The fastest way is to log into your online banking account and download it yourself
Most banks let you pull statements directly from their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. Log in, find the "Statements" or "Documents" section, pick your date range, and download as a PDF. This takes minutes and you get the statement right away.
If your bank does not offer online access or you need statements older than what appears online, you will need to contact them. Call the customer service number on the back of your card, visit a branch in person, or use the bank's website to request statements by mail or email.
Some banks charge a small fee for statements older than a certain period — often seven years — though many waive the fee if you ask. Ask about the cost before you request.
Key Takeaways
- Online banking portals let you download current and recent statements instantly without contacting the bank.
- Statements older than seven years may require a formal request and sometimes a small fee, though fees are often waived.
- Phone, email, and in-person requests typically take three to ten business days to arrive.
- You will need your account number and may need to verify your identity before the bank sends older statements.
Requesting statements by phone or email
Call the customer service number on your card or statement and ask for the statements you need. Have your account number ready. The bank will ask you to verify your identity — usually by confirming your Social Security number, date of birth, or recent transactions — before they send anything.
Tell them the date range you need and whether you want the statements mailed or emailed. Email delivery is faster, usually arriving within three to five business days. Mailed statements take seven to ten business days depending on postal service.
Some banks let you request statements through their website without calling. Look for a "Contact Us" or "Request Documents" link, fill out a form with your account details and the dates you need, and the bank will send them to the email or address on file.
Getting statements in person at a branch
Walk into any branch of your bank with your ID and account number. Ask for statements for the dates you need. A teller can print them on the spot or mail them to you if they do not have them immediately available.
Bring a photo ID and know your account number before you go. If you need statements from a very old account that has been closed, the branch may need to look them up in the bank's archive, which can take a few days.
Statements older than seven years
Banks are required to keep records for seven years, but many keep them longer. If you need statements from before that window, ask the bank whether they still have them. Some do; some do not.
Older statements almost always cost money — typically two to five dollars per statement or a flat fee for a batch. The bank may also take longer to retrieve them, sometimes two to three weeks. Ask about the fee and timeline before you request.
If your bank no longer has the statements you need, ask whether they can provide account history in another form — a summary of activity, a transaction list, or a letter confirming the account existed and when it was active.
What to do if you cannot access your online account
If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the bank's website to reset it. You will usually need access to the email or phone number on file to complete the reset.
If you have lost access to that email or phone number, call customer service. They can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account, or they can request statements for you over the phone instead.
If your account has been closed or transferred to another bank, contact the bank that holds or held the account. They can still provide statements even if the account is no longer active.
Statements for joint accounts and authorized users
If you are an authorized user on someone else's account, you may not be able to request statements without the account holder's permission. Call the bank and ask what access you have. Some banks let authorized users pull statements; others require the primary account holder to request them.
If you are a joint account holder, you can usually request statements on your own. However, some banks require both account holders to approve requests for very old statements or statements being sent to a new address.
Statements for business accounts
Business accounts work the same way as personal accounts: log into online banking to download recent statements, or call the bank to request older ones. You will need to verify your identity as an authorized signer on the account.
Some business accounts require the account owner or a specific authorized person to request statements. Ask your bank which signers can make the request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back can I get bank statements?
Banks keep records for at least seven years by law. Most keep them longer — often ten to fifteen years. Statements beyond that window may not exist. Contact your bank to ask how far back they can go.
Do I have to pay for bank statements?
Recent statements are free. Statements older than seven years usually cost one to five dollars each, though many banks waive the fee if you ask. Call and ask about the cost before you request.
How long does it take to get statements by mail?
Mailed statements typically arrive in seven to ten business days. Email delivery is faster, usually three to five business days. Older statements that need to be retrieved from archives can take two to three weeks.
Can I get statements for a closed account?
Yes. Contact the bank that held the account. They keep records even after accounts close and can send you statements from when the account was active.
What if the bank says they do not have the statements I need?
Ask whether they can provide an account summary, transaction history, or a letter confirming the account existed and when it was active. Some banks offer these alternatives when original statements are no longer available.