Skip to content
Emergency

Requesting account statements later: checking the bank's fees

Sometimes you need old account statements retroactively, for instance for the tax office, as proof, or for a claim. Banks often charge fees for this. Whether and to what amount this is permissible depends on the effort and the type of request.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Create letter →

Your chances of getting your money back

Banks may charge a reasonable fee for producing duplicates and searching out old records, based on the actual effort. Flat, excessive fees can be ineffective.
For subsequent information about payments already executed, there is also a right to information. Banks must also keep documents for statutory retention periods.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Narrow down the need

    Determine exactly which statements or records you need and for which period.

  2. 2

    2. Ask about fees

    Have the costs stated in advance and check their reasonableness.

  3. 3

    3. Demand information

    For individual payments, rely on your right to information.

  4. 4

    4. Object to excessive amounts

    Object to obviously excessive flat fees in writing.

How to spot the scam

  • Disproportionate flat rates are charged for simple information.
  • The bank refuses to hand over documents despite a retention obligation.
  • The required period is not clearly narrowed down.

Frequently asked questions

May the bank charge fees for old account statements?

For duplicates and searching out old records, the bank may charge a reasonable fee based on the effort. Flat, excessive fees that significantly exceed the actual effort can be impermissible.

How long does the bank keep my documents?

Banks are subject to statutory retention periods, which are generally several years. Within these periods you can request duplicates. Your own interest in proper documentation also speaks in favor of archiving statements yourself.

Do I have a right to information about payments?

For executed payment transactions, there is a right to information. For extensive historical analyses, the bank can claim effort. Narrow down your request and rely on your right to information for individual transactions.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

Create letterCheck a suspicious message
More help: Emergency by phone · Act together · Right to a lawyer · All guides

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.