What Is a Bank Statement: Definition, Benefits, and Requirements (2024)

What Is a Bank Statement?

A bank statement is a document (also known as an account statement) that is typically sent by the bank to the account holder every month, summarizing all the transactions of an account during the month. Bank statements contain bank account information, such as account numbers and a detailed list of deposits and withdrawals.

Key Takeaways

  • A bank statement is a list of all transactions for a bank account over a set period, usually monthly.
  • The statement includes deposits, charges, withdrawals, as well as the beginning and ending balance for the period.
  • Account-holders generally review their bank statements every month to help keep track of expenses and spending, as well as monitor for any fraudulent charges or mistakes.

How a Bank Statement Works

A bank issues a bank statement to an account holder that shows the detailed activity in the account. It allows the account holder to see all the transactions processed on their account. Banks usually send monthly statements to an account holder on a set date. In addition, transactions on a statement typically appear in chronological order.

Special Considerations

Many banks offer account holders the option of receiving paper statements or using paperless, electronic ones, usually delivered via email. An electronic version of a bank statement is known as an electronic statement or e-statement and allows account holders to access their statements online where they can download or print them. Some banks email statements to customers as an attachment. Some bank automatic teller machines (ATMs) offer the option to print a summarized version of a bank statement, called a transaction history.

Even with the convenience, value, and accessibility of electronic statements, paper statements aren't likely to go away anytime soon. In 2021, 7% of adults in the U.S. reported that they do not use the internet, according to the Pew Research Center.

A survey done in 2017 by Two Sides North America found that nearly 70% of consumers find it easier to track expenses and manage finances with paper statements. Two-thirds prefer a combination of paper and electronic statements. Many recipients of e-statements still print out their statements at home, preferring to keep a permanent record.

Benefits of a Bank Statement

During the reconciliation of their bank account with the bank statement, account holders should check for discrepancies. Account-holders must report discrepancies in writing as soon as possible. A bank statement is also referred to as an account statement. It shows if the bank is accountable with an account holder’s money.

Bank statements are a great tool to help account holders keep track of their money. They can help account holders track their finances, identify errors, and recognize spending habits. An account holder should verify their bank account on a regular basis—either daily, weekly, or monthly—to ensure their records match the bank’s records. This helps reduce overdraft fees, errors, and fraud.

If any discrepancies are found, they must be reported to the bank in a timely manner. Account-holders usually have 60 days from their statement date to dispute any errors. They should keep monthly statements for at least one year.

Refrain from checking your bank account online while connected to a public wi-fi network. Hackers can more easily access your private information when you are connected to the same network.

Requirements for a Bank Statement

Parts of a bank statement include information about the bank—such as bank name and address—as well as your information. The bank statement will also contain account information and the statement date, as well as the beginning and ending balance of the account. Details of each transaction—notably the amount, date, and payee—that took place in the bank account during the period will also be included, such as deposits, withdrawals, checks paid, and any service charges.

For example, a bank statement may show a non-interest-bearing checking account with a beginning balance of $1,050, total deposits of $3,000, total withdrawals of $1,950, an ending balance of $2,100, and zero service charges for the period Sept. 1 through Sept. 30.

What Is an Official Bank Statement?

An official bank statement is typically sent by the bank to the account holder every month, summarizing all the transactions of an account during the month. Bank statements contain bank account information, such as account numbers and a detailed list of deposits and withdrawals.

How Can I Get a Bank Statement?

Typically, members can access their latest bank statements on their financial institution's website. Otherwise, you can request a monthly paper statement be delivered to your home.

What Is the Difference Between a Bank Statement and a Transaction History?

Atransaction historydiffers from abank statementin that it is arecordof all transactions for thatbank accountfor a set period that you have chosen. Typically, a bank statement only covers one month of transactions and may leave recent or pending transactions out.

Can Anyone Check My Bank Statement?

No. Unless you give out your account number, banks do not release information regarding your bank statement to unknown third parties without your consent.

What Is a Bank Statement: Definition, Benefits, and Requirements (2024)

FAQs

What defines a bank statement? ›

A bank statement is a document from the bank that covers a specific time period, usually a month, that shows all the activity on your account for a time period. The activity shown on your bank statement includes information such as processed deductions and deposits, your average daily balance, and any interest earned.

What is the benefit of bank statement? ›

Benefits of a Bank Statement

It shows if the bank is accountable with an account holder's money. Bank statements are a great tool to help account holders keep track of their money. They can help account holders track their finances, identify errors, and recognize spending habits.

What is a bank statement quizlet? ›

Bank statement. An record of all the transactions in a depositors account over a given period, usually a month.

What is bank and benefits? ›

The overall advantages of a bank include: One: Safely storing the public's wealth. Instead of walking around with wads of cash or hiding it under the floorboards, banks provide you with a protected place to store your money without worrying about theft. Two: The widespread availability of affordable loans.

