How to Read Your Credit Card Statement

Just as you check your bank statements to stay on budget, it’s important to cross-check the outstanding balance on your credit statement with the list of transactions for that statement period.

What is a credit card statement?

A credit card statement is a monthly report of your credit card usage. A statement lists your transactions, the outstanding balance, minimum payment (amount and due date), available credit, repayment information, interest, fees and charges.

The bank will send you a new statement every month, either online or in the mail.

Make your finances fun

Going through your credit card statement won’t be the highlight of your month, but you can make it an empowering habit. Just dedicate one hour of every month for a DIY credit check to see if your behaviour coincides with your financial and lifestyle goals, and what improvements you can make for next month.

Use your statement to strategise

Checking your credit card statement isn’t just about confirming what you owe and by when. Rather, it’s an opportunity to review all your transactions and rewards.

Your statement tells a story about your financial life. You can review the real cost of each item, with the interest and fees. This process can be confronting, but this is exactly why it’s important.

By examining where you’re spending money unnecessarily you can make positive behavioural and mindset changes, and this is where the true value of checking a credit card statement lies.

Reviewing your credit card statements

Every bank will have their own credit card statement format, but they should all contain the same information. Here are the details to look for on your statement:

Account summary: Know where you stand

This is a summary of the changes to your account since the previous statement. It includes your opening and closing balances, new transactions, total fees, any repayments made, and the minimum payment due.

Minimum payment and due date: Know what you owe

Most people skip to this part. These details will likely be repeated in various sections of the statement. The minimum payment represents your minimum repayment obligation for that month.

Minimum repayment warning: Know what happens if you only make minimum payments

This section will list how long it’ll take to repay the debt in full if you only pay the minimum amount due every month. It’ll present a couple of scenarios such as ‘if you just pay the minimum’ vs ‘if you pay more’. Use this simple forecaster as motivation to make larger repayments.

Interest and fees: Know what you paid in fees

Check what the bank charges in interest and account fees, or in other words what your lender made from your credit card usage in the previous month.

Transactions: Know what you used your card for

This is the list of transactions made using your credit card. Go through this section with a fine-tooth comb, make sure you approved every purchase and check for errors or fraud.

Credit limit and available credit: Know how much credit you have

Double check your credit limit and how much you have still to use. Your available credit is simply your limit minus your closing balance. For example, if the bank pre-set a $5,000 limit and your closing balance is $1,500, you have $3,500 of available credit.

Rewards: Know your reward points

If your credit card is connected to a rewards program such as Qantas Frequent Flyer, your statement will list the total points to date (and what transactions you earned points for).

Repayment options: Know how to pay

This outlines the various ways you can pay the bill. The most common way is through online banking, while paying over the phone or through autopay from a chosen account are other convenient options. If you have autopay set up, it will list it on your statement. For example, your statement should include a note such as, ‘we will seek to make a direct debit payment from your nominated account on 20/10/2022, consistent with your request’.

If you’re having difficulty paying your credit card bill, reach out to your bank. Keep your recent statement handy for quick access to your account number and other important details.

Errors and unknown charges on your statement

Make a regular habit of checking your monthly statement to spot any discrepancies. Unknown or incorrect charges can easily get missed if you only log into online banking every few days to check your balance.

Reviewing your credit statement adds another layer of protection against errors and fraud. If you see a charge you don’t recognise, contact your bank immediately.

Additionally, maintaining regular communication with your bank is smart financial practice. Don’t be afraid to build a relationship and lean on them for the best possible terms and conditions, when necessary. Remember, they have a bird’s eye view of your entire financial situation – your credit, debt, savings and cashflow.

Checking your credit card statements regularly is another important way to empower yourself financially and stay on top of your debts.

About the Author

Amanda Smith

Amanda Smith is a freelance reporter, journalist, and cultural commentator. She covers culture + society, travel, LGBTQ+, human interest, and business. Her work has appeared in outlets such as The Guardian, Business Insider, VICE, News Corp, Singapore Airlines, Travel + Leisure, and Food & Wine. Amanda has written stories about planning for retirement for Business Insider, the connection between identity and money for Refinery 29, and the evolving cryptocurrency space for multiple verticals. A keen observer of humans, subcultures, societies and worlds, Amanda's words challenge perceptions and help bridge worldviews. Amanda splits her time between Adelaide, South Australia, and New York City.