Keeping track of financial activities by reviewing account statements regularly is essential for money management. While traditional paper statements involve delays, technology has enabled getting digital statements instantly from banks through self-service options.

This article provides easy procedures for customers to download electronic statements via three mediums – mobile banking applications, internet banking websites and WhatsApp chatbots.

This article explains how customers can easily download e-statements via mobile banking apps, internet banking, and WhatsApp chatbots.

Why Go Digital for Bank Statements?

With increasing digital adoption, more banks promote paperless banking services for customer convenience while saving operational costs. Some key advantages of switching to e-statements include:

  • Get real-time digital statements on the go without paperwork
  • Easy 24×7 access from anywhere eliminates branch visits
  • Share copies digitally, avoiding printing needs
  • Enables analysing transactions using digital tools
  • Eco-friendly option reducing paper usage

So, consider going paperless by registering for e-statements to experience the benefits. Ensure your address, email ID, and mobile number are updated to receive alerts.

Getting Digital Statements from Mobile Banking App

Due to their convenience and efficiency, mobile apps are the preferred banking channel for most. Leading banks like IDFC FIRST Bank offer full-fledged apps with key transaction and service functionalities, including statement generation.

The key steps are:

  • Install the latest version of your bank’s app on your phone
  • Log in with your credentials and authenticate as prompted
  • On the home screen, go to the ‘Accounts’ or ‘My Accounts’ section listing your accounts
  • Select the relevant account number for which the statement is needed
  • Under its ‘Statements’ tab, choose the appropriate ‘Period’ – last week, month, custom range etc.
  • Click ‘Get Statement’, and the PDF file gets downloaded on a mobile device
  • The e-statement can be shared online or printed as needed

Ensure notifications are allowed for a seamless experience. Updated apps give customised bank statement views for better monitoring.

Getting Statement from Internet Banking

For those comfortable accessing banking services on computers, traditional internet/web platforms also facilitate statement generation and downloads.

Here is the process:

  • On the browser, log in to the online banking portal with credentials
  • Under the ‘Accounts’ section, click on the account number for your needed statement
  • Go to the ‘Statements’ tab and select ‘Period’ – last week, month, custom range, etc.
  • Choose the appropriate ‘Format’ from the available options
  • Click ‘Get Statement’, and the selected statement gets downloaded on PC, by default, in PDF format
  • The file can be printed directly or emailed as needed

Browser pop-up notifications should be allowed for smooth bank statement download. The latest platforms provide filters for customised reporting.

Using WhatsApp Chatbot

Some banks are innovatively offering account statements over WhatsApp chatbots. Powered by AI, chatbots allow a friendly conversational experience.

Below are the key steps:

  • Save your bank’s WhatsApp chatbot number in your phone contacts
  • Initiate chat by texting “Hi” or “Start” to the number from your registered mobile
  • From the main menu, choose the ‘Statement’ option
  • When prompted, select the account and period for the needed statement
  • The chatbot shares the statement on WhatsApp within seconds

Chatbots facilitate quick access without needing to log in anywhere. Do explore this channel for convenience.

Securing Digital Statements

While e-statements offer convenience, adequate precautions are needed for security. Password-protected statement PDFs are stored locally, so avoid sending them via insecure emails. Enable multi-factor authentication wherever available. Save chatbot statements in device folders with restricted access.

Follow bank guidelines on safely storing and discarding printed statements. Verify the authenticity of the statement before sharing and reporting anomalies.

Conclusion

Downloading digital bank statements is now easy through various self-service mediums: mobile apps, internet banking portals, and WhatsApp chatbots. Choose the option that best matches your needs and preferences for efficient financial monitoring.