How to download a bank statement

One in five people don’t check their bank balance due to financial anxiety. But if you’re running a business, keeping a close eye on your finances is essential.

Downloading your bank statement is a quick and simple task that will keep your business finances on your radar, and could help you make more effective financial decisions. 

In this article, we’ll explain why you might want to generate a bank statement, what information’s included, and how to download it depending on who you bank with.

Key points:

• Downloading your bank statements helps track cash flow, spot errors, and prepare for taxes, loans, or audits

• You can typically download a bank statement via your bank’s website or mobile app in a few clicks

• The process varies by bank, so check our detailed instructions below

Why download a bank statement?

Bank statements give you an official, detailed snapshot of every transaction your business makes – from sales and expenses to bank fees. This makes it easier to monitor your cash flow and stay on top of your finances. Plus, matching your statements with your bookkeeping software keeps your records accurate and current.

Downloading your bank statements also helps your business in other ways. It lets you quickly catch and fix any errors or suspicious activity. And when it comes to preparing for taxes, loans, or audits, having your statements ready helps demonstrate transparency and reliability.

Ultimately, bank statements give you the proof you need to show how your business is performing financially.

What’s included in a bank statement?

A bank statement is a summary of your bank accounts’ financial transactions over a set period, usually monthly.

Here’s what you’ll typically find included:

• Personal and account details, including your name and address, bank name and contact information, account number and sort code, and statement period.

• Summary section, including the opening balance, closing balance, total credits, and total debits.

• Transaction details, including the date, description, amount, running balance, and type of each transaction.

• Additional information, including interest earned or charged, bank fees, overdraft limit, and any pending transactions.

• Extra features might include spending summaries, upcoming payment notifications, or bank messages, depending on your bank.

How to generate a bank statement

Before you download your bank statement, you’ll need to choose what information you want included in the generated PDF or spreadsheet.

Most banks will provide you with the following options:

• Account selection: Choose which business account to generate the statement for, especially useful if you manage multiple accounts

• Date range: Select a pre-set period (e.g. last month, last quarter) or set a custom range to cover specific dates

• Transaction filters: Some banks let you filter by transaction type (e.g. payments, deposits, or direct debits) to only include the information that’s relevant

• File format: Decide between a PDF (usually best for official submissions) or a CSV/Excel file (easier to analyse)

• Pending transactions: Opt to include or exclude transactions that haven’t yet cleared, so you have a real-time view of your finances

• Additional details: Some banks allow you to add notes, categorise spending, or highlight specific transactions for clarity

Once you’ve tailored these settings, your bank will generate a statement that fits your exact needs – whether it’s for an audit, loan application, or internal review.

How to get a bank statement online

It’s easy to get hold of your bank statements online or through mobile apps these days. Find your bank, below, and follow the instructions:

Tide

1. Open the Tide app on your mobile device

2. Tap on the ‘Accounts’ tab

3. Select your account, then tap ‘Statements’

4. Choose the date range (monthly or custom)

5. Tap ‘Download PDF’ or ‘Send by email’

Barclays

1. Log into online banking

2. Click on ‘Statements’ in the menu

3. Select the account and date range

4. Click ‘Download PDF’

NatWest / RBS

1. Log into Digital Banking

2. Go to ‘Statements’ > ‘View and Print’

3. Choose the month

4. Click ‘Download PDF’

Lloyds

1. Log into your Lloyds account

2. Select ‘Your Account’, then ‘Statements’

3. Choose statement period and format (PDF or CSV)

HSBC

1. Log into Online Banking

2. Under ‘My Banking’, choose ‘Statements’

3. Select the date range and download as PDF

Monzo / Starling / Revolut (Mobile-first)

1. Open the app

2. Select account

3. Click ‘Statement’ or ‘Export’

4. Choose PDF or CSV

How to download a bank statement PDF

It doesn’t matter who you bank with – if you’re using online banking, you’ll be able to download your bank statements in PDF format. While each bank uses slightly different terminology, the process is basically the same.

1. Visit your bank’s website or app: Head to your bank’s website or open up their app on your phone if you have it installed. If you don’t yet have the app, search for it in the Google Play store or the Apple Store. 

