The fastest way is usually your bank's website or app

Most banks let you read statements directly from your online account without calling or visiting a branch. Log in to your bank's website or mobile app, look for a section called "Statements," "Documents," or "History," and you'll find options to view and read your statements as PDF files. This usually takes less than a minute.

If you don't have online banking set up yet, you can set it up the same way you'd open an account — with your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID. Many banks let you start online without visiting a branch.

Some banks also email statements automatically each month. Check your email settings in your online account to turn this on if you want a copy sent to you regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's website or app is the fastest way to get a statement — usually available within seconds of logging in.
  • You can request statements by phone or in person at a branch if you don't have online access, though this takes longer.
  • Banks keep statements for different lengths of time depending on the account type, so older statements may not be available online.
  • A statement shows your deposits, withdrawals, and account balance for a specific month, and you may need one to prove your income or account history.
  • Some banks charge a small fee for printed statements mailed to you, though online copies are always free.

Getting a statement by phone or in person

If you can't access your account online, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website) and ask for a statement. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. The bank can email it to you, mail it to your address on file, or sometimes read key information over the phone.

You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller to print a statement for you. Bring your debit card or ID. This is the slowest option but works if you need it when ready and the branch is nearby.

What information is on a bank statement

A bank statement shows every deposit (money going in), withdrawal (money going out), and fee charged to your account during a specific month. It also shows your account balance at the start and end of that month, and sometimes a running balance after each transaction.

Statements also list the date, amount, and description of each transaction — for example, "ATM withdrawal" or "Direct deposit from employer." If a transaction looks wrong, the statement is your record of what actually happened, and you can use it to dispute the charge with your bank.

How far back you can get statements

Most banks keep statements available online for seven years, though some keep them longer. If you need a statement older than what's available on your account, call your bank and ask — they may be able to retrieve it from their archives, though this sometimes takes a few business days and may cost a small fee.

The length of time varies by bank, so if you're looking for something very old, ask your specific bank how far back they keep records.

When you might need a bank statement

Landlords, employers, and government programs sometimes ask for a bank statement to prove your income, show that you have money in the bank, or verify your address. A statement with your name and address printed on it serves as proof of both your identity and where you live.

If you're opening a new account at a different bank, that bank may ask for a statement from your current bank to verify your history. Some programs also ask for statements to check that you don't have too much money saved, which can affect whether you may have access to for certain information.

Getting statements for a joint account or someone else's account

If your name is on the account, you can get the statement yourself using the methods above. If you're authorized to manage someone else's account (for example, as a power of attorney or guardian), you may be able to access their statements through online banking if they've added you to the account.

If you're not on the account and don't have authorization, the account holder has to request the statement themselves or give you written permission. Banks have strict rules about who can see account information, and they won't release statements to someone not listed on the account without written consent from the account holder.

Statements from closed accounts

If you closed an account, you can usually still get statements from the time you had it open. Log into your online banking if you still have access, or call the bank and ask them to send you statements from the closed account. Some banks keep closed account records for several years.

If the bank has merged with another bank or closed entirely, contact the bank that took over their accounts, or search online for the bank's successor. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) website has a list of failed banks and where their records went.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a statement from before I opened online banking?

Yes. Call your bank and ask them to send you statements from before you set up online access. They keep records in their system even if they're not visible in your current online account. There may be a small fee for very old statements, but recent ones are usually free.

What if my bank doesn't have a website or app?

Very small banks and credit unions sometimes don't offer online banking. Call during business hours and ask for a statement to be mailed to you, or visit a branch in person. Some credit unions partner with larger banks to offer online access, so ask whether yours does.

Do I need the original paper statement or is a PDF okay?

A PDF downloaded from your bank's website is usually acceptable for landlords, employers, and government programs. If someone says they need the "original," ask them to clarify — most will accept a PDF. If they truly need paper, your bank can mail you a printed copy, though this takes a week or more.

What if I see a transaction on my statement that I didn't make?

Contact your bank when ready and tell them which transaction looks wrong. They'll investigate and can reverse it if it was unauthorized. Keep your statement as proof of the dispute. Banks have time limits for disputes (usually 60 days), so report it as soon as you notice.

Can I get statements for multiple accounts at once?

Yes. If you have more than one account at the same bank, log into your online account and you'll usually see all your accounts listed. You can read statements for each one separately. If you have accounts at different banks, you'll need to log into each bank's website or app to get those statements.