. Here’s how your combined balance can affect your account:
1. Avoiding Monthly Fees
Some checking accounts allow you to waive the monthly maintenance fee if your combined balance stays above a certain minimum.
For example, if the bank requires a minimum combined balance of $1,500 and your linked accounts together exceed that amount, you won’t pay the monthly fee.
2. Qualifying for Extras
A higher combined balance may also help you qualify for:
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Better interest rates
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ATM fee refunds
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Free checks
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Relationship banking perks
Banks reward customers who keep more money with them, even if it’s spread across different accounts.
3. Easier Money Management
Tracking a combined balance helps you see your full financial picture. Instead of checking each account separately, you can view the total amount you have saved and available for spending or emergencies.
Real-Life Example
Imagine you’re trying to avoid a $12 monthly fee on your checking account. The bank says you must keep at least $2,000 as a combined balance.
You currently have:
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$900 in checking
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$1,300 in savings
Added together, that’s exactly $2,200 — which means you avoid the fee without having to move money around or open a new account.
In Short
A combined balance is simply the total amount of money you have across all your linked bank accounts. Banks look at this number to determine whether you’re eligible for lower fees, better perks, and certain account features. It’s an easy way to manage multiple accounts while maximizing your benefits.
If you keep several accounts at the same bank, your combined balance can work to your advantage.
Please take a look at this as well:
What Is Compound Interest? – A Simple and Easy Explanation
