4,3,2,1: Getting Bank Statements Mortgage-Ready.

Your bank statements are more powerful than your payslips. Before a lender sees your income, they see your habits; and those habits tell a story.

Getting your statements mortgage-ready isn’t about perfection; it’s about presenting financial stability, structure, and sense.

Here’s how to make sure your bank statements say, “I’m ready to borrow.”

4 Do’s

1. Keep three months squeaky clean.
Lenders almost always review your last 90 days. Avoid overdrafts, gambling transactions, or erratic cash movements. Think of this window as your “financial showcase” make it calm, consistent, and boring in the best way possible.

2. Label your savings transfers clearly.
“House deposit” or “ISA contribution” looks professional and intentional. Avoid vague terms like “transfer” or emojis - lenders prefer clarity over creativity.

3. Show consistent saving habits.
Regular contributions, even small ones, show you manage money well. A pattern of £200–£300 monthly savings looks stronger than one-off £5,000 transfers.

4. Let your salary land smoothly.
Keep your salary payments clear, predictable, and ideally from one employer. If you’ve switched jobs recently, line up your new contract or payslip to support continuity.

3 Don’ts

1. Don’t move money just to “tidy up.”
Transferring funds between accounts right before applying can create confusion. Lenders like to see a clear, traceable path for deposits.

2. Don’t use your overdraft unless you must.
Regular overdraft use signals risk. Staying in credit, even by a small margin, builds confidence with underwriters.

3. Don’t hide credit accounts.
If a unsecure credit account shows up on your credit report, the lender will ask for what this is. Please be as transparent to our Brokers and we will guide you through the process.

2 Common Questions Clients Ask

Q1. How far back do lenders check?
Typically three months, but some may ask for six and some may not even ask for bank statements. this is where our expert brokers come in to help put you with the right lender.

Q2. What if I’ve had a few rough transactions?
You’re human, that’s fine. What matters is pattern and proportion. A one-off holiday splurge isn’t a dealbreaker, but repeated high-interest loans or bounced payments can raise eyebrows. We’ll help you frame the context if needed.

1 Action to Take Today

Download your last three months of bank statements (PDFs, not screenshots). Skim them as if you were the lender. Circle anything you’d question - and send them to us for a quick pre-check before you apply.

Manchester Independent Mortgages Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA 431647).
The information above is for guidance only and does not constitute personal advice.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.