Understanding your credit card statement

This guide explains what your monthly credit card statement includes and how to read it.

How often are statements issued? expandable section
While there’s a balance on your credit card account, we’ll issue a statement to you every month. The only time you won’t receive a statement, is if your balance is zero and there’s been no new activity.

Credit card statements are delivered by post or online, depending on how your account is set up and any preferences you’ve told us about. If you need communications in another format, like large print, Braille or audio CD, please get in touch.

To view statements online, you need to be registered for Online Banking. You’ll receive a reminder by email as soon as a new statement is available to view.

Once you’re logged in, it’s also easy to update your statement and contact preferences. From the help and support menu, select 'Manage online and paper preferences'.

You can also view statements in the Mobile Banking app, putting information at your fingertips wherever you are.

When viewing your statements online, make sure you check the full PDF version, not just the statement summary.

There are benefits to getting your statements online:

We’ll send an email or text message to let you know when a new statement is available to view.

See your statement straight-away, rather than waiting for a postal delivery.

See up to seven years of (PDF) statements in one place.

Download, save and print copies at home.

There’s less chance of statements getting misplaced.

We use less paper, and you have less to keep safe and organised at home.
What’s included on my statement? expandable section
There’s a lot of information on your statement, but there are some key things to look out for on each page, which should make it all easier to get to grips with.

The front page includes:

Our contact details, ready in case you’ve got a question.

An account summary, including your minimum payment and when it’s due, your previous balance and details of any payments we’ve received from you.

A summary of the standard interest rates for your account.

Any important messages, including notices about missed payments.

If you get statements by post, they’ll include a bank giro slip you can use to make payments.

The transaction pages include:

A list of transactions, payments, fees and charges since the previous statement.

A breakdown of the interest rates which apply to your balance, including any introductory or promotional offer expiry dates.

Finally, the summary box covers:

Information about payment options, fees, charges and the way payments are allocated to your account balance.

Annual statements
Once each year, around the anniversary of your account being opened, your monthly statement will include a summary of your account activity for the previous 12 months, including:

Your total spending.

A breakdown by transaction type.

The amount you’ve repaid.

The total of any interest, fees or charges.

It’s a good idea to review how you’re using and managing your credit card account, just in case there’s anything you’d like to do differently in the following months.
How do I make payments, and when are they due? expandable section

Your monthly credit card statement includes details about your minimum payment, and when it’s due. It’s a good idea to pay as much as you can afford to reduce your balance and any interest costs.

There are lots of payment options available, including Direct Debit, debit card, bank transfer and cheque. Whichever you choose, just make sure your payment gets to us on time.

If you miss a payment or go over your agreed credit limit, in addition to fees and charges, you could lose any introductory and promotional interest rates. If that happens, your standard account interest rates and fees will apply. Missing a payment could also affect your credit score, making it harder to get credit in future, so it’s important to keep track and manage your account carefully.

If you’re ever finding it difficult to make credit card payments, we’re here to help. It’s always best to talk, and speaking to us alone won’t affect your credit score. We’ll offer you guidance and help you with the best course of action to move forward.

You’ll find information and support at our money worries page, or you can call us on 0808 145 0439. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm and Saturday, 8.00am to 5.00pm.
What if I don’t recognise a transaction, or there’s a dispute? expandable section

It’s a good idea to keep hold of recent receipts and email confirmations, so you can check them against your statement when it arrives.

If you spot a transaction you don’t recognise, or there’s a problem, you’ll find helpful information on our credit card payment disputes page.

Most credit card purchases of over £100 and up to £30,000 are protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which could cover you if something you’ve paid for is faulty, doesn’t arrive or isn’t as described.

Other times you should get in touch
If there’s an account fee or charge on your statement that you wouldn’t expect, get in touch so we can check it for you. You should also contact us if you think your account is at risk from fraud.
What’s a credit balance? expandable section

Just as your statement will tell you how much you owe (your outstanding balance), it’ll also tell you if your account is in credit. We don’t charge interest on credit balances. That money is yours.

If you’re not planning to use your card for a while, as an alternative to spending the money using your credit card, we can arrange a credit balance refund to your UK current account. To do that, give us a call on 0345 944 4555. Speak to an adviser 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.
Not all Telephone Banking services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The only time you won’t receive a statement is if your balance is zero, and there’s been no new account activity in the last month.
Can I change the date my statement is issued? expandable section
Yes, you can change your payment due date, which will also change the date your statements are issued. This might be helpful if, for example, your salary from work is paid to you after your credit card payment due date usually falls.

Using Online Banking – sign in or register. From your credit card account summary, select ‘More actions’, then ‘Paying your credit card’.

Call us on 0345 944 4555. Speak to an adviser 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.
Not all Telephone Banking services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you call, you’ll need your 16-digit credit card number, and your debit card details.

Depending on when you make your request, your change might apply to a future statement and payment, rather than the next or current one.

How you receive statements

We can provide communications in other formats, including large print, Braille or audio CD.

A summary on credit card statements

It’s important to check your statements as soon as they’re issued.

While there’s a balance or activity on your account, credit card statements are issued every month.
Depending on your preferences, statements will be delivered to you by post or online.
Statements include your balance, recent transactions, interest rate and payment due information.
Around the anniversary of your account opening, your statement will include an annual summary.

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