Bank letterhead is official stationery printed with your bank's name, logo, address, and routing number
Bank letterhead is the printed or digital template your bank uses when it sends you official documents. It includes the bank's name, logo, physical address, phone number, and sometimes the routing number. When you receive a statement, a letter about your account, or a document confirming your account details, it comes on this letterhead so you know it's genuinely from the bank and not a forgery.
The letterhead serves two purposes: it identifies the source of the document, and it gives you the bank's contact information in one place. If you need to verify something or follow up on what the letter says, the letterhead tells you exactly where to call or write.
Key Takeaways
- Bank letterhead contains the bank's official name, logo, address, and contact details so you can verify the document is real.
- Scammers often fake bank letterhead to make phishing emails and fraudulent letters look legitimate, so always verify by calling the bank directly using a number from your statement or the bank's website.
- Your bank may send you documents on letterhead requesting account information, but legitimate banks never ask for passwords or full account numbers by mail or email.
- If you need an official letter from your bank—for a mortgage, loan, or legal matter—you can request one directly from your branch or through online banking, and it will come on the bank's official letterhead.
Why scammers use fake bank letterhead
Fake bank letterhead is one of the most common tools in phishing and fraud schemes. A scammer copies the real bank's logo, address, and formatting, then sends you an email or letter asking you to "verify" your account, confirm your Social Security number, or click a link to update your information. The letterhead makes the message look official enough that many people comply without checking.
The risk is real: if you respond to a fake letterhead request with your password, PIN, or account number, a scammer can lock you out of your account or drain it. Banks know this happens, which is why they train customers to be suspicious of any unsolicited request for sensitive information, even if the letterhead looks perfect.
How to spot a fake letterhead
Legitimate banks never ask for passwords, PINs, or full account numbers by email or mail. If a letter or email on bank letterhead asks for this information, it is fake, no matter how official it looks.
Check the sender's email address. If the letterhead says "Chase Bank" but the email comes from "chase-security@mailservice.net" or anything other than an official Chase domain, it is a forgery. Real banks send from their own email domains (like @chase.com or @bankofamerica.com).
If you are unsure, do not click any links or reply to the message. Instead, call the bank using the phone number on your statement or the bank's official website. Tell the representative what you received and ask whether it is real. The bank can tell you when ready whether they sent it.
When you need an official letter on bank letterhead
You may need your bank to send you an official letter on their letterhead for a mortgage process, a loan, a legal matter, or to prove your account status. Common requests include a letter confirming your account balance, a statement of account history, or proof that you are the account holder.
To request this, contact your bank's customer service or visit your local branch. You can usually request it online through your banking portal, by phone, or in person. The bank will send the letter directly to you or to the third party (like a lawyer or lender) you specify. There is no charge for this service in most cases.
The letter will come on the bank's official letterhead with the bank's contact information, the date, your account number (or last four digits), and the specific information you requested. It will be signed or stamped by an authorized bank representative.
What information appears on bank letterhead
Standard bank letterhead includes the bank's legal name, logo, main office address, and a customer service phone number. Some banks also print the routing number, the bank's website, and hours of operation. Digital letterhead (used in emails or online banking) may include a link to the bank's website or a disclaimer about the email's security.
The letterhead is usually printed at the top of the page in the bank's brand colors and fonts. This makes it straightforward to spot at a glance and harder for scammers to replicate perfectly, though many do try. The more details match the real bank's branding—logo, colors, fonts, spacing—the more convincing a fake can look.
The difference between bank letterhead and your bank statements
Bank letterhead is used for official correspondence—letters, notices, and formal documents. Your monthly or quarterly bank statement is a different document, though it also comes from the bank and includes the bank's name and logo at the top. Statements show your transactions and account balance; letterhead is used when the bank needs to communicate something official that is not a regular statement.
Both should come directly from your bank through find channels. If you receive a statement or letter that looks off—wrong address, misspelled name, unfamiliar format—contact your bank to verify it is real before responding to any requests in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a screenshot of bank letterhead as proof of my account?
No. Screenshots are straightforward to fake and most organizations that need proof of your account (employers, lenders, courts) will not accept them. Request an official letter from your bank instead. It will come on genuine letterhead and be harder to forge.
What should I do if I receive a letter on bank letterhead asking for my password?
Do not respond. Legitimate banks never ask for passwords by mail or email. Call your bank using the number on your statement or their website and report the letter as a phishing attempt. The bank can tell you whether they sent it and may ask you to forward it to their fraud department.
Does bank letterhead include my full account number?
Official letters from your bank may show your full account number if you requested a document that requires it (like a mortgage letter). However, routine communications usually show only the last four digits. If a letter shows your full account number and you did not request it, verify the letter is real by calling the bank.
Can I request bank letterhead to be sent to someone else?
Yes. When you request an official letter, you can ask the bank to send it to you, to a third party (like a lawyer or lender), or both. The bank will verify your identity before sending it to someone else to protect your privacy.