What is a bank statement in a sentence? ›

countable noun. A bank statement is a printed document showing all the money paid into and taken out of a bank account. Bank statements are usually sent by a bank to a customer at regular intervals. Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

What are the types of bank statement? ›

Financial institutions offer two types of bank statements: (i) paper bank statements and (ii) electronic bank statements.

What part of bank statement is important? ›

The top of your bank statement contains sensitive information such as the bank account number and branch name. All bank statements have a summary table in them that lists opening balances, withdrawals, deposits, time periods, and closing balances.

What is bank statement proof? ›

Proof of funds refers to a document that demonstrates the ability of an individual or entity to pay for a specific transaction. A bank statement, security statement, or custody statement usually qualify as proof of funds. Proof of funds is typically required for a large transaction, such as the purchase of a house.

What is the importance of bank statement in a business? ›

A business bank statement is one of the most important documents you can show a lender when securing a loan. It provides a snapshot of your company's financial health, including information on deposits, withdrawals, and balances, which helps lenders assess lending risks.

Who asks for bank statement? ›

People request for a bank statement for purposes such as loan application, scholarship, IT return filing, visa application, for higher education and to provide proof for various transactions.

What is a bank statement a copy of? ›

A bank statement or a bank passbook is a copy of a bank account as shown by the bank records.

Why is bank statement a credit? ›

A credit balance on your billing statement is an amount that the card issuer owes you. Credits are added to your account each time you make a payment.

What are the two benefits of banks? ›

Benefits of a Bank Account
  • Bank accounts offer convenience. For example, if you have a checking account, you can easily pay by check or through online bill pay. ...
  • Bank accounts are safe. Your money will be protected from theft and fires. ...
  • It's an easy way to save money. ...
  • Bank accounts are cheaper.

Which bank has the best benefits? ›

Chase: Best for sign-up bonuses and for branch access (tie). Discover Bank: Best savings account. SoFi: Best checking and savings combo; best checking account overall; best checking account for high interest; best checking account with no monthly fee; best checking account for overdraft fee avoidance.

How do I get a bank statement? ›

Here's what to do:
  1. Visit your bank's website.
  2. Log in to Online Banking/Digital Banking/Internet Banking/eBanking etc.
  3. Click 'statements', 'e-documents', or 'download'
  4. Make sure you've selected the correct account.
  5. Choose a statement (or a date range)
  6. Choose the .pdf file format.
  7. Download*

What is an example of a statement? ›

It is true that bananas have no bones, and I do like bananas, but I like bananas because they are tasty and healthy, not because they have no bones. I would thus say something false if I said “I like bananas because they have no bones.” That's why “I like bananas because they have no bones” is a statement.

What is the definition of statement example in a sentence? ›

A statement is a sentence that says something is true, like "Pizza is delicious." There are other kinds of statements in the worlds of the law, banking, and government. All statements claim something or make a point. If you witness an accident, you make a statement to police, describing what you saw.

How do bank statements look? ›

Regardless of what bank they're from, most bank statements look fairly similar. They typically include an overview of the account and bank, followed by an account summary and a detailed breakdown of activity over a specific period. The bank statement usually covers a period of one month, but it can also be quarterly.

What are the two main parts of the bank statement? ›

Your statement has two main parts: the account summary and transaction detail.

What is the difference of bank statement to statement of account? ›

A statement of accounts is similar to a bank statement, except that it is issued by a seller to a customer. It helps identify mistakes in transaction records, track unwanted expenses, find fraudulent activities, and prevent small billing or payment mistakes from blowing up.

Is a bank statement a letter? ›

A bank statement, is simply a statement of account. A bank letter, is a communication that the bank has sent you.

Is a bank statement a proof of balance? ›

A Proof of balance is a statement that shows your current account balance. A Recent transactions report shows your transactions for your preferred time period. You can select 30, 90, 120 days or a custom date range. You can also select up to a year of past transactions.

Is a bank statement proof of funds? ›

Proof of funds usually comes in the form of a bank security or custody statement. These can be procured from your bank or the financial institution that holds your money. Bank statements are the most common document to use as POF and can typically be found online or at a bank branch.

Is bank statement proof of payment? ›

A receipt or bank statement is the most common way to provide proof of payment. Receipt copies can be obtained from the seller either online or in person. If you need to use a bank statement, access it through your online bank account.

What 5 things will be shown on your bank statement? ›

Here are the types of information you can expect to see on your bank statements:
  • Name and address.
  • Account number.
  • Statement period, including beginning and end dates.
  • Starting and ending balances.
  • Deposits, including cash deposits, check deposits and direct deposits.
  • Withdrawals, including ATM withdrawals.
Jul 20, 2022

How long do banks keep records? ›

Banks are required by federal law to keep records for five years. Check with your bank for specific details about how to access your old statements.

Can anyone access my bank statement? ›

Can anyone check my bank statements? Typically, the only parties that can check your bank statements or your account information are the account owner(s), authorized account managers and bank professionals. Banks take great care to maintain the privacy and security of their customers' personal information.

