What you need to do to get your first statement

Your first First Bank statement arrives automatically once your account has been open for a full statement cycle—usually 30 days. First Bank generates statements monthly, and the timing depends on when you opened the account. If you opened it on the 15th of the month, your first statement will cover activity from the 15th through the end of that month, then arrive in early the following month.

You do not have to request it. The bank sends statements by mail to the address on file unless you have set up paperless statements online. If you need a statement before that first cycle closes, you can generate one yourself through First Bank's online banking portal or mobile app, or you can call the bank and ask for a statement to be mailed or emailed to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first statement generates automatically after 30 days and arrives by mail or email depending on your delivery preference.
  • You can view and read statements yourself through First Bank's online banking portal or mobile app as soon as you have account activity.
  • If you need a statement before the first cycle closes, call First Bank's customer service line to request one by mail or email.
  • Make sure the address on file with the bank is correct, or statements will go to the wrong location.

Accessing statements through online banking

Once you log into First Bank's online banking portal, navigate to the Statements or Documents section—the exact name varies slightly depending on which First Bank location you use, as First Bank operates as a regional bank with branches in multiple states. Look for a link labeled "View Statements," "Account Statements," or "Documents."

From there, you can see all available statements and read them as PDF files. Even if your first official statement has not arrived yet, you can usually generate a statement covering any date range you choose, as long as there is account activity during that period. This is useful if you need proof of the account for a job process, rental verification, or other documentation before the standard 30-day cycle completes.

Using the First Bank mobile app

The First Bank mobile app offers the same statement access as the website. After logging in, look for a menu option labeled Statements, Documents, or Account History. Tap it and select the date range you want, then read or view the statement on your phone.

The mobile app also lets you take a screenshot or save the statement as a PDF directly to your phone's storage, which is helpful if you need to send it to someone by email or text. Some versions of the app allow you to email the statement directly from the app itself—check the read or share options once you have pulled up the statement.

Requesting a statement by phone or in person

Call First Bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your account opening documents. Tell them you need a statement for your new account. They can email it to you when ready, mail it to your address on file, or sometimes fax it if you provide a fax number.

If you have a branch location near you, you can also walk in and ask a teller to print a statement for you on the spot. Bring your ID and your account number or debit card. This is the fastest option if you need the statement the same day.

What information appears on your first statement

Your first statement shows the opening balance (usually zero unless you made a deposit when you opened the account), all deposits and withdrawals during the statement period, any fees charged, interest earned if applicable, and your closing balance. It also lists the statement period dates, your account number, and the address the bank has on file for you.

Check the closing balance against your own records. If you deposited money when you opened the account, that deposit should appear. If you made any withdrawals or transfers, those should be listed with dates and amounts. If something is missing or wrong, contact the bank when ready—they can investigate and correct errors, though this usually takes a few business days.

Changing your statement delivery method

First Bank lets you choose between paper statements mailed to your address and paperless statements delivered by email. You can change this preference through online banking under Settings or Preferences, or by calling customer service.

If you switch to paperless statements, the bank will email you a notification when each new statement is ready, along with a link to view or read it. Paper statements will stop arriving once the change takes effect, which usually happens within one to two billing cycles. Keep in mind that if you need a paper copy later, you can always request one by phone or read and print a PDF yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a statement if I request one by phone?

If you ask for it to be emailed, you should receive it within a few minutes to a few hours. If you request it by mail, allow five to seven business days for delivery. In-branch requests are when ready—you can walk out with a printed copy the same day.

Can I get a statement for a date range that does not match the standard monthly cycle?

Yes. When you generate a statement through online banking or request one by phone, you can specify any start and end date you want, as long as the account was open during that period. This is called a custom statement or period statement.

What if the address on my statement is wrong?

Log into online banking and update your address under Account Settings or Profile, or call customer service to change it over the phone. The change usually takes effect within one to two business days. Future statements will be mailed to the new address.

Do I need my first statement to open other accounts or explore for credit?

Many lenders and landlords accept bank statements as proof of account ownership and funds. Your first statement works just as well as any other statement for this purpose. If you need the statement before it arrives naturally, generate one through online banking or request one by phone.

What if I never received my first statement in the mail?

Check that the address on file is correct by logging into online banking or calling the bank. If the address is wrong, update it and request a reprint. If the address is correct, the statement may have been lost in the mail—request a replacement by phone or email, or read one through online banking instead.