Bank Statement Example: A Complete Guide
Learn how to read and understand every section of your bank statement with our detailed example.
A bank statement is your monthly financial snapshot, showing all transactions, balances, and account activity. Understanding how to read your statement is crucial for managing your finances effectively and spotting any discrepancies.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down each component of a typical bank statement using clear examples and explanations. Whether you're reviewing your personal finances or need to understand statements for business purposes, this guide will help you interpret every detail.
Quick Navigation
Statement Header Example
The header section of your bank statement contains crucial identifying information and account details. Here's what you'll typically find in this section:
Header Components Example
Bank Information
- • Bank Name: Example National Bank
- • Branch: Downtown Financial Center
- • Address: 123 Banking Street
- • Contact: 1-800-BANK-HELP
- • Website: www.examplebank.com
Account Details
- • Account Holder: John Q. Public
- • Account Number: ****1234
- • Statement Period: 01/01/2024 - 01/31/2024
- • Account Type: Premium Checking
- • Customer ID: 987654321
Transaction List Example
The transaction section shows all account activity during the statement period. Here's how to interpret different types of transactions you might see:
Sample Transactions
| Date | Description | Amount | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2024 | Previous Balance | - | $2,500.00 |
| 01/03/2024 | DIR DEP EMPLOYER CO PAYROLL | +$1,850.00 | $4,350.00 |
| 01/05/2024 | AUTOPAY MORTGAGE CO | -$1,200.00 | $3,150.00 |
Common Credit Entries
- • DIR DEP: Direct deposits (salary, benefits)
- • TFR: Transfers from other accounts
- • DEP: Cash or check deposits
- • INT: Interest earned
- • REFUND: Returns or reimbursements
Common Debit Entries
- • POS: Point of sale purchases
- • ACH: Automated payments
- • ATM: Cash withdrawals
- • CHECK: Check payments
- • FEE: Bank charges
Balance Summary Example
The summary section provides an overview of your account activity and important balance information:
Starting Balance
Balance at the beginning of the statement period
Total Credits
Sum of all deposits and incoming funds
Total Debits
Sum of all withdrawals and payments
Additional Balance Information
- • Available Balance: $3,150.00
- • Pending Transactions: -$150.00
- • Holds: $0.00
- • Minimum Balance Required: $500.00
- • Overdraft Limit: $1,000.00
- • Interest Earned YTD: $12.50
Ready to Analyze Your Bank Statement?
Use our tools to track your spending and understand your financial patterns.
Get detailed insights and personalized recommendations for better money management.
Try Our Statement Analyzer