Your bank account type and the method of statement delivery will determine how long you keep your bank statements. Most financial institutions provide electronic statements through online banking and make them accessible for years. Wells Fargo, for example, keeps deposit account statements for up to seven years. Check with your own bank or credit union for their specific policies.
If you still receive paper statements, its a good idea to keep them for at least a year. This makes it much simpler to access those records in the event that something goes wrong with one of your accounts and you need to see those records. Make sure to shred paper statements before discarding them to prevent anyone from accessing account information.
Yo, money fam! Ever wondered how long banks hold onto your financial statements? It’s a valid question, especially in this digital age where everything seems to disappear into the ether. Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the world of bank record retention and answer all your burning questions.
The Short Answer:
For any deposit over $100 banks are legally obligated to keep records for at least five years. This includes statements, deposit slips and other juicy financial details. However, many banks choose to hold onto these records for even longer, sometimes up to seven years or even indefinitely.
Why Do Banks Hold Onto Your Statements?
It’s not just about reminiscing about your past financial adventures, Banks have several reasons for keeping these records:
- Legal Compliance: Various regulations require banks to maintain records for specific periods. This helps them comply with audits and investigations.
- Fraud Prevention: Having access to historical records can help banks identify and prevent fraudulent activity.
- Dispute Resolution: If you ever have a disagreement with your bank about a transaction, your statements can serve as valuable evidence.
- Internal Analysis: Banks use historical data to analyze customer behavior, improve services, and develop new products.
How Can You Access Your Old Statements?
Most banks offer online access to your statements, allowing you to download or print them at your convenience. You can also request paper copies of your statements, although there might be a fee associated with this.
Pro Tip: You should preserve your own copies of your bank statements for peace of mind. This can be useful for budgeting, taxes, or just keeping track of your financial progress.
The Bottom Line:
Banks retain your statements for a number of reasons, both pragmatic and legally. Although five years is the minimum retention period, many banks decide to keep them longer. It’s critical for informed consumers to be aware of their rights and how to access these records. In light of this, keep in mind that your old statements are likely safely stored in the bank’s vault, waiting for their big break.
When You Need the Records
About two-thirds of Americans now use digital banking, either via a phone app or on a personal computer. More than half continue to get their bank and credit card statements by mail, though. Not surprisingly, older consumers are much more likely to prefer paper documents.
You might not need bank statements for much more than a routine monthly review of account activity if the accounts are straightforward, like checking or savings accounts. That bank statement, however, might be your only source of information if you ever need a record of a transaction that occurred months ago. For such cases, its a good idea to have at least a years worth of back statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IRS states that certain records must be kept for a longer period of time, even though it only advises keeping most records for three years. For seven years, for instance, you should retain the records from a claim for a loss resulting from worthless securities or bad debt if you are a self-employed person or small business owner. It is advisable to speak with a tax expert if you are ever unclear about how long to maintain a record.
What Transactions Do Banks Report to IRS?
FAQ
Can I get bank statements from 10 years ago?
How long does a bank keep statements?
How far back can I get bank statements?
Should I shred 20 year old bank statements?
How long do bank statements last?
Most financial institutions provide electronic statements through online banking and make them accessible for years. Wells Fargo, for example, keeps deposit account statements for up to seven years. Check with your own bank or credit union for their specific policies.
How long can a bank keep records?
Banks are legally required to keep records for at least five years, and they may not hang onto them for seven years. If you’re unsure, contact your bank to find out if you would have access to your statements after seven years. Photo credit: iStock/fizkes
How long do banks keep credit card statements?
Usually, how long banks tend to keep credit card statements or similar documents is around a year (and up to three years depending on the bank). If you need statements for longer periods, you can contact the bank and request them, and the bank should send them to you by email or in the mail within days.
How far back can I access my bank statements?
Banks typically keep statements within the past year pretty accessible online, as well. You might want to contact your bank to double check how far back you can access your statements. You may also be able to access an online archive of statements that goes further back.