When you add a bank account to LeVaultly, there's a field most people leave blank: notes. It looks optional and unimportant. But it might end up being the most useful piece of information in your entire vault. Here are 20 things worth writing there.
Why notes matter more than you think
Most people remember they have an account at Barclays or Monzo. What they don't remember — or can't find quickly — is what that account is for, which cards are linked to it, whether it charges a monthly fee, or what happens when they need access while abroad.
Notes are your private context. Nobody else sees them unless you choose to share.
1. The purpose of the account
Define its role: everyday spending, emergency fund, holiday savings, joint account with a partner, business expenses...
2. Linked debit or credit cards
Write down the last 4 digits of each card connected to this account. Especially useful if you have several accounts and lose track.
3. Card expiry dates
So you're not caught out when a subscription payment fails because your card expired last month.
4. PIN reminder
Not the actual PIN — just a hint only you understand. Like: "mum's birth year minus 10".
5. Daily transfer limits
Most banks have limits for transfers that don't require 2FA. Knowing yours saves awkward surprises when you need to move money fast.
6. Active fees
Does it charge a monthly maintenance fee? When does it come out? Are there conditions to avoid it (minimum deposit, direct debit requirement)?
7. Customer service number
The emergency number to block cards or report fraud. The worst time to search for it is when you actually need it.
8. The email address associated with online banking
Especially if you use different email addresses for different banks.
9. Full account number and sort code (or IBAN)
If you haven't filled in the dedicated field, notes are the next best place.
10. Your relationship manager's name
If you have a private banking account or a trusted contact at a branch, their direct name and number.
11. Interest rate and conditions
For savings or easy-access accounts: current AER, when it was last updated, conditions to maintain it (minimum balance, no withdrawals per month).
12. Linked products
Savings pots, insurance policies, investment accounts held through the same bank. Useful when you want to cancel something without accidentally losing a benefit.
13. Mortgage or loan linked to this account
If your mortgage payment comes out of this account, note the property and monthly amount. Same for any personal loans.
14. Account opening date
Useful for calculating how long you've been a customer (sometimes affects conditions) or whether there are early closure fees.
15. Country of regulation and deposit guarantee
For foreign accounts: which country regulates it, whether it's covered by a deposit protection scheme and up to what amount.
16. Login username or identifier
Not the password — just the username or email used to log in. Prevents confusion when you have accounts at multiple banks.
17. Notification settings
Are transaction alerts active? Where do they go (email, phone)? If they stop arriving, you'll know where to look.
18. Direct debits running from this account
Utilities, insurance, rent, subscriptions. The list of recurring charges hitting this account. Essential if you're switching banks.
19. History of disputes or incidents
If you've ever had an incorrect charge, a temporary block or a complaint, a quick note with the date and outcome serves as useful precedent.
20. Salary account conditions
If you have a current account that requires a salary deposit: minimum amount, what benefits it unlocks (cashback, lower mortgage rate) and when those expire.
One final tip
Review your notes every 6 months. Fees change, managers move on, and cards expire. A living vault is a useful vault.
Not tracking your accounts yet? Create your free vault and start today.