Open and convert a password-protected PDF bank statement

Banks in many countries send e-statements protected with a password built from your details (often a mix of name, date of birth, customer ID or account digits). The exact rule is in the bank's email or FAQ – it differs per bank.

Updated 2026-10-26 · 4 min read

Find the password rule

Read the email that carried the statement – the rule is usually stated there.
Check the bank's website FAQ for “e-statement password”.
Formats often differ between account types (savings vs credit card) of the same bank.

If you can't open it, contact the bank. Don't use “unlock” sites: you'd be uploading your statement and its password.

Open it

Any PDF reader (browser, Adobe Reader, Preview on Mac) asks for the password. To keep an unprotected copy for yourself, print to PDF from a reader that allows it – only for your own documents.

Convert it to Excel without removing protection

Columnry asks for the password, opens the PDF in your browser, and reads the transactions – nothing leaves your device, and the original file stays protected. Export Excel, CSV, OFX or QIF.

Try your statement. Columnry reads the transactions in a text-based PDF statement or table – date, description, money in/out, balance – checks them against the running balance and exports Excel, CSV, OFX or QIF. It runs in your browser; the statement is not uploaded. Preview the whole file free and export page 1 (up to 20 rows); a 30-day pass is $9, lifetime $29.

Open the converter – free

Questions and answers

Can Columnry open a PDF without the password?

No. It only opens protected PDFs when you enter the correct password.

Does Excel's Get Data from PDF work with passwords?

Not reliably; open the PDF and save an unprotected copy first, or use a converter that asks for the password.

Sources and product names: Typical bank e-statement practices; Columnry behaviour with encrypted PDFs. Microsoft Excel and Power Query are trademarks of Microsoft; Google Sheets of Google; YNAB of You Need A Budget LLC. Columnry is independent and not affiliated with them.