1. What Is Proof of Bank Account?
Proof of bank account is an official document from a financial institution confirming that you own an active account. It is often required for loan applications, government benefits, payroll setup, or business registrations.
2. When Do You Need Proof of Bank Account?
- Opening a business account
- Applying for a personal or business loan
- Registering for government support or grants
- Setting up direct deposit with an employer
- Submitting documents for visa or immigration processes
3. Acceptable Documents as Proof of Bank Account
- Bank Statement: Monthly account statement showing account holder’s name, account number, and bank details
- Bank Account Verification Letter: Issued by your bank confirming ownership of the account
- Void Cheque or Chequebook Page: Displays account number and sort code
- Online Banking Statement (PDF): Downloadable official statement from online banking portal
- Passbook Copy (for savings accounts): Showing account details and recent transactions
4. Information Typically Included in Proof of Bank Account
- Account holder’s full name
- Bank name and branch
- Account number or IBAN
- Sort code (for UK accounts) or routing number (for US accounts)
- Statement date or period covered
5. Proof of Bank Account Sample (Template)
Here’s a simplified example of what a bank account verification letter or statement might look like:
[Bank Name & Logo]
Bank Address
City, Postal Code
Date: 10 January 2025
To Whom It May Concern,
This is to confirm that [Customer Full Name] holds an active bank account with [Bank Name].
- Account Name: [Customer Full Name]
- Account Number: [XXXXXXXX]
- Sort Code: [XX-XX-XX]
- IBAN: [GB00 XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX]
- Account Type: [Current / Savings]
- Date Opened: [DD/MM/YYYY]
This letter has been issued at the request of our customer for verification purposes.
Sincerely,
[Bank Official Name]
[Designation]
[Signature & Bank Stamp]
6. How to Obtain Proof of Bank Account
- Online Banking: Download your latest statement in PDF format.
- Bank Branch: Request an official account verification letter.
- ATM/Banking Kiosk: Some banks allow statement printing.
- Customer Service Request: Ask for a stamped confirmation if required by government or visa authorities.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting outdated statements (older than 3 months)
- Providing screenshots instead of official PDF statements
- Forgetting to include account holder’s name and bank details
- Submitting incomplete or altered documents (risking rejection)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bank statement proof of bank account?
Yes, it is the most commonly accepted document.
Can I use an online statement as proof?
Yes, but some authorities may require a stamped or signed version.
How recent should proof of bank account be?
Most organisations require documents dated within the last 1–3 months.
Can I show a screenshot of my banking app?
No, official statements or letters are required.
Do businesses need proof of bank account too?
Yes, especially for registration, tax filings, or securing business loans.
Is proof of bank account free?
Yes, in most cases, but some banks may charge for official stamped letters.
Conclusion
Proof of bank account is an essential document for financial, legal, and business processes. While bank statements are most commonly used, you can also request an official verification letter or use a void cheque. Always ensure documents are recent, official, and include your name and account details.