What you need to do to get your first statement
Your first First Bank statement arrives automatically once your account has been open for a full statement cycle—usually 30 days. First Bank generates statements monthly, and the timing depends on when you opened the account. If you opened it on the 15th of the month, your first statement will cover activity from the 15th through the end of that month and arrive in early the following month.
You do not have to request anything. The statement will be sent to you by mail at the address on file, or delivered electronically if you enrolled in e-statements during account setup. If you need a statement before the first one arrives, you can view your account activity immediately through First Bank's online banking platform or mobile app—this shows real-time transactions even though a formal statement has not been generated yet.
Key Takeaways
- Your first statement arrives automatically after your account completes one full monthly cycle, typically 30 to 45 days after opening.
- You can view account activity and transactions online or through the First Bank mobile app before your first paper or electronic statement arrives.
- Statements are mailed to your address on file unless you chose e-statements during account opening or changed your preference afterward.
- If you need a copy of your first statement for a refund, loan, or documentation purpose, you can download it from online banking or request it by phone.
How to access your account activity before the first statement arrives
Log into First Bank's online banking portal using your username and password. Once logged in, navigate to the "Accounts" or "Account Summary" section. You will see all transactions posted to your account in real time, including deposits, withdrawals, fees, and interest. This view is updated daily and shows your current balance, recent activity, and pending transactions.
If you prefer to use your phone, download the First Bank mobile app from your device's app store and log in with the same credentials. The app displays the same transaction history and account balance. You can also set up alerts to notify you when deposits arrive or when your balance falls below a certain amount. This real-time access is useful if you are waiting for a tax refund, insurance payment, or other deposit and need to confirm it has posted.
Downloading or printing your first statement from online banking
Once your first statement cycle closes, you can download it directly from First Bank's online banking platform without waiting for it to arrive by mail. Log in, go to "Statements" or "Documents," and select the month you want. The statement will appear as a PDF file that you can download, save to your computer, or print immediately.
This method is faster than waiting for mail delivery and gives you a copy you can use right away for documentation purposes—such as proof of deposit for a refund claim, verification of funds for a loan, or records for tax or insurance purposes. You can also request statements for previous months if you need to review older activity.
Requesting a paper or duplicate statement by phone
Call First Bank's customer service line at the number on the back of your debit card or on your account opening documents. Tell the representative you need your first statement or a duplicate copy. Provide your account number and the date range you need. They can mail a copy to you, which typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days.
This option is useful if you do not have online banking set up yet, prefer not to use the app, or need an official bank-issued copy for a formal purpose. Some programs that handle refunds or payments may require a statement on official bank letterhead rather than a downloaded PDF, so asking whether your statement needs to come directly from the bank is worth doing before you request it.
What your first statement will show
Your first statement lists every transaction from the opening date through the end of that statement cycle. It shows deposits (including your initial deposit and any refunds or payments that posted), withdrawals, debit card purchases, ATM fees, monthly maintenance fees if applicable, and any interest earned. The statement also displays your opening balance on the first day and your closing balance on the last day of the period.
At the top of the statement, you will find your account number, the statement period dates, and your mailing address on file. At the bottom, there is usually a customer service phone number and information about how to report errors or disputes. Keep this first statement in a safe place—you may need it to prove the account exists, to show proof of deposit for a refund claim, or as a record for tax purposes.
If your first statement does not arrive on time
If you expected your first statement by mail and it has not arrived after 45 days from account opening, log into online banking and check whether a statement has been generated. If it has, download it from there. If no statement appears online and you are past the 45-day mark, contact First Bank customer service to confirm your statement cycle dates and mailing address.
Statements can be delayed by mail delivery issues, address errors on file, or account setup delays. The fastest solution is to download your statement from online banking rather than wait for mail. If you need the statement urgently for a refund, payment verification, or documentation, downloading it electronically is the most reliable method.
Using your first statement for refunds and payments
Many refund programs—including tax refunds, insurance refunds, and government payments—ask for proof of the bank account where the money will be deposited. Your first statement serves as that proof. It shows your account number, routing number (usually at the bottom left), and your name as the account holder. Some programs accept a downloaded PDF; others require an official statement mailed directly from the bank.
Before submitting your statement to a refund program, check their requirements. If they ask for a "bank statement on official letterhead," request one by phone or mail from First Bank rather than submitting a downloaded copy. If they accept any statement showing your account details, the downloaded version from online banking works fine and arrives instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after opening my account will my first statement arrive?
Your first statement arrives after your account completes one full monthly cycle, which is typically 30 to 45 days after opening. The exact date depends on when you opened the account within the month. You can view all transactions online immediately through First Bank's website or app, even before the formal statement is generated.
Can I get a statement before 30 days have passed?
No, First Bank does not generate formal statements before the first full cycle closes. However, you can see all your transactions and your current balance in real time through online banking or the mobile app. If you need documentation of a deposit that arrived, you can download a transaction history or take a screenshot of your account activity.
What if I need my statement for a tax refund or insurance claim right away?
Download your statement from online banking as soon as it becomes available, which is usually before the paper copy arrives by mail. Most refund programs accept a downloaded PDF. If the program requires an official bank statement, call First Bank and request one be mailed to you, which takes 5 to 7 business days.
Where do I find my routing number on my first statement?
Your routing number appears at the bottom left of your statement, usually printed as a nine-digit number. It is also printed on the bottom left of any checks First Bank issues with your account. You will need both your account number and routing number if you are setting up direct deposit for a refund or payment.
Can I change from paper statements to e-statements after my account opens?
Yes. Log into online banking, go to "Preferences" or "Settings," and select "E-statements" or "Paperless." First Bank will stop mailing paper statements and send them electronically instead. E-statements arrive faster and you can download them anytime from your account.