Can bank statements be printed?

[MattDell]

My bank is a major bank, but does not have any locations near me. Can I print off the statements from online if they have the bank logo on each page?

Or do I have to ask the bank to print out the originals?

[vinny]

Personal bank or building society statements covering the three-month period immediately before the application

[MattDell]

I still do not understand.


My bank is an online bank and delivers my statements electronically. When I ask them to send me hard copies, they tell me all that they would do is print off what I have access to online and charge me $120 ($10 per statement month).

The statements all have the bank's logo on the top. Is this the same thing as a bank's "stamp"?

[geriatrix]

MattDell, your queries give the impression that you have not read through the Tier 1 (General) policy guidance. Suggest that you do so, as it will clear up most of your doubts and help you understand what documentary evidences are required, and in what format.


regards

[hoping_for_HSMP]

My bank is a major bank, but does not have any locations near me. Can I print off the statements from online if they have the bank logo on each page?

No...

[MattDell]

MattDell, your queries give the impression that you have not read through the Tier 1 (General) policy guidance. Suggest that you do so, as it will clear up most of your doubts and help you understand what documentary evidences are required, and in what format.


regards

Sorry if that is the impression given. I have read over the policy guideline, but I still find the language confusing.

Here is what the policy guideline says about bank statements:

If the applicant wishes to submit electronic bank statements from an online account he/ she should also provide a supporting letter from the bank on company headed paper confirming that the documents are authentic. Alternatively an electronic bank statement bearing the official stamp of the bank issuing the statements will be accepted. This stamp must appear on every page of the statement. For the purposes of this guidance an online bank account is one that operates solely over the internet and sends their bank statements to their customers electronically (for example over the internet or via email).

First sentence: Ok, the bank needs to provide a supplement letter stating the validity of the online statements.
Second sentence: Oh, but wait, that letter isn't necessary if the online statement has the official stamp of the bank on every page of the online statement.

So what do they mean by stamp? Because if it's just the logo of the bank, I read that as I can print out the statements as long as the bank's logo is on each page.

[wf]

A stamp is just that, a rubber stamp which is pressed in ink then applied to the paper.

Your bank's logo is not a stamp.

Also, don't take any risks on such matters, many people have been refused for not exactly meeting ther requirements in regards to bank statements.

[MattDell]

Thank you for the explanation. Believe me, I don't want to risk it.

But I don't understand how an online bank could stamp my electronic statements. It's not as if I can walk into the bank and have them stamp the documents for me.

[wf]

You could phone them and request stamped statements, which they then send to you.

You won't get anywhere arguing the point with UKBA or anyone else, if you don't meet the requirements your visa will be refused.

[yggdrasil]

Seems that given your situation, your best course of action for an online bank is to get them to supply the letter mentioned in the first sentence. I had to have my bank rubber stamp each page of some printed statements that I used to fill in gaps where I no longer had the originals available. My bank does not do this or offer this service. I was refused by a few people when I asked. However, by going to several branches I was able to find a cashier willing to listen to me and help me out by stamping the pages she herself printed from their system. If you are persistent you can usually find someone to help you.

[mulderpf]

If it is a proper online bank and the bank has no branches, then print it off as per the guidance. BUT, if your bank has branches then get proper statements from them.

Generally the immigration officers are aware which banks in the area they are dealing with are electronic only and which ones are not.

You say that you are dealing with a big bank, so it really sounds like they can print statements on headed paper.

$120 to pay for statements should be nothing compared to the big move you want to make.

[MattDell]

Thank you for the advice. I called my bank again and spoke with a different person. This time, they knew what to give me and didn't suggest that I simply "print them off online."

I'm glad I called back. Thanks again!