Can your bank give you a bank statement? ›

If you need a paper copy of a bank statement, or a copy of an older statement that's not available online, you may need to visit a bank branch or request the statement by mail. Visiting a local bank branch could be the fastest option as you won't need to wait for the mail.

How is a bank statement a source document? ›

A good source document should describe the basic facts of the transaction such as the date, the amount, the purpose, and all parties involved in the transaction. Some examples of source documents include: Bank Statements. Payroll Reports.

Is a bank statement a business record? ›

There are six business records to monitor: Accounting records. Bank statements. Business loans.

What do banks do with bank statements? ›

Loan officers use these bank statements to: Verify your savings and cash flow. Check for unusual deposits, withdrawals, or other activity in your accounts. Make sure you haven't taken on any recent debts.

How long does a bank statement take? ›

Paper statements will be sent to the statement address in 3-5 working days.

Can a bank refuse to give you a statement? ›

Is the bank required to send me a monthly statement on my checking or savings account? Yes, in many cases. If electronic fund transfers (EFTs) can be made to or from your account, banks must provide statements at least monthly summarizing any EFTs that occurred each month.

Why do lenders want bank statements? ›

Simply put, mortgage lenders use bank statements to verify your income and cash reserves to ensure you can repay your mortgage loan and cover your down payment and closing costs.

What are 3 benefits of banks? ›

Opening a bank account can be one of the most important steps you take toward reaching your financial goals. Why? Because putting your money in an FDIC-insured bank account can offer you financial safety, easy access to your funds, savings from check-cashing fees, and overall financial peace of mind.

What are 3 benefits of a savings account? ›

You can receive payments and make payments from your savings accounts. Auto debits and auto credits can be set up from your savings accounts. Savings bank account holders can access internet banking and mobile banking for their needs. Banks offer ATM cum debit cards to savings bank account holders.

How much money do they recommend keeping in your checking account? ›

The general rule of thumb is to try to have one or two months' of living expenses in it at all times. Some experts recommend adding 30 percent to this number as an extra cushion.

Which bank is safest? ›

5 Safest Banks in the U.S.
BankAssets
JP Morgan Chase$3.2 trillion
Bank of America$2.42 trillion
Citi$1.77 trillion
Wells Fargo$1.72 trillion
1 more row
Jun 1, 2023

Who is the number 1 bank in America? ›

JPMorgan Chase

What is the most trusted bank in America? ›

The Lifestory Research 2022 America's Most Trusted® Bank Study found Chase the most trusted bank. The America's Most Trusted® Study is a large-scale survey of consumers in the United States that seeks to identify the brands that people trust the most within their respective industries.

What does a bank statement need to show? ›

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 is a bank statement proof of? ›

Proof of funds refers to a document that demonstrates the ability of an individual or entity to pay for a specific transaction. A bank statement, security statement, or custody statement usually qualify as proof of funds. Proof of funds is typically required for a large transaction, such as the purchase of a house.

Which is not a part of a bank statement? ›

Your bank statement may not include pending transactions. Fees and any interest earned: Statements for interest-bearing accounts will show interest earned over the statement period.

Is a bank statement the same as a bill? ›

A statement is a document outlining all outstanding unpaid invoices (or bills) for a certain customer. Unlike invoices, statements are typically sent or made available at certain intervals. For example, many businesses send statements at the end of each month or quarter to individuals who have an outstanding balance.

Is a bank statement enough for proof of funds? ›

Proof of funds usually comes in the form of a bank security or custody statement. These can be procured from your bank or the financial institution that holds your money. Bank statements are the most common document to use as POF and can typically be found online or at a bank branch.

Who needs a bank statement? ›

They may be requested as part of a loan application: Banks often require bank statements as proof of income and employment when you apply for a mortgage, auto loan, student loan, or other type of personal loan.

Who can access your bank account without your permission? ›

Only the account holder has the right to access their bank account. If you have a joint bank account, you both own the account and have access to the funds. But in the case of a personal bank account, your spouse has no legal right to access it.

What 3 items do you need to reconcile your bank statement? ›

For doing this, you must add deposits in transit, deduct outstanding checks and add/deduct bank errors. Deposits in transit are amounts that are received and recorded by the business but are not yet recorded by the bank. They must be added to the bank statement.

What type of document is a bank statement? ›

A bank statement, or account statement, is a document supplied by banks to account holders every month. It summarizes account transactions from the statement period, including deposits, transfers and withdrawals.

Is bank statement the same as proof of account? ›

Accepted forms of proof

Bank Name, Account Name, BSB Number, and Account Number are commonly seen on the following: Bank statements. Internet banking account screens. Deposit slips.

Is a bank statement a financial document? ›

A bank statement is a monthly financial document that provides a summary of the account holder's activity. Bank statements are generally prepared by the bank for the account holder at the end of each month.

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