Source: https://rivet.global/blog/bank-reference-letter
Published: 2026-10-21 · Updated: 2026-10-21 · By William Sunjo M.

# What is a bank reference letter, and how do you get one for a business?

A bank reference or account confirmation letter proves a business account exists and is in good standing. Who asks for one, what it says and how to get it.

## Key takeaways

- A bank reference letter confirms that an account exists, who holds it and that it is in good standing.
- An account confirmation letter is narrower: it confirms the account details without commenting on conduct.
- Suppliers, landlords, marketplaces, payment platforms and some visa offices ask for one.
- Banks rarely state balances or give an opinion on creditworthiness unless you ask and consent.
- Ask what the requester needs first: many will accept a recent statement instead.

"Please provide a bank reference letter" shows up in supplier forms, lease applications, marketplace verification and occasionally visa applications. It sounds formal, and it is usually simple to get, once you know what kind of letter the requester actually wants.

## What is a bank reference letter?

A letter from your bank, on its letterhead, confirming that your business holds an account there and that the account is in good standing. It is used as independent evidence that the business is real, banked and not in trouble with its bank.

There are two common versions:

| | Account confirmation letter | Bank reference letter |
|---|---|---|
| Confirms | Account holder, account details, currency, date opened | The same, plus conduct |
| Comments on conduct | No | Yes, usually "satisfactory" or "in good standing" |
| Shows balance | No, unless requested | Sometimes, a range rather than a figure |
| Typical source | Online banking or support | Relationship manager or branch |
| Speed | Minutes to days | Days to two weeks |

## Who asks for one, and why?

1. Suppliers offering credit terms, who want comfort that you can pay.
2. Landlords for commercial leases.
3. Marketplaces and payment platforms, to verify the account a payout goes to.
4. Some government and visa offices, as financial evidence.
5. New banks and providers, occasionally, as a reference from an existing one.

## What should the letter include?

1. Your company's full legal name, matching your registration.
2. The account number or IBAN, and the currency.
3. The date the account was opened.
4. A statement that the account is in good standing, if it is a reference.
5. The bank's name, address and regulatory details.
6. Date, and signature or a verification method.

If the requester has a template, send it to your bank. Banks often refuse to sign third-party wording, but they will usually tell you what they can confirm.

## Why do mismatches cause problems?

The letter has to match the rest of your paperwork. A letter for "Northwind Studio" when your registration says "Northwind Studio Ltd" can fail verification on marketplaces. Check that the legal name, address and account details agree with your company record, and with the name you registered on the platform. See [proof of address for a business account](/blog/proof-of-address-for-business-bank-account).

## What if your bank will not issue one?

Banks are not obliged to give references, and some will not comment on accounts open for a short time. Options:

1. Ask for an account confirmation letter instead.
2. Offer a recent bank statement showing the account holder and details.
3. Ask your accountant to confirm the account in a letter, if the requester accepts that.

## Account documents at Rivet

Rivet business accounts are opened in the registered company's own name, and teams can download [account statements](/accounts) showing the legal name, account details and transactions for any period, which most platforms accept for account verification.

## Questions

### What does a bank reference letter say?

Typically the account holder's legal name, the account number or IBAN, the currency, the date the account was opened, and a statement that the account is in good standing. It is on the bank's letterhead and signed or digitally verified.

### How long does it take to get a bank reference letter?

From a few minutes for an automated account confirmation in online banking, to one or two weeks for a signed reference from a relationship manager.

### Can a bank refuse to give a reference?

Yes. Banks are not obliged to give references, and many only provide account confirmations. Some will not comment on accounts open for a short time.

### Is a bank statement enough instead?

Often. Many marketplaces and payment providers accept a recent statement showing the account holder name and account details. Ask the requester what they accept before you order a letter.