How to Edit a Bank Statement PDF

Aug 15 2025

PDF Editing

7 min

Edit bank statements offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux

Xodo PDF Studio is a desktop PDF editor available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It works entirely offline, providing added security if you prefer not to upload bank statements to online platforms.

Follow these steps to securely edit bank statement PDFs offline:

1. Install and open Xodo PDF Studio

Download Xodo PDF Studio for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Launch the software once the installation is complete.

2. Open and review the statement

Create a backup copy of your original bank statement.
Open the statement from your computer or connected cloud storage.
Review the document to verify it is the correct file.
Note any text, formatting, or sections you plan to edit.

3. Make edits in the document

Note: Only change transaction amounts, interest rates, or account numbers if the edits reflect accurate information. Unauthorized alterations can trigger fraud detection systems.

Go to the Document tab in the main toolbar.
Click Edit PDF Content to update existing text or add new details.
Use the Redact tool to permanently remove sensitive data.
Switch to the Comment tab to markup and highlight sections needing revision.

Steps to edit a bank statement using Xodo PDF Studio editor on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

4. Save your changes

Once you're ready, go File > Save As to create a new file version.
Verify that the final PDF displays correctly and and maintains proper formatting.

Edit bank statements with an online PDF editor

Xodo Web offers an online PDF editor that lets you edit bank statements without installing software. It combines the convenience of quick online edits with added security, as files are not uploaded to external servers.

Here's how to edit PDF bank statement online with Xodo Web:

1. Access the online PDF editor

Open Xodo Web's online PDF editor in your browser.
Upload the PDF from your device or cloud storage (Xodo Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox).
Wait for the file to load before starting edits.

2. Edit your bank statement

Click Edit Text in the top menu to enter editing mode.
Select the text or fields you want to edit.
Type new information or delete outdated content.
Avoid any edits that might misrepresent financial data.

Steps to edit bank statements online using Xodo Web's PDF editor

Use other available tools to annotate, sign, crop, redact, or insert stamps.

Note: Editing existing text is a premium feature. You must start a 7-day free trial to download your updated bank statement, and you can cancel at any time during the trial period.

3. Save the updated document

Click Download to save the updated version.
Rename the file to distinguish it from the original document.
Open and review the final version to confirm all changes and formatting are correct.

Edit bank statements on iOS and Android

If you prefer working from your phone, the Xodo Mobile app for Android and iOS offers a quick way to edit bank statement on the go. However, it does not allow editing of existing text.

1. Install Xodo on your mobile device

Go to Google Play or the App Store.
Download and install the Xodo app.
Launch the app and grant the required permissions.

2. Upload your PDF file

Tap on the + button in the Files menu.
Upload the bank statement from your device or connected cloud storage.
Preview the document to confirm you have the correct file.

3. Edit the document

Open the drop-down menu at the top to access different editing tools.
Add comments, text boxes, highlights, or other changes directly on the statement.
All changes are saved automatically.

Steps to edit bank statements on iOS and Android using Xodo Mobile

You can also combine editing with redaction if you prefer to keep key parts visible while fully removing confidential data.

Edit PDF vs redact PDF

Editing involves adding, changing, or formatting content.

Redaction permanently removes sensitive financial information, such as transaction details or personal identifiers.

This distinction is important because one approach alters existing data, whereas the other removes it entirely.

Action	Editing	Redaction
Purpose	Change text, fix errors, reformat, or annotate.	Permanently remove sensitive information without altering remaining content.
Risk	Over-editing can appear suspicious if changes affect financial details.	Less likely to raise suspicion, as sensitive data is completely removed.
Output	Modified statement with updated information.	Statement with selected details blacked out or erased.
Ideal Use	Minor corrections, layout adjustments, or adding personal notes.	Hiding sensitive details like account numbers, personal IDs, or addresses.

Key takeaway: If you only need to conceal sensitive elements such as account numbers, SSN, or addresses, redaction is often the safer choice. It removes private data while leaving the rest of the statement intact. Editing is best for minor corrections or clarifications, but improper edits can create inconsistencies that raise concerns.

Maintain legal compliance

Editing bank statements for legitimate reasons is common. You might correct an address, highlight transactions, or add notes for bookkeeping. These changes usually do not violate any laws.

Altering bank statements for deceptive purposes, including creating fake bank statements, carries serious legal risks though.

Banks use advanced AI systems to check fonts, alignments, and data consistency. Detected discrepancies can lead to fraud allegations. Falsifying documents is a serious offense.

To protect yourself and ensure data security:
Keep a backup of the original PDF to show transparency.
Track all changes to maintain an audit trail.
Limit edits to factual updates. Never alter balances or transactions inaccurately.
Consult a certified professional if you are unsure about legal boundaries.

If you only need to share select information, use redaction to remove personal data while preserving accurate financial details.

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to edit a bank statement?

Editing bank statements is illegal if changes are made to mislead, falsify balances, or create fake bank statements, which can result in fines or criminal charges.

Can I change the balance on my statement?

Changing the balance on your bank statement for deceptive purposes is illegal. If the balance does not match the real data held by your bank, you could face fraud allegations. Any adjustment that conflicts with actual records could lead to serious legal consequences.

Can I edit my name on a bank statement?

You can update your name on a bank statement only for legitimate purposes, such as correcting a spelling error or reflecting a legal name change. Always keep your edits legitimate, changing the name to mislead is illegal.

Will my bank notice small edits?

Yes. Modern banks use software that detects tampered elements in PDFs. Even minor edits can be flagged if they cause misalignment or mismatched fonts. It is safer to avoid altering any financial data that is not an accurate reflection of transactions.

How do I know If my statement Is password protected?

If your PDF bank statement is password-protected, your PDF viewer will prompt you for a password when you try to open it. To remove protection, use your own credentials and ensure you have legitimate access to the file.

What if I only want to hide my Account number?

Use redaction. This method removes text and essential details so they cannot be recovered. Edited bank statement may still leave the data visible to advanced tools. Redaction ensures sensitive information is permanently removed.

Is editing the same as PDF conversion?

No. Editing changes or adds content directly to the bank statement. PDF conversion changes the file format, such as converting it to Microsoft Excel. If you need your financial data in a spreadsheet, see our guide on converting bank statements to Excel.

Final thoughts and resources

You now have a clear overview of how to edit bank statement PDF files.

Xodo PDF Studio gives you offline control to keep your data local. Xodo Web delivers a fast online option, while Xodo Mobile provides on-the-go flexibility.

Remember, tampering with financial statements to mislead is illegal. If your goal is to protect private details, redaction is often a safer choice than editing.

For more ways to manage your bank statements, see our guide on how to securely share bank statements with others.

Above all, keep your financial documents accurate and honest.

Reena Cruz

PDF Productivity Expert