Most banks let you read statements directly from their website or app in minutes

You can get your bank statement online through your bank's website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The process is usually the same across banks: log in, find the statements or documents section, pick your date range, and read as a PDF or image file. You'll need your online banking username and password — the same login you use to check your balance.

If you don't have online banking set up yet, you can create an account on your bank's website or ask at a branch. Once you're logged in, statements are usually available within one to two business days after the statement closes, though some banks post them the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your bank's website or app, then look for "Statements," "Documents," or "History" — the exact name varies by bank.
  • Select the month or date range you need, then choose to view or read the statement as a PDF file.
  • Downloaded statements are yours to keep and can be saved to your computer, printed, or emailed to someone else.
  • If you can't find the statements section, your bank's help menu or customer service can walk you through the exact steps for your account type.
  • Some banks let you set up automatic email delivery of statements each month so you don't have to log in each time.

Where to find statements on your bank's website

The location of statements varies slightly by bank, but most put them in one of these places: a "Statements" tab at the top of your account page, a "Documents" or "History" section in the left-side menu, or under "Account Services." Chase calls it "Statements & Documents." Bank of America uses "Statements." Wells Fargo has a "Statements" tab. If you're not sure, look for a menu that says "Account" or "My Accounts" and click through until you see a date range selector.

Once you find the statements section, you'll see a list of months or a calendar. Click the month you want, and the statement will either open in a new window or give you a read button. Most banks show statements going back 12 to 24 months online — older ones may require you to contact the bank directly.

How to read and save a statement

When you click on a statement, your browser will usually ask you where to save the file. Choose a folder you'll remember — many people create a folder called "Bank Statements" on their desktop or in their Documents folder. The file will be named something like "Statement_January_2024.pdf" so you can find it later.

Once downloaded, you can open the PDF with any program that reads PDFs — your computer probably has one built in. You can print it from there, email it to yourself or someone else, or just keep it on your computer. PDFs don't change once they're saved, so a statement you read today will look the same a year from now.

Getting statements through your bank's mobile app

If you use your bank's mobile app on a phone or tablet, statements are usually in the same place as on the website. Look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines) or a tab labeled "Accounts," "Statements," or "Documents." Tap it, select the month you want, and the app will either show you the statement on screen or let you read it.

Mobile apps sometimes make it easier to take a screenshot of your statement if you need it quickly, though a downloaded PDF is more reliable for keeping records. Some apps let you email the statement directly from the app without downloading it first.

What to do if you don't have online banking yet

If you've never logged into your bank's website or app, you'll need to set up an account first. Go to your bank's main website and look for a link that says "Log In," "Sign In," or "Online Banking." Below that, there's usually a link for new users that says "Enroll," "Register," or "Create Account."

You'll need your account number (on your debit card or a paper statement) and some personal information like your Social Security number or date of birth. The bank will verify your identity and send you a username and temporary password. After you log in and change your password, you can access statements right away.

If you're not comfortable setting this up online, you can visit a branch in person and ask a banker to help you. They can walk you through enrollment on a computer or tablet at the branch, or they can print a recent statement for you on the spot.

Setting up automatic statement delivery by email

Many banks let you choose how you receive statements. Instead of logging in each month, you can ask the bank to email you a copy automatically. Look for a "Preferences," "Settings," or "Delivery Method" option in the statements section of your account.

You'll usually see choices like "Paper statement by mail," "Email statement," or "Online only." If you choose email, the bank will send you a message each month with a link to read the statement or the statement attached as a file. This saves you the step of logging in, though you'll still need to read and save it yourself if you want to keep a copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can I get statements online?

Most banks keep statements online for 12 to 24 months. For older statements, contact your bank's customer service and ask them to send it to you. Some banks charge a small fee for statements older than a certain date, though many waive it if you're a long-time customer.

Can I read multiple statements at once?

Some banks let you select a date range and read all statements in that period as one file. Others require you to read each month separately. Check your bank's statements page — if there's a "date range" option, you can usually grab several months at once.

What if I forgot my online banking password?

Look for a "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" link on your bank's login page. Click it, enter your username or account number, and the bank will send you a reset link by email or text. Follow the link to create a new password, then log in as usual.

Is it safe to read statements to my computer?

Yes. Downloaded statements are PDFs, the same as any other file on your computer. Keep them in a folder you can find later, and consider backing them up to an external drive or cloud storage if you want extra copies. Don't share the files with anyone unless they need to see your account information.

Can I get a statement if my account is closed?

If your account is closed, you usually can't access statements through online banking anymore. Contact your bank directly and ask them to send you statements from the closed account. They'll mail them to you or may email them depending on the bank's policy.