The simplest way to get your bank statement

Your bank statement is a record of all the money that moved in and out of your account during a set period — usually one month. You can get it three ways: log into your bank's website or app, call your bank's customer service line, or visit a branch in person. Most people use the website or app because it takes five minutes and you can print or read it right away.

If you bank online, look for a link that says "Statements," "Account History," or "Documents." Click it, pick the month you need, and you can view it on screen, read it as a PDF file, or ask the bank to email it to you. If you do not bank online yet, calling your bank or visiting a branch will get you a statement, though it may take a few days to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get a bank statement through your bank's website, mobile app, by phone, or by visiting a branch — the website or app is fastest.
  • Most banks let you read statements as PDF files or have them emailed to you, which is useful when you need to share them with a landlord, employer, or government program.
  • If you do not have online banking set up, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or ask at a branch.
  • Banks usually keep statements available for seven years, so you can get old statements if you need to prove past account activity.

Getting a statement through your bank's website or app

If you have already set up online banking, this is the fastest route. Log in with your username and password, then look for a section labeled "Statements," "Documents," "Account History," or sometimes "Transactions." The exact name varies by bank, but it is always near the top of the page or in a menu.

Once you find it, you will see a list of months. Click the month you need. The bank will show you the statement on screen — you can read it there, or you can read it as a PDF file to save on your computer. Some banks also let you email the statement to yourself or print it directly from the page. If you need the statement for a landlord, employer, or loan officer, downloading the PDF is usually the best choice because it shows the bank's official seal or logo.

If you have not set up online banking yet, most banks let you do it in a few minutes on their website. You will need your account number (on your debit card or a paper statement) and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or email address the bank has on file. Once you are logged in, you can get statements whenever you need them.

Getting a statement by phone or in person

If you do not use online banking or prefer to talk to someone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. Tell them you need a statement for a specific month. They will either read it to you over the phone, email it to you, or mail a paper copy — ask which option works best for you. This usually takes a few minutes on the call, though a mailed statement may take five to ten business days to arrive.

You can also walk into any branch of your bank during business hours and ask for a statement. Bring your debit card or ID. A teller can print one for you on the spot, usually in under five minutes. If you need multiple months or several copies, let them know and they can print them all at once.

What information appears on your statement

A bank statement shows your account number, the statement period (the dates it covers), your starting balance on the first day, every deposit and withdrawal during that month, any fees the bank charged, and your ending balance. Each transaction lists the date, a description of what it was (like "ATM withdrawal" or "direct deposit"), and the amount.

Some statements also show your interest earned (if you have a savings account) and a running balance that updates after each transaction. This running balance helps you see exactly when your account went up or down. If you see a transaction you do not recognize, that is something to ask your bank about — they can explain what it is or help you report fraud.

Getting statements from months or years ago

Banks are required to keep statements for at least seven years, so you can usually get old statements even if they are several years old. Use the same method — log into your online account, call customer service, or visit a branch — and ask for the specific month and year you need.

If your bank has closed or merged with another bank, you may need to contact the new bank or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to find out where your old statements are kept. This is rare, but if you cannot find your statement through your current bank, ask a customer service representative where to look.

When you need a statement for a landlord, employer, or loan

Many landlords, employers, and loan officers ask to see your bank statement to verify your income or prove you have enough money in savings. When you read or print your statement, make sure it shows your name, account number, and the full month of activity. Some people worry about sharing their full statement because it shows all their transactions — if that concerns you, ask the person requesting it whether they need the whole statement or just a summary showing your balance.

If you are uncomfortable sharing your full statement, some banks can print a "verification of funds" letter instead, which just confirms your account balance without listing every transaction. Call your bank and ask if they offer this — it takes a day or two but gives you more privacy.

Statements in different account types

Checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts all produce statements the same way — through your bank's website, by phone, or in person. The statement format is nearly identical no matter which type of account you have. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, you can usually get statements for all of them in one login.

If you have accounts at different banks, you will need to log into each bank separately to get those statements. Some people use a personal finance app (like Mint or YNAB) that pulls statements from multiple banks into one place, but that is optional — you can always get statements directly from each bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a bank statement?

If you read it from your bank's website or app, you have it when ready. If you call and ask for it to be emailed, it usually arrives within a few hours. A mailed paper statement takes five to ten business days. If you visit a branch, a teller can print one for you in minutes.

Do I have to pay to get a bank statement?

No. Banks are required to provide statements for free. Some banks charge a small fee if you request a very old statement or an extra copy, but most do not — ask your bank before you order.

What if I lost my password and cannot log into online banking?

Click "Forgot Password" on your bank's login page and follow the steps to reset it. You will usually verify your identity using your phone number or email. If that does not work, call customer service or visit a branch with your ID and they can help you regain access.

Can I get a statement if I closed my account?

Yes. Banks keep statements for seven years even after an account closes. Call the bank or visit a branch and ask for a statement from your closed account — you will need to verify your identity, but they can provide it.

What if my statement shows a transaction I did not make?

Contact your bank right away. Tell them the date, amount, and description of the transaction. The bank will investigate and can reverse it if it was fraudulent. Most banks have a fraud department that handles this — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your statement.