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High charge to access old bank statements, finds Which?
Banks are charging high amounts to access duplicate copies of statements
Leading banks are restricting how long customers can access their online current account statements, and then hitting them with high fees when they request a paper copy.
New research by Which? Money has uncovered a huge difference between how far back different providers allow customers to go when viewing their current account statements online.
Huge difference in access to historic current account statements
While Lloyds TSB gives its customers the chance to view statements going back 9.5 years, Smile and Co-operative Bank only allow you to view 12 months' worth.
The table below shows how far back you can access your current account statements, and the cost of getting paper copies.
Customers face high charges for current account statements
If you need to provide a copy of your bank or credit card statement, chances are that you'd need to request a paper copy from your bank. Most banks charge you for duplicate copies, even if you bank online and don't receive paper statements.
Online bank account provider Smile will charge £2.50 per sheet for a duplicate copy, if the statement is less than one year old, and a whopping £10 fee if the statement goes back longer.
Barclays, Co-operative Bank, Halifax, Nationwide, NatWest/RBS and Santander charge paper-free customers £5 for each copy of a statement. First Direct, Bank of Scotland, HSBC and Lloyds TSB don't charge at all.
| Accessing your bank statements - how much does it cost? | ||
|---|---|---|
| How far back can statements be accessed online | Cost to get a paper copy of statements | |
| Lloyds TSB | 9.5 yearsa | Nil |
| Barclays | 7 years | £5 |
| NatWest/RBS | 7 years | £5 |
| Halifax | 6 years | £5b |
| HSBC | 6 years | Nil |
| First Direct | 6 years | Nil |
| Bank of Scotland | 6 years | Nil |
Table notes
- To July 2002
- The first request is free
- £5 per statement to a maximum of £10 for two or more
- £2.50 per sheet (less than one year old) and £10 after
- Current accounts reviewed - the Which? verdict on picking the best current account
- Call the Which? Money Helpline - if you have a problem with your current account
- Check out the best credit card deals - if you're looking for new ways to borrow
