How to Check a MasterCard Statement

A MasterCard is a popular debit or credit card issued by a variety of financial institutions. MasterCards allow consumers to make purchases at retail locations or online without the use of cash by authorizing a merchant to collect payment from the consumer's bank account or MasterCard line of credit. Consumers who use a MasterCard should monitor their accounts carefully by checking their MasterCard statement regularly. This practice can help prevent identify theft, fraudulent use of the card and overdrawing the account.

• 1

  Request a copy of your most current statement from your financial institution. Most banks and issuers of credit will provide you with a statement of your account on a monthly basis. However, if you did not receive your monthly statement or need to check the status of your account immediately, you can request a statement from the financial institution that issued your MasterCard. Call the phone number on the back of your MasterCard or sign up for online account access at your financial institution's website.

• 2

  Review the information provided on your MasterCard statement. Your statement will show purchases you have made throughout the statement period as well as your current outstanding balance and any payments that may be due. Check to ensure that the information listed on your statement is accurate by comparing it to your purchase receipts, transaction ledgers or other records that you keep for the account.

• 3

  Take any action necessary to reconcile your account. To keep your account current, make sure that you make the minimum payment listed on the statement by the due date. Additionally, you should contact the financial institution that services your MasterCard account immediately if you find any suspicious or unauthorized charges on your account statement. Such charges could be evidence of identity theft or that your account information has been compromised. Your financial institution may be able to reverse the charges, freeze your account or take other remedial action to rectify the problem.