How Can I Get a Bank Statement?
Monthly bank statements are the norm, however quarterly statements are also available. Your bank may provide you with a paper statement, an electronic one, or both.
How to Access Your Bank Statements Online
Most financial institutions now let you examine your bank statements online for free. This is a general outline of the procedure, as it may differ somewhat from bank to bank.
- Log in to your account through the bank’s website or app.
- If you’ve never signed in online, you may have to create an account or call customer service.
- Find where your bank houses their electronic statements.
- Look under headings like “services,” “bank statements,” or “e-statements.”
- Select the statement period you want to view.
- Review the statement on your computer, tablet, or phone — or download your statement as a PDF.
- Save your bank statement in a secure location on your computer (if you wish), print it, or close out the screen.
- Log out of your bank account for security purposes.
While signed in, you’ll be able to make the necessary changes to your account to “become paperless.” As a result, you will no longer get paper copies of your statements in the mail but instead access them and make necessary edits in an easy-to-use online format. If you switch to electronic banking, several financial institutions may reward you with a one-time bonus credit.
How to Get Paper Statements by Mail
Some financial institutions may start sending you monthly account statements in the mail after you open an account with them. The statements you receive in the mail will be the same as the ones you may see online.
Even if you opt in to paperless banking and agree to receive your bank statements electronically, your financial institution must still provide you with a paper copy upon request. First, access your account using the bank’s website or mobile app. Seek out sections labeled “account settings” or “services” to submit a request for paper statements. There may be a charge from your bank if you choose to get paper copies of your statements.
You can usually find the customer support number for your bank on your debit card if you’re having trouble logging in online. Download your bank statement as a PDF and print it if you don’t have the option of having it addressed to you.
How Long Do Banks Keep Records of Statements?
Depending on their internal policies, financial institutions have up to five years to store customer statements in accordance with the Bank Secrecy Act. The financial institution will preserve your account information for at least five years after you’ve cancelled your account. Having a statement from your bank from years ago serves what purpose? Tax audits, lawsuits, divorces, and loan applications are just some of the many situations in which you’ll require access to your financial documents.
Typically, bank statements from the previous year or two may be retrieved online for free. If you need to see older bank statements than what is available online, you may incur fees. A bank may impose a fee of $5 per statement if you want a statement from more than four years ago. For this reason, some save their bank statements for as long as possible. Statements should be shredded after use to protect personal information.
