What is a bank reference?

Question

I'm in the process of moving to a rental property and the landlady wants a 'bank reference'. I have no idea what this is (in the past I've always had to go though a credit check) so could anyone please advise as to what a bank reference is and what they can, and cannot, disclose to the landlady? Thanks

Answer 1

A bank reference is a credit check issued by your bank - it is written by your bank and sent to the bank representing  your landlady. They use information from your banking history to provide this and usually require authority from you to release the information.

It usually reads something like this:

Considered good for your figures and purpose.

The bank will say that you are a good or bad risk they will not release the information directly to the landlady.

Answer 2

It's just a letter from the bank saying whether your financial sound or not.

Answer 3

It does exactly what it says on the tin. It's a reference from your bank.