What is a bank statement? (2024)

A bank statement is an official document that summarizes your account activity over a certain period of time—typically one month. You’ll find records of all transactions—both incoming and outgoing—so you know exactly what was going on with your funds during that period. Bank statements are an essential resource for account holders to track their funds, review spending habits, and flag fraudulent transactions or potential payment errors.

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How are bank statements created?

Each time you make a transaction, your bank makes a record of it. These records are then compiled to create a bank statement. Usually covering a one-month period, statements include your incoming salary or payments, any transfers or deposits made, and cash withdrawals. They also provide a starting and end balance, so that you’ve got a clear idea of where your finances are at the close of the month compared to its start.

What information is on a bank statement?

At the top of the statement, you’ll usually find your account number, the bank branch provider, your full name and home address, as well as the beginning and ending period of the statement. Next, you’ll find the full list of transactions made within the statement’s timeframe—essentially all payments that came into your accounts, and all outgoing payments. Each transaction will show the date it was processed and may also include some information about who the payment was to or from.

How to access your bank statements

Historically, bank statements were sent to customers via post, which sometimes incurred a small service fee. Now, with most banks having a digital presence, electronic statements are more commonly used.

E-statements are a convenient way to view your account activity without the messy paperwork, and your financial data is securely stored. Some banks let you opt-in to receive emails with your statements attached, or you can view them directly via your online account or smartphone app.

For quick and convenient access to your bank statements, why not open an N26 account? With N26, your e-statements can be accessed quickly right on your smartphone.

Using bank statements as official documents

Bank statements can also be used as official documents for verification purposes. For example, if you ever need to apply for a personal loan, your bank statement is a great document to verify your identity and show proof of your income.

It’s always a good idea to keep records of your bank statements in case you ever need to reference your financial records. If you can’t locate them, don’t fret. Luckily, your bank is legally required to hold onto your statements for at least five years.

Using bank statements to set saving goals

Using your bank statement to review your spending habits is a great way to help you identify possibilities for saving. Looking at a full overview of your spending gives you the chance to see where you could stand to cut back or tweak your spending habits.

At N26, not only can you quickly and simply access your transaction information via your smartphone, you can also download your statements in PDF form. Want to learn more? Discover our top budgeting tips here.

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Checking bank statements for fraud

Reviewing your bank statements regularly can help you spot any unauthorized payments on your account so that you can flag them to your bank right away. With N26, you can enable push notifications whenever a transaction takes place on your account, so that you can quickly spot any suspicious activity.Open a free N26 account today to access a host of security features, including fingerprint identification, face recognition, and discrete mode to blur your screen to others when accessing your banking details in public.

Keeping your bank statements secure

Bank statements include highly personal information, such as your name, account number, and address. This means that if they do fall into the wrong hands, they could be used for fraudulent activity. That’s why it’s important to make sure you keep your bank statements somewhere safe, and always use a shredder when disposing of them. Never ever share your bank details with someone you don’t trust, and make sure you know the fraud policies at your bank. For its part, N26 will never ask you for private information about your account via email.

Bank statements with N26

At N26, you can track your financial activity as often as you want—hourly, daily, or weekly! Easily view transactions via your mobile or web app—and rest assured that all your bank statements are securely and safely stored for your peace of mind.

To view your statements, open your home screen and click through on the three horizontal bars, then tap the ‘Balance Statement’ tab. Log into your N26 account today to get accessible reports in just a few taps.

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Your money at N26

At N26, we understand that transparency and simplicity are key for our customers. All our accounts provide you with detailed statements, so you can always see where your money is going. Making our customers’ data secure is our top priority, so rest assured your account history is securely logged and never shared with anyone.

Contact us immediately if you ever believe your account has been compromised—our Customer Support team is always here to help.

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FAQ

What is a bank statement?

A bank statement is a report that logs all transactions an account holder makes during a set period of time (usually one month). Bank statements provide account information including the customer’s name, address, and account number, and a list of incoming and outgoing transactions such as withdrawals, transfers, and deposits. Bank statements may be physical or digital, depending on your bank and preferences. They’re available online through most banking apps or online bank accounts, or may come via post or email.

