Card card issuers are increasingly using technology to make it easier for cardholders to manage their credit card accounts. If you’ve lost your credit card statement, it hasn't come in the mail yet, or you just prefer a digital copy, you should be able to pull up your most recent billing statement online witha few easy clicks. Nearly all banks and credit card issuers offer online account access.
Create an Online Account
To access your credit card statement, you'll first have to create an online account via your card issuer's website. If you obtained a credit card through your current bank or credit union, your credit card account may be accessible through your existing online banking account. If not, check the back of your credit card for the credit card issuer's web address where you can create an online account.
Note
Creating your account will require you to enter some basic identifying information, including your credit card account number. You'll also have to create a username and password to access your account in the future.
Find Your Billing Statement
After you log in, you should see some basic information about your account: your current balance, available credit, minimum payment due, next due date, and a list oftransactions. Look around for a link that will take you to a copy of your statement—often a PDF that you can download and save.
Make a Payment
Another benefit of creating an online account is that it's easier to make payments. While you're logged in, you can make or schedule your next credit card payment. While you're probably accustomed to using your credit or debit card for online purchases, that option won't be available for credit card payments. Instead, you'll need your bank account and routing number to make a payment.
Go Paperless
Your credit card issuer may give you the option to enroll in paperless billing. Rather than receive credit card statements by mail, you’ll receive an email when your credit card statement is ready to be viewed online. You may prefer this option to reduce clutter and to benefit the environment, especially if you primarily make your credit card payments online.
Stay on Top of Account Activity
Checking your account activity at least weekly allows you to keep up with your balance and due date and make sure there's no unauthorized activity on your account. In addition to a web accessible account, many credit card issuers also have mobile apps that help you keep track of activity.
When To Pay Your Bill
Being able to access your account online means you don't have to wait for your due date to make a payment. In fact, there are benefits to paying early.
The percentage of credit you're using impacts your credit score, and the balance reported to the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—is the balance that appears on your monthly statements. Keeping your balance to less than 30% of your credit limit ensures a low balance is reported to the credit bureaus and is best for your credit score.
Note
Paying your balance in full each month may not be enough. The credit bureaus only receive a snapshot of your account history on a specific day of the month. By regularly tracking your account online, you can pay your balance down before your statement is generated to reduce your balance below the 30% threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a credit card statement?
A credit card statement is a complete log of your account activity during a specific period. It shows any payments, credits, interest, and charges you have accrued during the period, as well as your total account balance, statement balance, minimum payment due, and due date. Your credit card issuer releases a statement monthly, shortly after your billing cycle closes.
What does the statement balance mean on a credit card?
The statement balance is the total sum of all credits, payments, interest, and charges accrued during the billing cycle. If you pay your statement balance in full by the due date, you will not accrue any interest charges for that month. Because you may receive your statement several days after your billing cycle closes, your statement balance may not match your current account balance.
How do I reconcile my credit card statement online?
You might be able to export your statement directly into accounting or budgeting software that you use so you can reconcile it quickly and easily. Otherwise, you can print a copy of your statement from your bank's website and reconcile your account manually.
