Is it normal for a bank to request your financial statements?
 

I never had this issue before, but my bank is requesting that from now on I give a copy of my yearly financial statements to them. Now, I don't have any loans or debts to any banks, but I did recently get my credit card limit increased by 500%, which is their reasoning for asking such information. However, I also surrendered the same amount of my credit card as a security to the bank so to the banks eyes, there is 0 risk of me defaulting on my credit but they still want my financial staments.

I'm wondering if this typical of a Canadian bank to request. I don't like the idea of having these confidential documents floating around my bank.

WG

sounds pretty standard, assuming you have your credit card through the bank. when i talked to my bank to get my credit increased she said if i give her an updated yearly income i have a better chance of getting it increased. but if they already increased it, i dont really see their reasoning unless you already told them and they want it as proof.

that's for your business account?

They did increase it after I provided my financial statements for last year. I wasn't aware they wanted it on a yearly basis. But also realize I surrendered the same amount as the credit card as security to the bank, a security they can seize should I default on payment. I was hoping this would be enough to avoid any further credit assessments.

WG

I've never heard of such a thing in the US. I wouldn't do it. That's an invasion of privacy, especially for a secured credit line.

Banks are sort of like sponsors, shouldn't keep all your eggs in one basket.

Correct.
WG

it is not normal, I would change the bank

that is odd, must be a Canadian bank thing....... :upsidedow

don't show them shit... they don't need to know worth a damn.. :)

Yes. When I bought a house I had to give them my financial statements and my income tax statement from the last 3-4 years. It's nothing unusual. They just want proof that you really have a revenue. Your credit record does not have that proof. And it's against federal law for the bank to ask about your tax reports/financial statements to the "Canada revenue agency".

If you don't want to do it, just close your account and go to another bank. But you will propably need to do the same to get credit anyway. :pimp

show them some links to GFY, they will see you're a trusted person

tell em to eat a cock.

and also to blow you.

I just called your bank and asked them for your phone # :thumbsup

change over to Bank Of JDL located in Punta Gorda , Belize

its common if your have a business bank loan, but its kind of odd for a secured credit card...what will they do if you dont provide it...close your account?

Any annual fees?

But a house is not a secured loan. I have a high credit card limit on the company account but I have paid it in full every month for 4 years and I gave up the equivalent maximum in the form of a GIC to secure it. I just find it odd that the bank wants to know my financials on a regular basis.

WG

Stalker! LOL.
WG

Ill have a representative contact you.

I'm not sure. My guess would be lower my credit limit which I really need for my PPC media buys. I can't see them closing my account over this.

WG

Weired Guy Bank Of JDL in Punta Gorda , Belize dont ask for any info. We ill set you up yo.

:1orglaugh :1orglaugh :1orglaugh :1orglaugh :1orglaugh So I'm regularly told!

I got a funny story for you later... :1orglaugh

Big Brother is watching you.....

Let me guess, it involves you changing your phone number :)
WG

when i had bank problems over depositing US cheques, i sent 10 bottles of champagne to the bank branch Xmas party...never had a problem since..

wanting to know the past 2 years income and this year's current profti and loss outlook is standard practice when a bank gives you any kind of credit. are they supposed to just take a person's word on what they make?

I would change my bank and tell them to go fuck yourself :D

If anything my bank should be giving me gifts. They once lost my deposit, once applied a credit instead of a debit for a large amount which put my account into the negative, etc. They typically screw up about once per year but its still reasonable for the volume of transactions I do.

WG

I did do this, but I don't think they should continue asking for updated statements every year on a secured line of credit.

WG

Since you already have the money locked up as a security deposit... why don't you just get a Visa/MC debit card? I use my Visa debit card everywhere, works just like a CC for online payments

EDIT: unless you want to build credit, of course

We don't have this in Canada. Credit cards and debit cards are two seperate types of cards. I could prepay my Visa but at least with the secured GIC I have with my bank, I get interest on the principle. I wouldn't with Visa.
WG

why do you even have to secure this line of credit if you have good credit?

not trying to offend you, but something doesn't add up here.

and it's just as the last guy said, if you are securing this credit anyway, why not just use a debit card?

I think your problem WG is that you DO pay your CC statement for the full amount every month, thus denying them a great profit on interest they expect to get.
They are pissed off with you cos they are making no money from you.

yes, debit and credit cards are two seperate things here in the US as well, but that doesn't affect the fact that you can use a debit card anywhere that visa/mc are accepted.

I don't have established credit. I've never taken a loan or financed anything. Been profitable since incorporating so I never had the need to.
WG

WG: Honestly I wouldn't take this lightly, unless you have horrible credit. First, they hardly ever even LET people guarantee a credit card anymore, at most banks anyways. Something they "used to do".

Secondly, didn't they already give you the increase?

Thirdly, they should be OFFERING to raise your limit, not breaking your balls over it. Change banks.

PS: Get a loan!

Put it in a shoebox or another account, pay it off. Get one a month even for one year. Your credit will be solid.

I thought of the 3% discount rate that's typically charged, 1% goes to Visa, 1% goes to banks and the remainder is usually given back as rewards to clients. If that's the case, Visa and my bank should love me for the volume I push through.

WG

maybe they just want to know where your money is really coming from .... maybe they think ur 100k deposits are on par with a cocaine dealer :)

fuck the bank... Gimme a blank check I will give you a huge secured sock to put all those lovely dollars in ;-)

I wish it were that simple to make the switch. Getting a high USD currency credit card is rather difficult. Other than Royal (currently) and TD, your pretty much out of options. And the Royal reward points and insurance plans were better so I went with royal. If I moved my assets away from Royal, I can guarantee you they'd be even more uptight.

WG

I'm sure they love seeing TCG's offshore bank checks and wondering what the hell I'm doing :)

WG

Hrm true about the US visas, I tried through CIBC and no dice. We're in the "private wealth management" $2m plus section too. Kinda silly! No US $$ visas. Also can't have a euro $$ bank account

I think Swami probably hit the nail right on the head - plus the fact that you have no credit history.

I seem to remember someone else from Canada had some unusual problems with their bank but it was just a Canadian thing.

And seriously consider what The Shemp said - some good PR (Public Relations not Page Rank) - can go a long way towards getting people to cut corners :2 cents:

maybe u should take Juicy up on his offer and get some banking in Belize

any bank who breaks banking laws for a case of champagne would NOT have my accounts long.

I never got this before

WG, whose the best person / account rep to work with over at TCG?

Laura Lee.
WG

It's not about breaking banking laws - it's about establishing some contact with the people.

Banks often have internal rules that can - quite legitimately be bypassed- if someone in the bank at a local level thinks that it is beneficial to the bank to do so.

By establishing himself as an all round nice guy the people at the local level might be prepared to bypass those rules.

It's done all the time - we do it with our bank - be nice to them and they will find ways to return the favour.

It's got nothing to do with breaking banking laws.