
A bank statement is a detailed record of all transactions made on a bank account over a specific period. It's a crucial document for financial verification.
Bank statements typically include the account holder's name, account number, and account balance. They also list all deposits, withdrawals, and transfers made during the statement period.
A well-maintained bank statement can help you keep track of your finances and identify any discrepancies or errors. This is especially important for businesses and individuals who need to reconcile their accounts regularly.
Having a clear and accurate bank statement can also help with loan or credit applications, as it provides a snapshot of your financial history.
What is a Bank Statement?
A bank statement is a summary of your account's transactions during the month, typically sent by the bank to the account holder.
It contains important information like your account numbers and a detailed list of deposits and withdrawals.
Bank statements are usually sent every month, providing a clear picture of your account's activity.
They're a valuable tool for tracking your finances and staying on top of your spending and savings.
Types of Bank Statements
You have two main options when it comes to receiving your bank statements: paper or electronic.
Many banks offer account holders the option of receiving paper or electronic statements, usually via email.
Benefits and Importance
Bank statements are a great tool to help account holders keep track of their finances, identify errors, and recognize spending habits. Regularly checking your bank statements can help you track your spending habits and create a budget that supports your financial goals.
You should verify bank accounts regularly to ensure your records match the bank's, which can help reduce overdraft fees, errors, and fraud. Discrepancies must be reported to the bank promptly, and you may have as little as 30 days to dispute errors, but timelines vary by account and state.
Looking at your financial activity can also help you monitor your accounts for fraudulent or unauthorized charges. This is especially important when you need to provide proof of income, like when you apply for a mortgage or personal loan.
Bank statements can give you a complete picture of your finances when used along with your credit card statement. This information can help you adjust your spending to support your financial goals and create a budget that works for you.
You should keep monthly statements for at least one year, so be sure to store them safely and securely.
Electronic Bank Statements
Electronic bank statements are a convenient way to access your account information. You can download or print them online, and many people still prefer to keep a permanent record.
Receiving digital statements is typically free, and it can also help you avoid monthly account maintenance fees.
Bank Statement Requirements and Reconciliation
A bank statement is a crucial document that provides a detailed record of your account activity. It should include the bank's address and contact information, account information, statement date, and total number of days in the statement period.
To ensure accuracy, a bank statement should also include details of each transaction, such as deposits, withdrawals, checks paid, fees or service charges debited from the account, and interest earned on accounts.
Here are the key requirements for a bank statement:
- The bank's address and contact information
- Account information
- The statement date
- Total number of days in the statement period, or the period's beginning and ending dates
- Beginning and ending balance of the account
A bank reconciliation statement is used to compare the cash balance on a company's balance sheet to the corresponding amount on its bank statement. This helps identify any discrepancies and ensures that the company's cash records are accurate.
To reconcile a bank statement, you'll need to follow a specific procedure, which includes comparing the company's list of issued checks and deposits to the checks shown on the statement, adding back deposits in transit, and deducting outstanding checks.
Requirements for a Bank Statement
A bank statement is a crucial document that provides a snapshot of your account activity over a specific period. It's essential to understand the requirements for a bank statement to ensure you're getting the information you need.
The bank's address and contact information should be included in the statement. This is usually found at the top of the page.
Account information is also a must-have, which typically includes your account number and type. This helps the bank identify your account and ensure the statement is accurate.
The statement date is another critical piece of information. This tells you when the statement period began and ended.
A bank statement should also include the total number of days in the statement period, or the period's beginning and ending dates. This helps you understand how long the statement covers.
Here's a breakdown of the essential details you should find in a bank statement:
The statement will also include details of each transaction, such as deposits, withdrawals, checks paid, and any fees or service charges debited from the account.
Reconciliation Procedure
To reconcile a bank statement, you'll need to compare the company's list of issued checks and deposits to the checks shown on the statement. This helps identify uncleared checks and deposits in transit.
Using the cash balance shown on the bank statement, add back any deposits in transit. This will give you an adjusted bank cash balance.
Next, deduct any outstanding checks from the adjusted bank cash balance. This will help you get a more accurate picture of the company's cash position.
To complete the reconciliation, use the company's ending cash balance and add any interest earned and notes receivable amount. This will give you the adjusted company cash balance.
The final step is to compare the adjusted bank balance with the adjusted company cash balance. They should match exactly, which confirms that the reconciliation is complete.
Here's a step-by-step summary of the reconciliation procedure:
- Compare the company's list of issued checks and deposits to the checks shown on the statement.
- Add back any deposits in transit to the cash balance shown on the bank statement.
- Deduct any outstanding checks from the adjusted bank cash balance.
- Add any interest earned and notes receivable amount to the company's ending cash balance.
- Deduct any bank service fees, penalties, and NSF checks from the company's ending cash balance.
- Compare the adjusted bank balance with the adjusted company cash balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the bank statement look like?
A bank statement typically displays personal and account details, along with a record of transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, fees, and interest. It provides a clear summary of your account activity.
What 5 things will be shown on your bank statement?
Your bank statement will display your account's beginning and ending balance, as well as a breakdown of total deposits and withdrawals, including any fees incurred. This detailed summary helps you track your financial activity and stay on top of your account's performance.
How do I get a bank account statement?
To get a bank account statement, log in to your bank's website, select the correct account, and download the statement in .pdf format. You can usually find this option under 'statements', 'e-documents', or 'download' on your online banking platform.
Sources
- https://plaid.com/docs/statements/
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bank-statement.asp
- https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/accounting/bank-reconciliation/
- https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/wealth-management/bank-statement/
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/what-is-a-bank-statement/
Featured Images: pexels.com