2. Log in: Use your login details to log in to your online banking, digital banking, internet banking, or e-banking portal. 

3. Click ‘statements’, ‘e-documents’, or ‘download’: Navigate to the section that’s titled “statements”. You may find this under Options or another similarly titled section. In some apps, this could be situated under documents, transaction history, or account details. 

4. Check you’ve selected the right account: If you have multiple accounts (e.g. current or savings accounts), make sure you’ve selected the right one before moving to the next step.

5. Choose a statement (or a date range): You may be given the option to download the statements for a given month, a period of three months, or a year. You may also be asked to input a custom date range.

6. Choose the file format: Choose the format you’d like to download your bank statement in. You may be given the option between downloading a spreadsheet or a .PDF. If you’re submitting the bank statement to us, we prefer the .PDF format. 

7. Download: With some banks, instead of a ‘download’ option you have to choose ‘print’ and then select ‘Save as .PDF.’ Repeat the steps above to download multiple statements.

Understand where your money’s going with Tide’s business bank account

Keeping track of your business transactions shouldn’t be complicated. With Tide’s free, FSCS-protected business current account, you get real-time insights into your spending, instant invoicing, and auto expense categorisation that saves you time by tagging your income and spending.

Trusted by UK SMEs and with over three million app downloads, Tide’s business bank account is a proven way to help you stay in control of your finances.

Explore all the features available with Tide’s business bank account.

FAQs

What types of finance applications might need a bank statement?

A wide range of business finance types may require a bank statement to be submitted during the loan application process. Here are some of them:

• Business loans: A business loan is a lump sum of money that is repaid on an instalment basis with the addition of interest. A bank statement can help you demonstrate to the lender that you’re able to meet the recurring repayment obligations. 

• Commercial mortgage: A commercial mortgage is a form of finance which is extended to enable you to purchase a commercial premises, while spreading the cost over 3 to 30 years. Bank statements can help you show lenders that you have a strong track record of cash flow and would be able to pay your mortgage on time. They can also demonstrate how much you have in savings to contribute towards a deposit. 

• Merchant cash advance: A merchant cash advance is an advance on future earnings. Bank statements can help you demonstrate to the lender that you’re in receipt of consistent card sales and you do have a regular flow of revenue coming in from which they can regain their investment.

Do I need a three month bank statement or a one year bank statement?

That depends on what you’re applying for. In general, if you’re demonstrating proof of cash flow, you may need a one year bank statement, however, if you only need evidence of your current cash reserves or address, you could need a three month statement or less. Fortunately, digital banks usually offer both options, and can offer custom date options too. Just select the correct date range and hit download.

Are lenders ever willing to consider future earnings rather than past earnings in an application?

Sometimes, yes. It depends on the type of loan you’re applying for. For instance, buy-to-let commercial mortgages can consider affordability based on future rental yield rather than historic income.

What other documents might support my loan application?

Cash flow projections, a business plan, an exit plan, client contracts, and corporation tax returns may all be used to support a loan application.

How far back can I download bank statements?

Most UK banks provide access to the last 5–7 years of digital statements.

Can I download multiple bank statements at once?

Some banks allow batch downloads or year-end summaries. Check your provider’s settings.

Is a screenshot of my bank statement accepted by lenders?

Generally no. Lenders prefer full, unedited PDFs with all transaction info visible.

Please note that the information above is not intended to be financial advice. You should seek independent financial advice before making any decisions about your financial future.

It’s important to remember that all loans and credit agreements come with risks. These risks include non-payment and late-payment of the agreed repayment plan, which could affect your business credit score and impact your ability to find future funding. Always read the terms and conditions of every loan or credit agreement before you proceed. Contact us for support if you ever face difficulties making your repayments.

Funding Options, now part of Tide, helps UK firms access business finance, working directly with businesses and their trusted advisors. Funding Options are a credit broker and do not provide loans directly. All finance and quotes are subject to status and income. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and terms and conditions apply. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Funding Options can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants' circumstances and creditworthiness. Funding Options will receive a commission or finder’s fee for effecting such finance introductions.