How to Convert a Password-Protected Bank Statement PDF to Excel

In this guide

  1. Why banks password-protect PDFs
  2. Common default passwords by bank
  3. How to convert with Bank Statement Engine
  4. Is it safe to enter my password?
  5. What if I don't know the password?
  6. Frequently asked questions

Why Banks Password-Protect Statement PDFs

Many banks — particularly in India (HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis), the Middle East, and Southeast Asia — automatically encrypt e-statement PDFs with a password. This protects the document if it's intercepted in email. The password is typically something you already know: your date of birth, PAN number, account number, or a combination.

Password protection in a PDF works at the file level (AES-128 or AES-256 encryption). The PDF reader decrypts on-the-fly when you type the correct password, which is why you can view the document but can't extract the data without the password.

Common Default Passwords by Bank

BankDefault password formatExample
HDFC BankCustomer ID (8 digits)12345678
ICICI BankFirst 4 letters of name + DOB (DDMMYYYY)JOHN01011990
SBIAccount number32XXXXXXXXXX
Axis BankRegistered mobile last 4 digits + DOB (DDMMYYYY)567801011990
Kotak MahindraDOB (DDMMYYYY)15031985
Yes BankPAN (uppercase)ABCDE1234F
IndusInd BankDOB (DDMMYYYY)22071988
Federal BankCustomer IDXXXXXXXXXX

If none of the above work, check the email from your bank that delivered the statement — it usually contains the password hint in the same message or in a separate follow-up email.

Note: Password formats change periodically. Always check your bank's official website or the email that delivered the statement for the current format.

How to Convert a Password-Protected Statement

Step 1

Upload your PDF

Drag and drop or click to upload your statement at bankstatementengine.com. The converter detects the encryption automatically.

Step 2

Enter the password when prompted

A password field appears on screen. Type your statement password. The password is used only to decrypt the file for this session — it is never logged or stored.

Step 3

Review and download

Once decrypted, conversion proceeds the same as any PDF. Check the transaction preview and click Download Excel or Download CSV.

Is It Safe to Enter My Password?

Your statement password is transmitted over HTTPS (encrypted in transit) and is used only to decrypt your file for the duration of processing. It is never written to disk, logged in any database, or associated with your session after processing completes. The decrypted PDF is held in memory only.

Bank Statement Engine does not store files longer than 24 hours and does not share data with third parties. The password you enter is the PDF's own password — it does not give access to your bank account and cannot be used to log in anywhere.

What If I Don't Know the Password?

If you cannot open the PDF yourself (i.e., you don't know the password), you'll need to contact your bank to get the password reset or to request an unencrypted copy. We cannot bypass or brute-force PDF encryption — and you shouldn't trust any tool that claims to do so, as this is typically a data-theft vector.

Most banks will resend an e-statement or provide the password format on their support page or through their app's chat. HDFC and ICICI both let you change your statement password through NetBanking.

Convert Your Password-Protected Statement

Free, secure, no signup. Password is never stored.

Convert Free →

Frequently Asked Questions

The password I entered is correct but the file still won't open — why?

Some banks use "owner" vs "user" password levels. An owner password restricts copying and printing but not viewing; the converter needs the user (open) password. Try leaving the password field blank first — some PDFs have printing restrictions but no open password.

Can I pre-remove the password before uploading?

Yes. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader, enter your password, then go to File → Save As and save a copy. Many PDF readers save a decrypted copy when you "print to PDF" after opening with the correct password. You can then upload the decrypted version.

My HDFC statement asks for a password but my customer ID doesn't work

HDFC changed their statement password to the first four letters of the customer's name followed by the DOB in DDMMYYYY format for some account types. Try: first 4 letters of your registered name (uppercase) + your date of birth. Example: RAJE15031988.

Does it work with corporate/current account statements that have different passwords?

Yes — as long as you have the correct password. Corporate account statements often use the company's CIN or registered account number as the password.

Related guides: Convert PDF bank statement to Excel · HDFC Statement to Excel · ICICI Statement to Excel