How to redact a bank statement
Landlords, letting agents, visa offices and new employers often ask for a bank statement when all they need is your name, your address or proof that a salary arrives. A full statement also shows where you shop, who you pay and your account details. Redacting the rest keeps the part they asked for and nothing more.
Ask what they need first
Some recipients only accept an untouched statement, and mortgage lenders in particular may want it straight from your bank. Others are happy with a redacted copy as long as certain lines stay visible. Asking up front saves sending it twice.
Usually keep
- Your name and address, if the statement is proof of address.
- The bank's name and logo, and the statement period.
- Salary or benefit payments and the opening and closing balances, if the statement is proof of income.
Usually remove
- The full account number, sort code, IBAN and card number. Leaving the last four digits is common when the recipient needs to match the account.
- Payee and merchant names, which can reveal health, religion, politics or relationships.
- Names of other people you send money to or receive money from.
- Payment references, which often hold invoice numbers, phone numbers or notes.
Steps
- Open the statement in the PDF tool, or a photo or screenshot of it in the image tool.
- Allow the scan. Account numbers, card numbers, IBANs and names are marked on each page.
- Untick what must stay, such as your own name and address.
- Box out transaction rows by dragging over them. One box can cover a whole block of lines.
- Download and open the copy to check every page.
Why the copy is an image
The PDF comes back with each page flattened, so the hidden account number cannot be copied from under a bar. The flip side is that the recipient cannot search it or check it against the bank's digital signature. If they need that, ask your bank whether it can issue a statement for a shorter period or a letter confirming your address or income instead.