The short answer
A PAPER STATEMENT FEE is a small monthly charge, usually 1 to 5 dollars, for receiving your bank or card statement by mail instead of electronically. Switching to paperless statements in your account settings removes it in the next cycle.
Why it shows up like this
A PAPER STATEMENT FEE covers the printing and mailing of a physical statement. Banks and card issuers apply it to encourage electronic delivery, and it typically runs from 1 to 5 dollars per statement cycle. The charge posts on your regular statement date and is not connected to any purchase, transfer, or balance level.
The fee usually starts because paper delivery is the default when an account is opened, or because a paperless enrollment lapsed. If you never opted into electronic statements, or a browser or email change interrupted your e-statement delivery, the account can quietly revert to paper and the fee begins. Some banks waive it for certain account tiers or for customers above a set age.
Turning it off is almost always self-service. Logging into online banking and switching statement delivery to electronic stops the fee from the next cycle forward. Because the amount is small, many people carry it for a long time without noticing, so it is worth checking your delivery preference even if the fee is only a dollar or two.
Don't recognize it? You might still
This fee simply means your statements are being mailed on paper. Check your delivery preference in online banking.
- Paper delivery was the default set when you opened the account.
- A previous paperless enrollment lapsed after an email or login change.
- You requested a mailed statement once and the setting stayed on.
- Your bank recently began charging for paper delivery on your account type.
What to do, in order
Switch your statement delivery to electronic, confirm the change took effect, and ask for a reversal if you never chose paper.
- Enroll in paperless statements In online or mobile banking, open statement or communication preferences and set delivery to electronic. This is the permanent fix and stops the fee next cycle.
- Verify your email is current Confirm the account has a working email on file so e-statement notices arrive; a stale email is a common reason paperless enrollment fails.
- Ask for a courtesy reversal If you never opted into paper delivery, call and ask the bank to refund recent paper statement fees while you switch to electronic.
Quick questions
How do I stop the paper statement fee?
Log into online or mobile banking, open your statement delivery preferences, and switch to paperless or electronic statements. The fee stops from the next cycle. Make sure a valid email is on file so e-statements reach you.
Can I still get paper statements without the fee?
Sometimes. Some banks waive the fee for certain account tiers or for older customers, and many will mail a statement on request without a recurring charge. Ask your bank what waiver options apply to your account.
Independent reference — not affiliated with your bank or card issuer. Billing names and policies change; verify with the merchant or your bank before acting.
Verified sources
Every claim on this page is checked against official sources — open them to confirm before you call your bank.
- OCC HelpWithMyBank — Statements and records https://www.helpwithmybank.gov/help-topics/bank-accounts/statements-records/index-statements-records.html
- CFPB — Bank accounts and services https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/bank-accounts/
Reviewed Sep 25, 2026 · high · About UnknownCharges