The fastest way depends on your bank and how recent the statement is
Most banks let you download statements online through your account portal, usually within minutes. If you need a printed copy mailed to you, that takes five to ten business days. Some banks charge a fee for statements older than a certain period — often seven years — or for rush delivery. The method you choose depends on whether you need the statement today, this week, or can wait for mail delivery.
Your bank's website or mobile app is almost always the quickest route. If you do not have online access set up, you can call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Each method has different wait times and requirements, which we cover below.
Key Takeaways
- Online download through your bank's website or app is the fastest option and usually takes minutes, with no fee.
- Printed statements mailed to your address take five to ten business days and may cost $1 to $5 per statement depending on your bank.
- Statements older than six to seven years may require a special request and a fee, since most banks do not keep older statements readily available.
- You can request a statement by phone or in person at a branch if you do not have online access, though this takes longer than downloading it yourself.
- Some banks offer certified or official statements for legal or financial purposes, which cost more and take longer than standard statements.
Downloading your statement online
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app, then look for a section labeled "Statements," "Documents," "History," or "Account Activity." Click the month and year you need, then select "Download" or "View." Most banks let you download as a PDF file, which you can save to your computer or phone, print, or email to someone else.
This method works for statements from the current month back to at least the past two years. Some banks keep online statements available for five to seven years. The download is free and takes seconds. If you cannot find the statements section, look for a help menu or call the customer service number on the back of your card — they can walk you through the steps or send you a link.
If you have never set up online access, you will need to register first. You will need your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID. Registration usually takes ten to fifteen minutes and is free.
Requesting a printed statement by mail
Call your bank's customer service number or visit a branch in person and ask for a statement to be mailed to your address on file. Provide the month and year you need. The bank will print it and mail it within five to ten business days. Some banks charge $1 to $5 per statement; others include a certain number of printed statements per year for free.
Printed statements are useful if you need a physical copy for a loan application, tax filing, or legal matter. They carry the bank's official letterhead and are harder to dispute than a PDF you downloaded yourself. Ask the bank whether the printed statement will include a certification or official seal if you need it for a formal purpose.
Getting statements older than seven years
Banks are required to keep records for at least seven years, but they do not always keep old statements readily available online. If you need a statement from more than seven years ago, call your bank and ask whether they can retrieve it. Some banks charge a research fee of $10 to $50 or more to locate and print very old statements.
Be prepared to provide the exact month and year you need, your account number, and the reason you need it. The bank may take two to four weeks to locate the statement, especially if it has to be retrieved from archive storage. If the account has been closed for several years, the bank may not have the statement available at all — in that case, ask whether they can provide a letter confirming the account details and dates it was open.
Official or certified statements for legal and financial purposes
If you need a statement for a court case, mortgage application, or other formal proceeding, ask your bank for an "official" or "certified" statement. This is a printed copy with the bank's seal, signature, and a statement that it is a true and accurate record. It costs more than a regular statement — typically $5 to $25 — and takes longer to produce, usually five to ten business days.
Some banks will not issue certified statements by mail and require you to pick one up in person at a branch. Call ahead to confirm what your bank offers and what documentation you need to bring. If you need the statement urgently, ask whether the bank can expedite it or provide a temporary letter confirming your account details while you wait for the official version.
What to do if you cannot access your account online
If you have forgotten your password, call the customer service number on the back of your card or visit your bank's website and look for a "Forgot Password" or "Reset Login" link. You will need to verify your identity using your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.
If you do not have online access set up at all, you can request statements by phone or in person. Call customer service and provide your account number and the dates you need. They will mail the statements to you, which takes five to ten business days. Alternatively, visit a branch with a photo ID and your account number, and ask a teller to print a statement for you on the spot — this is usually free and takes a few minutes.
Statements for joint accounts and authorized users
If the account is in your name only, you can request statements without permission. If it is a joint account, either account holder can usually request a statement. If you are an authorized user but not the account owner, you may not be able to request statements — it depends on the bank and how the account was set up.
Call your bank to ask what access you have. If you need a statement for a joint account and the other owner will not cooperate, you may need to contact a lawyer or the court, depending on the situation. For business accounts, only authorized signers can request statements, and some banks require a written request on company letterhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a statement for a closed account?
Yes, but it depends on how long ago the account closed. Most banks keep records for seven years after an account closes. Call the bank with your old account number and the dates you need. If more than seven years have passed, the bank may not have the statement, but they can usually provide a letter confirming the account was open and the dates it was active.
Do banks charge for downloading statements online?
No, downloading statements through your bank's website or app is free. Fees apply only to printed statements mailed to you, certified statements, or statements older than seven years that require research to locate. The fee varies by bank but is usually $1 to $5 per statement.
How far back can I get statements?
Most banks keep online statements for five to seven years. Printed statements from before that period may be available for a fee and a longer wait time. Some banks keep records for longer if you request them, but there is no may provide. Call your bank to ask how far back they can retrieve statements.
What if my bank is closed or out of business?
If your bank was taken over by another bank, contact the new bank with your old account number — they usually have access to the old records. If the bank failed and was not taken over, contact the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) at fdic.gov or call 877-275-3342. They can tell you where your records are stored and how to request them.
Can I get a statement for someone else's account?
Only the account owner or an authorized user can request statements. If you need a statement for a deceased person's account, you will need to provide a death certificate and proof that you are the executor or have power of attorney. Contact the bank directly to ask what documents they need.