The bank statement balance is shown after each transaction. The example starts with €100, then changes to €800, and so on. This is known as a continuous balance.
Analysis of Bank Statements Just like we keep records, so do our financial institutions keep a record of all bank transactions.
The financial institution, e.g. a bank, will update you (the bank customer) with records in a document known as the bank statement. The bank statement includes the following:
• The opening balance in the bank account is €100. • It shows all payments out of the bank account. • It shows all lodgements into the bank account. • It shows banking charges: the bank charges fees for standing orders, credit transfers, etc. • It will show interest received on savings and interest paid on loans/borrowings.
• The closing bank balance in our bank account. This is the amount the bank says that we have.
In the example on the previous page, the bank states that we have €382.50.
Sometimes this may differ to our own records, as we could have lodged or withdrawn money after the statement was sent. The opening and/or closing balance can be overdrawn.
EXAM PREPARATION!
State ‘bank statement’. Explain them using examples. Apply it to another unit.