The fastest way to get your statement depends on which bank you use and how recent the statement is
Most banks let you read statements online through your account dashboard within minutes. If you bank with a major institution like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can log into your account on their website or mobile app, find the statements or history section, and read a PDF of any statement from the past several years. Some banks also email statements automatically each month — you can usually retrieve old emails or request a resend from your bank's website.
If you do not have online access or need a printed copy mailed to you, call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Most banks can mail a statement within 5 to 10 business days. A few banks charge a small fee — typically $2 to $5 — for printed statements mailed to you, though online statements are always free.
For statements older than what appears in your online account, contact your bank directly. Banks are required to keep records for at least seven years, so you can request statements from years past, though retrieval may take longer and sometimes costs a fee.
Key Takeaways
- Online banking portals let you read statements as PDFs when ready; this is the fastest and free option at nearly all banks.
- If your bank emails statements automatically, you can request a resend or retrieve the email from your inbox without calling.
- Printed statements mailed to your address take 5 to 10 business days and may cost $2 to $5 per statement at some banks.
- Banks keep records for at least seven years, so you can request old statements, though retrieval may take longer and sometimes incur a fee.
- Visiting a branch in person is an option if you do not have online access, though it is slower than downloading online.
Getting statements through online banking
Log into your bank's website or mobile app using your username and password. Look for a section labeled "Statements," "History," "Documents," or "Account Details" — the exact name varies by bank. Once you find it, you will see a list of available statements, usually organized by month and year, going back several years.
Select the month and year you need, then choose to read or view as PDF. The file will save to your computer or phone. You can then print it, email it, or store it. This entire process takes less than five minutes and costs nothing.
If you have trouble finding the statements section, look for a help menu or search function within the app or website. Most banks also have a "Contact Us" button that connects you to a representative who can walk you through the steps specific to your bank's platform.
Requesting statements by email or phone
If your bank sends statements automatically each month, check your email inbox and search for messages from your bank. Most banks use a standard subject line like "Your [Bank Name] Statement" or "Monthly Statement Ready." You can read the statement directly from the email attachment or click a link to view it online.
If you deleted the email or need an older statement, call your bank's customer service number — usually found on the back of your debit card or on the bank's website. Tell the representative which month and year you need. They can email you the statement or direct you to retrieve it through online banking. This call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Some banks also allow you to change your statement delivery method through online banking. You can request that statements be emailed to you instead of mailed, or vice versa, depending on your preference.
Getting printed statements mailed to you
If you do not have online access or prefer a physical copy, visit your bank branch with a photo ID and ask for a printed statement. The teller can usually print one on the spot or mail it to your address on file within 5 to 10 business days.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and request a printed statement be mailed to you. Provide your account number, the statement month and year you need, and confirm your mailing address. The bank will send it to the address registered with your account unless you specify otherwise.
Be aware that some banks charge a fee for printed statements — typically $2 to $5 per statement — especially if you request multiple copies or statements from several years back. Ask about fees before requesting. Online statements are always free, so if you have internet access, downloading through your account is the cheapest option.
Retrieving old statements and archived records
Banks must keep account records for at least seven years under federal regulations. If you need a statement from more than a few years ago, contact your bank directly by phone or in person. Provide the specific month and year, and the bank will search their archives.
Retrieval of very old statements may take longer than current ones — sometimes two to four weeks — because the bank may need to pull records from storage. Some banks charge a research or retrieval fee for statements older than five or seven years, ranging from $10 to $50 depending on the bank and how far back you go. Ask about fees upfront.
If your account has been closed for several years, you can still request statements from when it was active. The bank will have the records even if the account no longer exists in their current system.
What information appears on your statement
A bank statement shows your account number, the statement period (usually one month), your opening and closing balance, and a list of all transactions — deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and fees. It also shows the date each transaction posted, the amount, and sometimes a description of where the money came from or went.
Statements also display your interest earned (if applicable), any fees charged, and your current interest rate. Some banks include a summary at the top showing your average daily balance and total deposits and withdrawals for the month.
You can use statements to verify that all transactions are correct, track your spending, prove your income or address to a landlord or lender, or reconcile your records with the bank's. Keep statements for at least one year for your own records, and longer if you may need them for taxes or legal purposes.
Statements for different account types
Checking and savings accounts both produce monthly statements showing deposits and withdrawals. Money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) also generate statements, though CDs may show less activity if you do not make frequent transactions.
Credit card statements are separate from bank statements and are usually issued by the card issuer, not your bank — even if the card is branded with your bank's name. Request credit card statements through the card issuer's website or by calling the number on the back of your card.
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, you can read statements for each account separately through your online banking portal. Some banks allow you to view all accounts in one place; others require you to switch between accounts to see each statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back can I get bank statements?
Banks must keep records for at least seven years. Most online banking portals show statements going back two to three years, but you can request older statements by calling customer service. Retrieval of very old statements may take two to four weeks and sometimes costs a fee.
Can I get a statement if my account is closed?
Yes. Banks keep records even after an account closes. Contact the bank and provide your former account number and the statement dates you need. They will retrieve the records from their archives, though it may take longer than for an active account.
Do banks charge for statements?
Online statements are always free. Printed statements mailed to you may cost $2 to $5 per statement at some banks. Very old statements (more than five to seven years) may incur a research fee of $10 to $50. Ask your bank about fees before requesting.
What if I do not remember my online banking password?
Use the "Forgot Password" link on your bank's login page to reset it. You will need to verify your identity using your email, phone number, or security questions. Once you reset your password, you can log in and read statements when ready.
Can I get a statement for someone else's account?
No, unless you are an authorized user or have power of attorney. Banks will not release account information to anyone not listed on the account. If you need statements for an estate or legal matter, provide the bank with court documents or a power of attorney form.