What to black out, and what to leave
| Usually redact | Usually leave visible |
|---|---|
| Full account and card numbers (keep the last 4 if you like) | Your name and the bank’s name |
| Sort code or routing number | Statement period dates |
| Individual purchases you do not need to share | Salary or benefit deposits |
| Transfers that name other people | Opening, closing and running balances |
| Your full address, if not asked for | Page numbers, so it is clear nothing was removed |
Whoever asked for the statement decides what they need. If in doubt, ask them. Redacting a balance or deposit they rely on usually means they ask for the statement again.
How to redact a bank statement
- Download the statement as a PDF from online banking, then open it above.
- Keep Account and card numbers ticked in Patterns and tap Find matches. This boxes long account numbers, cards in groups of four and masked numbers like ****1234.
- Drag a box over each transaction line you want hidden. Leave the amount column visible if they need to see your outgoings add up.
- Tap Redact and check, then download when it shows 0 recoverable.
Before you redact, check the statement is genuine and complete. Altering anything other than blacking out private details can look like tampering, so do not change amounts, dates or names.
Why a black highlight is not enough on a statement
Statements are text-based PDFs, so a black highlight or shape leaves your account number in the file, where search, copy and paste or any converter will find it. That includes the statement’s title and metadata, which banks sometimes fill with your name and account number. This tool removes both and checks the result.
Sending a copy of your Aadhaar or PAN card with the statement, as many Indian landlords and lenders ask? Mask the Aadhaar number on the card copy too: it hides the first 8 digits, the VID and the QR code on a photo, scan or e-Aadhaar PDF.
Need the transactions in a spreadsheet instead? Use the bank statement converter, which also runs on your device.
Questions people ask
Is it OK to redact a bank statement before sending it to a landlord?
Usually, yes, as long as what they need to see stays visible: your name, the bank, the statement dates, your income deposits and the balances. Account numbers and individual purchases are rarely needed. Ask the landlord or agent what they need before you send it.
Will a mortgage lender accept a redacted statement?
Lenders often need full, unaltered statements for underwriting and may reject redacted ones or ask for the original from the bank. Check with your loan officer before redacting anything for a mortgage application.
Should I keep the last four digits of my account number?
That is a common choice: it shows which account the statement is for without exposing the number. Draw the box over all but the last four digits, or search for the full number and then adjust.
Is my statement uploaded?
No. The statement is opened and redacted in your browser, and the redacted file is built on your device.
Can the person I send it to remove the black boxes?
No. Redacted pages are rebuilt as images with the black boxes in the pixels, so there is nothing to remove. The tool checks the file before you download it to confirm none of the redacted numbers can be found.