Credit Card Statements

If you use a credit card, you’ll receive a document called a credit card statement every month after a billing cycle ends. It contains all the details of your transactions, fees, and total amount due. Some people don’t realize how important these statements are and they throw them away without checking them. But credit card statements are important financial documents that should be checked thoroughly by everyone. You don’t need to keep them with you forever, but you should keep them for a certain amount of time. After checking for any mistakes and paying your bill, you can usually delete them. 

Why are Credit Card Statements Important?

Credit card statements are important because they provide a detailed record of all transactions made using the credit card. They contain information about the amount charged, the date of the transaction, the name of the merchant or vendor, and the location of the transaction.

Reviewing credit card statements regularly is important to ensure that there are no unauthorized charges or fraudulent activity on the card. It also helps in keeping track of spending habits and identifying areas where expenses can be reduced.

Credit card statements are used for making payments, setting up automatic payments, and for disputing any incorrect charges. They also provide information on the due date, minimum payment required, and the interest charged on any outstanding balance.

Digital vs. Hard Copy Statements

Digital and hard copy credit card statements both serve the same purpose of providing a record of your transactions and payment details. However, there are some differences between them:

Digital statements are eco-friendly as they reduce paper waste and are easily accessible online. You can access them from anywhere and anytime, which is convenient for those who travel frequently or don’t have easy access to physical statements. They also reduce the risk of identity theft as they don’t contain sensitive information like your physical address. However, digital statements are vulnerable to hacking, phishing, and other online security threats.

Hard copy statements, on the other hand, offer a tangible record of your financial activity, which some people prefer for record-keeping purposes. They also provide a visual reminder to pay your bills on time and keep track of your expenses. However, hard copy statements can be misplaced or lost, and they contribute to paper waste.

Ultimately, the choice between digital and hard copy statements depends on your personal preference and lifestyle. If you prefer eco-friendly and convenient options, digital statements may be the way to go. If you prefer physical records or need them for tax purposes, hard copy statements may be the better choice.

How Long Should You Keep Your Credit Card Statements?

You should keep your credit card statements for at least 60 days because this is the time frame you have to dispute any billing errors. After that, you can delete them since credit card issuers aren’t legally required to handle billing error disputes. However, there are some cases where you might need to keep your statements for years.

You should keep your credit card statements for any items that are covered by your credit card’s extended warranty or purchase protection, and keep them for as long as the benefit is effective.

If you have tax-related purchases on your credit card statement, such as donations or business expenses, keep those statements for six years. Your accountant or tax preparer will need them for your next tax return. Keeping your credit card statements can also help you track your spending over time. You can review several months of statements to figure out where you’re spending too much money. If you prefer to do it on paper, your statements are perfect for this.

When should you keep your credit card statements for longer than 60 days?

You usually need to keep your credit card statement until you have paid off the amount due. But, there are some cases when you need to keep it for a longer time:

• If you bought something with your credit card that is covered under purchase protection or an extended warranty offered by your card issuer, you should keep the statement until the protection or warranty expires.
• If you want to dispute a charge, keep the statement until the issue is resolved and the amount is credited back to your account.
• If the credit card statement relates to tax transactions, keep it along with other tax records for at least 6 years.

Storing Credit Card Statements

To keep your personal information safe, it’s important to safeguard your credit card statements. Here are some ways you can view and store your statements securely:

1. View statements online: If your credit card issuer provides online banking, you can check your statements securely from your password-protected online account or mobile app. Check with your issuer to find out how long you can access your account statements online.
2. Download electronic copies: To keep a record of your statements, you can download them onto your computer. Make sure to store them in a password-protected file and label them by month and year so you can easily locate them later on.
3. Keep hard copies: If you receive paper statements, keep them in a safe place at home, like a locked, fireproof safe. This will help protect them from theft or damage.

Get into the habit of storing your credit card statements

Storing your credit card statements is an essential habit to keep track of your expenses and monitor any fraudulent activities on your credit card. It is advisable to store your credit card statements in a safe and organized manner, whether it be in a physical file or a digital folder.

By getting into the habit of storing your credit card statements, you can easily access them when needed and maintain an accurate record of your expenses. It also helps in the case of any disputes or errors on your credit card statement, as you will have the necessary documentation to support your claim.

How to Properly Dispose of Your Old Credit Card Statements?

When it comes to disposing of old credit card statements, it’s important to do it safely to protect your personal information. Here are some tips on how to dispose of them properly:

1. Shred them: Use a cross-cut shredder to destroy the documents. This will ensure that the information is completely unreadable and can’t be pieced back together.
2. Burn them: If you have a fireplace or outdoor fire pit, you can burn the documents. Make sure to take appropriate safety precautions and never leave the fire unattended.
3. Use a professional shredding service: If you have a large number of documents to dispose of, you can hire a professional shredding service. They will shred the documents for you and provide you with a certificate of destruction as proof.
4. Dispose of them at a recycling center: Some recycling centers offer document destruction services. You can take your old credit card statements to the center and have them securely destroyed.

Remember, never throw away old credit card statements in the trash or recycling bin without properly destroying them first. This can leave you vulnerable to identity theft and fraud.

Keeping a record of your financial history is crucial, and credit card statements are an important part of it. Checking your statements every month is necessary to avoid any unpleasant surprises. It is important to keep them secure and dispose of old statements safely. Though paperwork can be a hassle, it is important to keep your financial documents organized for your own protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Credit Card Statements