While no one likes making a mistake, the problem with making a mistake on your bank statement is that it can cost you money, hurt your credit score, and even affect your mortgage. Learn more about the most common bank statement mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Overdrafts: An overdraft occurs when you try to take out more money than you have in your bank account. This can lead to a bounced check, a declined debit card purchase, and extra fees from your bank. To make sure it doesn’t happen to you, it’s crucial to check your bank statements every month. These statements are typically the earliest indication of potential issues with your account.

Undisclosed Large Deposits: Many people keep a large deposit in their account to prevent accidental overdrafts. While this money can certainly help protect against bounced checks, it can also cause you to lose money over the years, since it will never earn you any interest. Instead, evaluate how much money you need in your account, and then deposit the extra money into a product that gives you a high rate of return.

Not Knowing Your Account: Some people open a bank account without knowing what type of account they’re getting. Then the extra fees and charges they encounter surprise them. Make sure you understand what type of account you’re signing up for so you get one that suits your needs.

By staying on top of your bank statements, you can help make sure you don’t make one of these costly mistakes.

Source: Surety Bank Via YOU Magazine