We know—it can feel a bit intrusive when someone asks to see your bank statements. But trust us, we’re not interested in judging your Friday night takeaway habit or your love of dog accessories. The reason we ask for bank statements is simple: they help us help you get the right mortgage.

Lenders want to see that your finances are in good shape and that the mortgage you’re applying for is affordable for you. Your statements show things like your income (wages, self-employment, benefits, etc.) and your regular spending (bills, subscriptions, school fees, and the odd impulse buy). It gives everyone peace of mind that your mortgage will be manageable—not a monthly panic.

We usually ask for the last three months of statements for your main current account, any savings accounts, and sometimes credit cards too. By reviewing these early on, we can spot anything a lender might question and deal with it upfront—saving you time, hassle, and stress down the line.

Statements vs. Transaction Lists – What’s the Difference?

This bit often causes confusion! A bank statement is an official document from your bank—it shows your name, account number, the bank’s logo, and a neat breakdown of your account activity over a set period (usually monthly). It’s the real deal, and lenders love it.

A transaction list is just a quick look at your recent activity. It might seem similar, but it’s missing the important details like your name and the bank’s branding. So while it’s useful for you to keep track of your spending, it’s not something lenders can accept.

If you’re not sure whether what you’ve downloaded is a proper statement, don’t worry—send it over and we’ll take a look. No judgment if there’s a few cheeky JustEat orders in there—we’ve seen it all!