What a bank letter is and when you need one
A bank letter is a document your bank writes on official letterhead that confirms you have an account with them, shows your account balance, or verifies that funds are available. Banks also call these "verification of funds" letters, "account verification" letters, or "proof of funds" letters depending on what information is included.
You typically need one when you are renting an apartment (landlords want proof you can pay rent), buying a house (the mortgage lender needs to see your down payment money is real), applying for a loan or credit card (the lender wants to know your financial position), immigrating or sponsoring someone (government agencies require it), or settling a legal matter (courts sometimes ask for it). Some employers also request one during background checks.
The letter is not the same as a bank statement. A statement shows your transaction history. A letter is a formal document the bank creates specifically to answer a question someone else is asking about you.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks provide bank letters for free within one to three business days if you request them in person, by phone, or through online banking.
- You need to tell the bank exactly what the letter should say — whether it should show your current balance, confirm account ownership, or verify funds for a specific purpose.
- The letter must come from the bank on official letterhead and include the bank's contact information, your account number, and the date it was issued.
- If you need the letter urgently, ask whether the bank can email it the same day or print it immediately at a branch.
How to request a bank letter from your bank
Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person and ask to speak with someone in accounts or customer service. Tell them you need a bank letter and explain what it is for — this helps them include the right information. For example, say "I need a verification of funds letter for a mortgage application" rather than just "I need a bank letter."
Be specific about what should be in the letter. Do you need your current balance as of today? Do you need confirmation that you have had the account open for a certain length of time? Do you need the letter to state that the funds are available for withdrawal? The bank will ask these questions, so having answers ready speeds up the process.
Many banks also let you request a letter through their online banking portal or mobile app. Look for a section called "Documents," "Statements," "Account Services," or "Support." If you cannot find it online, call and ask whether your bank offers this option.
What information the bank letter should contain
A valid bank letter must be printed on the bank's official letterhead with the bank's name, address, phone number, and routing number. It should include your full name, account number (or the last four digits if the full number is sensitive), the type of account (checking, savings, money market), and the date the letter was issued.
The letter should state your current account balance as of the date it was written. If the person requesting the letter asked for a specific date, the bank can provide the balance as of that date instead. Some letters also include a statement that the account is in good standing or that the funds are available for withdrawal.
The letter must be signed or stamped by an authorized bank employee. An unsigned letter or one that looks like a printout from your online banking portal will not be accepted by most landlords, lenders, or government agencies.
How long it takes to get a bank letter
If you request the letter in person at a branch, many banks can print it immediately or within a few hours. If you call customer service or request it online, most banks deliver it within one to three business days. Some banks email it as a PDF; others mail a physical copy.
If you need it urgently, ask the bank whether they can email it the same day or have it ready for pickup at a branch within a few hours. Be clear about your deadline so the bank knows whether to prioritize your request.
Weekend and holiday requests may take longer. If you need the letter by a specific date, request it at least one week in advance to avoid delays.
What to do if your bank charges a fee
Most banks provide bank letters for free as a standard service. However, some banks charge a small fee — typically between $5 and $25 — if you request multiple letters, need expedited delivery, or request a letter for an old account you no longer use.
Ask the bank upfront whether there is a fee before you request the letter. If they charge one, ask whether you can waive it by requesting the letter in person instead of by mail, or whether a free alternative exists (such as a printout from your online banking portal, though this is usually not accepted by third parties).
If the fee seems unreasonable or the bank refuses to provide a free letter for a standard request, you can file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Using a bank letter from an old or closed account
If you no longer bank at the institution where you held the account, you can still request a letter. Call the bank's customer service line and explain that you need a historical letter for an account you closed. The bank can usually pull up the account and provide a letter showing the balance as of the date you closed it.
Some banks keep records for seven years after an account closes. If your account closed longer ago than that, the bank may not have the information available. In that case, ask whether they can provide a letter stating that the account was closed and when, which may be sufficient for your purpose.
If the bank no longer exists (due to a merger or closure), contact the bank that acquired it or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for help locating your records.
What to do if the recipient rejects your bank letter
If a landlord, lender, or government agency says your bank letter is not acceptable, ask them specifically what is wrong with it. Common reasons include: the letter is too old (more than 30 days), it does not show the current balance, it is not on official letterhead, or it is not signed by a bank employee.
Once you know what is missing, contact your bank and request a new letter that meets those requirements. If the bank says they cannot provide what is being asked for, ask the recipient whether they will accept an alternative — such as a recent bank statement with a bank stamp, a screenshot from your online banking portal certified by the bank, or a phone call from the bank directly to the recipient.
If the recipient continues to reject a legitimate bank letter, document the rejection in writing and consider escalating to their supervisor or filing a complaint with their regulator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a screenshot or printout from my online banking instead of a formal letter?
Most landlords, lenders, and government agencies will not accept a screenshot or self-printed statement because they cannot verify it came from the bank. A formal letter on official letterhead with a bank signature or stamp is what they need. Ask your bank to email or mail an official letter instead.
How old can a bank letter be before it is no longer valid?
Most recipients want a letter dated within the last 30 days. Some will accept letters up to 90 days old. Ask the person requesting the letter what their deadline is, then request one that is fresh enough to meet it.
Do I need to be present when the bank writes the letter?
No. You can request a letter by phone, online, or by mail, and the bank will create it without you being there. However, you will need to verify your identity — usually by providing your account number, Social Security number, or answering security questions.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
Tell the bank which account the letter should cover. If you need letters for more than one account, the bank can usually provide separate letters for each one, though they may charge a fee for additional letters.
Can someone else pick up my bank letter for me?
This depends on the bank's policy. Some banks will release a letter to anyone who has your account number and can answer security questions. Others require you to pick it up in person or authorize someone in writing. Call your bank and ask what their policy is before you send someone on your behalf.