What information does a bank statement provide?

Bank statements include the account holder’s name, address, account number, and bank branch details. It also contains a summary table showing the timeframe of the statement, opening and closing bank balance, any deposits made into the account, refunds, and any cash withdrawals. Statements will also show fees that your bank has charged, as well as rejected or cancelled payments.

Why do we use bank statements?

Bank statements are used to track your account activity, check that the funds coming in and going out are correct, and flag any suspicious activity. By checking statements regularly, you can help keep your account safe and secure, while staying on top of your finances. It is also an ideal way to show proof of your earnings for loan applications or mortgage agreements.

How can I access my bank statement?

Bank statements can usually be accessed via your bank’s website by logging in to your online account or smartphone app. Alternatively, you may receive a statement by post or email. You can choose how you access your statements by contacting your bank and opting into postal or paperless options. In case you need to access past statements, all banks are required to keep them for at least five years, even after an account is closed.

Are bank statements secure?

All banks take measures to ensure that the statements they provide are safely accessible, whether they’re available in-app, via email, or sent to a customer’s home. Often bank statements will include enough personal information that you know they’re genuine, but they may exclude some account information to protect you from fraud. Your bank statement should never be shared with unknown parties without your consent, and nobody else should be able to access your statement history.

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Bank statements are a fundamental part of financial management, providing a comprehensive overview of account activity. From the creation process to accessing and using bank statements for various purposes, let's delve into the concepts within the provided article.

Bank Statement Basics:

1. Bank Statement Creation:

Transactions recorded by banks compile to form statements.
Covers a month, detailing income, transfers, deposits, and withdrawals.

2. Information on Bank Statements:

Top section: Account number, bank details, name, address, statement period.
Transaction List: All incoming/outgoing payments with dates and transaction details.

3. Accessing Bank Statements:

Traditional: Historically sent via post with digital presence increasing.
Digital Era: E-statements prevalent; accessible online or via banking apps.
Example: N26 allows quick e-statement access through a smartphone.

4. Use as Official Documents:

Verification: Bank statements serve as identity and income proof for loans.
Importance: Advisable to retain statements; banks legally store them for at least five years.

5. Setting Saving Goals:

Analyzing spending habits aids in identifying areas for potential savings.
N26 offers statement downloads for easy review and budgeting tips.

6. Checking for Fraud:

Regular statement reviews help spot and report unauthorized transactions.
N26 enables transaction notifications for swift detection of suspicious activity.

7. Security Measures:

Vital Personal Data: Bank statements contain sensitive information.
Safeguarding: Importance of secure storage and shredding when discarding.
N26 emphasizes security features like fingerprint ID and discreet mode.

8. Bank Statements with N26:

Transparent Tracking: N26 emphasizes detailed and secure account statements.
Varied Account Options: N26 provides different account plans catering to diverse needs.

FAQs and Additional Information:

What is a Bank Statement?
- Definition: A comprehensive report summarizing account transactions over a set period.
- Content: Includes account holder info, transactions (in/out), and account details.
Bank Statement Information:
- Details: Account holder’s data, transaction summaries, fees, and rejected payments.
Purpose of Bank Statements:
- Tracking Finances: Monitor account activity, identify irregularities, and manage finances.
- Verification: Essential for proving income when applying for loans or mortgages.
Accessing Bank Statements:
- Methods: Accessible online, via apps, post, or email.
- Retention: Banks mandated to retain statements for at least five years.
Security of Bank Statements:
- Protection Measures: Banks ensure secure access; statements contain personal data.
- Sharing Caution: Avoid sharing with unknown parties without consent.

Banking Regulations: Insights into rules safeguarding finances within the EU.
Understanding Banking Acronyms: Deciphering complex financial terms.
SEPA Transfers Demystified: Detailed breakdown of SEPA payment workings.

These concepts illustrate the significance of bank statements in financial management, emphasizing their role in tracking finances, identifying irregularities, and providing proof for various financial purposes. They also highlight the evolving digital landscape of banking and the measures to ensure security and accessibility of sensitive financial information.