We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Accounting

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Running Balance?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 88,264
Share

A running balance is the sum total of funds that are present in a given credit or debit account. A balance of this type may be related to the current amount owed on a local store account, a credit card, or even the current amount of a tab ran at a local pub or tavern. At the same time, it cany refer to the amount of resources currently housed in a savings or checking account, or some other type of interest bearing investment.

There are a number of reasons why maintaining a running balance is important. In terms of the balance on a checking account, checking the current status of that balance from time to time makes it possible to know how much money is available. This makes it possible to schedule the payment of upcoming debts, as well as to verify which issued checks and other withdrawals have posted to the account. By maintaining an accurate balance, it is possible to ensure that there is money to cover all withdrawals and avoid incurring any type of penalty charges.

Along with making sure the checkbook is accurate and up to date, checking a running balance is helpful when it comes to credit accounts. Knowing the current balance in each account makes it possible for a person to determine her net worth, as well as make arrangements to meet upcoming debt obligations in a timely manner. Monitoring the balance on each credit account is particularly important if the goal is to get out of debt or at least keep the total amount of indebtedness under a certain figure.

One of the most common amenities that local businesses extend to regular customers is the tab. Basically, a tab is how much is owed to the business by the client. The arrangement normally includes a covenant by the client to pay the entire amount within a certain period of time. For example, the customer may be allowed to run a tab at the local bar or a restaurant with the understanding that the bill will be paid in full by the end of the week. At any point in time, the customer can ask for the current balance and make payments on that total.

As with all forms of financial accounting, the most accurate way to check on a running balance is to maintain accurate records. Most accounting software packages include spreadsheet options to help with the task, and it is possible to create a balance sheet as well as detail sheets connected with each debit and credit account associated with the individual or business. This makes it possible to monitor each account and even to calculate a cumulative balance on both Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable line items. Using this data makes balancing the ratio of cash-to-debt much easier to understand and manage in an effective manner.

Share
SmartCapitalMind is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
Discussion Comments
By FernValley — On Jan 21, 2011

I used to have a lot of trouble keeping track of my running balance on my accounts. These days, though, I use online banking and also avoid writing checks, since they can take several days to go through. Some people get their balances text messaged or emailed to them every day as well, but I just try to check it every few days or so, and it usually works for me.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/what-is-a-running-balance.htm
Copy this link
SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.