Bank statement as proof of purchase

We don’t always get what we want for Christmas. But instead of leaving unwanted gifts in a cupboard to collect dust, exchanging them for something else is a much better alternative. Although, in this case, they are not required to by law, many merchants allow their customers to return or exchange unwanted Christmas presents. All you have to do is dig out the receipt to prove you purchased the item. But what do you do if you can’t find the receipt or it has been damaged and is no longer legible? Here’s how to use your bank statement to prove you purchased the item or made a charitable Christmas donation.

Using your bank statement instead of a receipt

If you can’t find your receipt, but you paid for the present by card or with your smartphone, there is an alternative: The card payment will be documented on your bank statement. As a result, your bank statement can often also be used as proof of purchase for your Christmas presents. And if you show your bank statement to the merchant you bought them from, they can then see the details of the purchase. This means the merchant can now process the exchange or return of the unwanted gift. 

Proof of Christmas donation  

Bank statements are not only useful for shops: If you want to donate a sum of money to a registered charity, this sum can be deducted from your tax. If the donation is processed by bank transfer and the amount does not exceed 300 euros, then in this case your bank statement will suffice as proof for the tax authorities. However, for larger amounts, the registered charity must issue the donor with an official receipt for the donation to be recognised.