Please refer to the keyword definition sheet for a better understanding of the language used throughout the documents

What do bank statement abbreviations mean?

The table below shows the most common abbreviations (a short form of a word or phrase) normally found on bank statements. It is
important to note that not all banks use the same bank statement abbreviations. If you have concerns about transactions found on
your bank statement or any bank abbreviations you see on your statement that you cannot find in this list, it is best to contact your
bank.

Bank statement abbreviation Definition

ATM ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine (cash machine). It is a device that lets
you get access to your cash, pay your bills, get a balance or mini statement and
more. You will need an account card and a PIN to use an ATM.

BMACH - ATM BMACH is a brand of an ATM. If you see BMACH on your bank statement,
it means you have made an ATM transaction

TFR - Transfer If you see TFR on your bank statement,

it means you have transferred money between bank accounts.

FPI – Faster Payment Inwards An FPI payment is made using the ‘Faster Payment’ electronic system.
It means you have received money from another account.

POS – Point of Sale You will find POS on your bank statement if you have made a purchase using your
debit card.

FPO – Faster Payment Outwards If you see FPO on your bank statement, it means ‘Faster Payment Outwards’, and
means you have sent money to another account.

INT’L – International You will see INT’L on your bank statement if you have made a foreign transaction.

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Please refer to the keyword definition sheet for a better understanding of the language used throughout the documents

BP – Bill Payment BP on your bank statement means you have made a bill payment. You might also
see an extension of this, BP/SO, which stands for bill payment and standing order.
This means you have paid a bill by standing order.

BGC – Bank Giro Credit BGC stands for bank giro credit. If this abbreviation is on your statement, it means
you have deposited cash or cheques at a branch.

CHG – Charge CHG stands for charge. It means you have been charged for a transaction you
have made.

S/O – Standing Order A standing order is a regular payment for a fixed amount that is deducted from
your bank account.

BAC – Bankers’ Automated Clearing A BAC payment on your bank statement means you have used an electronic
system to make a payment directly from one account to another.

NYA* - Refers to vending machines. The format of this bank abbreviation is usually NYA* followed by the owner of the
vending machine, and it means you have made a payment at a vending machine.

BSP - Branch Single Payment A BSP is a bill or third payment that is made in-branch.

CUI - Centralised Unpaid In You will find the abbreviation ‘CUI’ on your bank statement when a cheque has
failed to clear.

DIV – Dividend A dividend is a payment you receive from shares you hold.

This is a common abbreviation and signifies a regular payment of a fixed or a

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Please refer to the keyword definition sheet for a better understanding of the language used throughout the documents

variable amount that you make to a savings account or third party.

D/D or DDR - Direct Debit
DWP - Department of Work and Pensions You will see DWP when the Department of Work and Pensions deposits money
into your account.

ERTF - Exchange Rate Transaction Fee An ERTF shows on your bank statement when you use a card at a cash machine
abroad.

IMO - International Money Order An IMO means you have made a payment abroad.

REV - Reversal A REV, or reversal, shows on your bank statement when a standing order or direct
debit has been returned.

Why is it important to understand bank statement abbreviations?

We live in an age of simple, quick digital transactions, so it is easy to lose track of what you are spending and where. That makes it
all the more important to check your bank statement each month, so you know where your money is going, and you can recognise
any bank statement abbreviations you do not know the meaning of. Checking your bank statement against your own records, will
help keep you on track and means you will be able to see any transactions that might be fraudulent. 
Fraud is often difficult to spot, but knowing your bank abbreviations can help you understand what is (and what is not) a genuine
transaction.

What should I do if I spot a fraudulent transaction?

If you see a transaction on your bank account that you do not recognise, and/or money has left your account in what you think
maybe a fraudulent transaction, the first thing to do is contact your bank. They will take immediate action to protect your money,
which may mean freezing your account and sending you a new card.

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Please refer to the keyword definition sheet for a better understanding of the language used throughout the documents

What does ‘freezing’ my account mean?

When a bank ‘freezes’ an account, they stop all activity on that account. This means you cannot make contactless payments with
your debit card or make regular direct debit and standing order payments. You will not be able to access the account as it will be
suspended, which means that you will not be able to withdraw money at an ATM, branch, or the Post Office, nor use your
telephone, mobile, or online banking services to transfer funds to another account.
You can also report an incident to the police through Action Fraud. The police will log the crime and send you a crime reference
number. 

Action Fraud Contact numbers

0300 123 2040

0300 123 2050

Specialist advisers are available by phone:

Monday-Friday 8am-8pm