How to Get a Proof of Account or Bank Confirmation Letter

Q: What does a proof of account show?

It typically shows the account holder name and key banking details, such as the account number, account type and branch code. It may also include a bank stamp, QR code, unique reference or another validation feature. The exact contents vary by bank.

Q: How do I know a confirmation letter is genuine?

Use the bank official verification service where one is provided. A letter may contain an electronic stamp, QR code or unique reference, depending on the bank. Verify the account details independently using contact information you trust before making a payment, and do not rely on the document alone.

You can usually obtain a proof of account or bank confirmation letter through your banking app, online banking or a branch. Many banks provide a digital copy without charge, but fees may depend on the bank, account type and the kind of document requested. The document typically confirms the account holder’s name and banking details, such as the account number, account type and branch code. The exact contents and verification features vary by bank.

This guide is part of our Banking & Financial Services Hub.

What a bank confirmation letter is and when you need it

A proof of account or bank confirmation letter is a document issued by a bank to confirm that an account belongs to the named account holder. It typically shows key banking details without showing the account balance.

Organisations may request it for salary payments, debit-order updates, rental applications, tenders, store accounts, supplier onboarding, visa applications or other identity and payment-verification processes.

The exact document accepted depends on the organisation requesting it. Some organisations require a dedicated confirmation letter, while others accept a recent bank statement.

How to get it, bank by bank

FNB: In Online Banking, go to Accounts, select the relevant account, open Settings, choose Bank letters and then Account confirmation letter. Download, print or email the letter. FNB also provides a separate Verify Bank Letters service that a third party can use to authenticate a generated letter.
Capitec: In the Capitec app, select Savings Account, open the top-right menu and choose Send account details. To receive a proof-of-account letter, select the email option and enter the required email address.
Absa: In the Absa Banking App, tap Menu, scroll to Documents, select Bank confirmation letter, choose the relevant account and download the letter.
Standard Bank: In the Banking App, select the account, scroll to Your documents, choose View & Save, locate the bank account confirmation letter, and download it or send it by email.
Nedbank: In the Money app, select the account, choose Features, then Share account information and send it by email or another app. In Online Banking, select the account, choose Features, Account details and Share proof of account via email.
GoTyme Bank, formerly TymeBank: Log in to the app, open Menu and select Bank Statement or Proof of Account. The document is sent to the email address linked to the account.

Stay safe: A proof-of-account document can be fake, edited or outdated. A legitimate document may include an electronic stamp, QR code, unique reference or another verification feature, depending on the bank.

Where the bank provides a validation service, access it only through the bank’s official website or app.

Verify banking details with the account holder using contact details you obtained independently — not a phone number, link or email address shown only on the document or in a suspicious message. For a high-value or newly added beneficiary, use account-holder verification through your bank where available.

Never disclose your PIN, password or OTP.

Troubleshooting

You cannot find the option in the app: Update the app, check online banking or contact the bank through its official support channel. Menu names may differ by app version and account type.
The letter is rejected: Ask the recipient what document type and issue date it requires. Some organisations require a dedicated confirmation letter rather than a bank statement.
The document is unavailable: Availability may depend on the account type, account status or outstanding identity-verification requirements. Contact the bank through its official app, website or support number if the option remains unavailable.
You received suspicious banking details: Do not make the payment until you independently confirm the account information and, where available, use the bank’s account-holder or document-verification service.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bank confirmation letter free?

Many banks provide a digital proof-of-account document through their app or online banking without charge, but this is not universal. Fees may apply for certain account types, newly generated letters, branch-printed copies, certified copies or delivery. Check your bank’s current pricing before requesting it.

What does a proof of account show?

It typically shows the account holder’s name and key banking details, such as the account number, account type and branch code. It may also include a bank stamp, QR code, unique reference or another validation feature. The exact contents vary by bank.

How do I know a confirmation letter is genuine?

Use the bank’s official verification service where one is provided. A letter may contain an electronic stamp, QR code or unique reference, depending on the bank. Verify the account details independently using contact information you trust before making a payment, and do not rely on the document alone.

Can I use a bank statement instead?

A bank statement may be accepted as proof of account, but the organisation requesting the document decides what it will accept. Some organisations require a dedicated bank confirmation letter or a document issued within a specified period. Confirm the requirement before submitting anything.

Official sources

Verification and sources

Verification note: This guide was independently fact-checked against official support documentation. Learn more about our Editorial Policy & Financial Review Board and how our corporate finance team ensures accuracy and safety for South African consumers.