Check your account statements and documents first

Your APR is printed on the documents you received when you opened the account or took out the loan. For a savings account, check the Savings Account Disclosure or Truth in Savings document — your bank sent this when you signed up, and it lists the APR clearly. For a loan or credit card, look for the Loan Estimate (if you just closed) or your monthly statement (if you already have the account open).

If you cannot find the original paperwork, log into your online banking account. Most banks display the APR on the account overview page or in a section labeled "Account Details" or "Rate Information." The APR is usually shown as a percentage next to terms like "Annual Percentage Rate" or "Interest Rate."

Key Takeaways

  • Your APR appears on the account disclosure document your bank sent when you opened the account, and on your monthly statement.
  • Online banking portals show your current APR in the account details section, usually on the main account page.
  • If you cannot find it yourself, call your bank's customer service line — they can tell you the APR in under a minute.
  • Your APR may change over time on variable-rate accounts, so check periodically to see if the rate has shifted.
  • The APR on a savings account is usually very small, while the APR on a loan or credit card is much larger.

Log into your online or mobile banking app

Open your bank's website or mobile app and sign in with your username and password. Navigate to the account you want to check — if you have multiple accounts, select the right one. The APR is usually displayed on the main account page, sometimes labeled as "Interest Rate," "APR," or "Annual Rate."

If you do not see it on the main page, look for a link that says "Account Details," "Rate Information," "Terms," or "Account Settings." Some banks hide this information one click deeper. If your app shows only your balance and recent transactions, try switching to a "Details" or "More Info" tab.

Call your bank's customer service number

The fastest way to get your APR if you cannot find it online is to call your bank directly. The customer service number is on the back of your debit card, on your monthly statement, or on the bank's website. Have your account number ready when you call.

Tell the representative you want to know your current APR. They will pull up your account in seconds and read it to you. This is a routine question — banks answer it dozens of times a day. You can also ask them to email or mail you a document showing the rate if you want it in writing.

Understand why your APR might differ from what you expected

If you just opened an account, the APR you see now may be a promotional rate that expires after a set period. Some banks offer higher APR for the first three or six months, then lower it. Check your account disclosure to see if there is a date when the rate changes.

On variable-rate accounts — common with savings accounts and some loans — the APR can change when the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates. If you checked your APR six months ago and it is different now, this is usually why. Fixed-rate accounts keep the same APR for the life of the loan, so the rate should not change unless you refinance.

What to do if your bank will not tell you the APR

Federal law requires banks to disclose the APR clearly and in writing. If a bank refuses to tell you the rate or cannot find it in your account, that is a red flag. Ask to speak to a manager or file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

In practice, this almost never happens — banks have systems built to display APR automatically. If you are having trouble finding it, the issue is usually just that you are looking in the wrong place in the app or website, not that the bank is hiding it.

Compare your APR to other banks if you are shopping around

If you are deciding whether to open a new account or refinance a loan, you need to compare APRs across different banks. Visit each bank's website and look for the APR on savings accounts or loan products. Most banks list current rates on their homepage or in a "Rates" section.

When you compare, make sure you are looking at the same type of account — a high-yield savings APR will be much higher than a regular savings account APR at the same bank. Also check whether the rate is fixed or variable, and whether there is a promotional period that expires. A higher APR for three months followed by a much lower rate is not the same as a consistently high rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the APR the same as the interest rate?

Not exactly. The interest rate is the percentage the bank charges or pays. The APR includes that rate plus any fees, spread over a year. For most savings accounts, they are the same number. For loans, the APR is usually slightly higher because it includes origination fees or closing costs.

Can my APR change after I open the account?

Yes, on variable-rate accounts. Savings accounts almost always have variable rates, so the APR can go up or down when the Federal Reserve changes rates. Fixed-rate loans keep the same APR for the entire loan term unless you refinance. Your disclosure document will say whether your rate is fixed or variable.

Why is my savings account APR so low?

Savings account APRs have been very low for years at most traditional banks — often under 0.5 percent. Online banks and credit unions usually offer higher rates because they have lower overhead costs. If you want a higher APR on savings, compare rates across different banks before opening an account.

What if I lost my account disclosure document?

You do not need the original. Call your bank and ask them to send you a copy, or log into your online account where most banks store a digital copy. You can also request it in writing, and the bank must provide it within a few business days.

Does a higher APR always mean a worse deal?

For savings accounts, a higher APR is always better — it means you earn more interest. For loans and credit cards, a higher APR costs you more money, so lower is better. When comparing loans, also look at the total amount you will pay over the life of the loan, not just the APR.