Business Advice
November 21, 2024

What is an account mutation and why is it important for transaction monitoring?

Written by
Galih Gumelar
Last Modified on
November 21, 2024

Account mutations are an important type of banking information that account holders and business customers frequently access. In the business world, monitoring account mutations is crucial for tracking financial transactions within a corporate account. By reviewing account mutations, you can keep an eye on transaction records over specific time periods, giving you valuable insight into cash flow and financial health.

In this article, you will learn what account mutations are, what benefits they offer and how you can access them. We’ll also explain how account mutations differ from a bank statement, so you can get the most out of these tools for your business.

What is an account mutation?

An account mutation is a comprehensive record of incoming and outgoing transactions on a savings account. Banks provide this feature so that customers can monitor cash flows and easily track their transaction history.

Transactions within an account mutation can include:

  • Deposits to the savings account
  • Withdrawals from ATMs
  • Money transfers to other accounts
  • Monthly management fees
  • Bill payments
  • Online purchases

Clear details are displayed for each transaction, including the date, amount, and purpose or recipient. With this information, you can monitor your finances closely and promptly detect any unusual activity.

In today’s digital age, bank account mutations are playing an increasingly important role, especially in the business world. For example, if you run an online store and receive payments from customers, you can easily check incoming payments through your account mutations to verify them.

The benefits of account mutations

The account mutation feature, which provides access to transaction history, is of great benefit to both individuals and businesses. Here are the functions of account mutations.

Track and monitor transactions

A key benefit of account mutations is the ability to track and monitor financial transactions. You can view your current account balance and the specific transactions that have affected it. This includes, for example, the income (cash inflow) and expenditure (cash outflow) in a given period, so you can keep track of your finances.

Proof of transactions

In addition to tracking, account mutations can also serve as proof of transactions for businesses. They can be used to verify payments from customers or confirm payments made to suppliers. In the event of disputes, these records serve as reliable proof of payment, supporting transparency and accountability.

Help with financial reconciliation

With its detailed transaction history, account mutation is an invaluable tool for financial reconciliation, especially in business. By reconciling bank records with internal transaction records, you can confirm that your company’s financial records match bank records, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

Support financial planning

Transaction data in account mutations can also support financial planning. Tracking income and expenditure can provide insight into patterns and provide information on budget allocations for future periods, which aids strategic decision-making.

Prerequisite for credit and visa applications

Another practical use of account mutations arises when applying for business loans and visas. When you apply for a business loan, lenders often require account mutations to assess your financial standing. Similarly, account mutations may be required when applying for a visa as proof of solvency.

How you can check account mutations

You can easily check account mutations via various channels, such as mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs or bank counters. Here you can find out how to access account mutations on several platforms:

Checking via mobile banking

Mobile banking or m-banking application is a preferred method for many people today as it offers easy access to bank accounts via smartphones. Through the application, users can send money, pay recurring bills and view transaction history with only a few simple clicks.

Each bank’s m-banking app may display different time periods for account mutations, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Below is a general guide on how to view account mutations via a mobile banking application:

  • Open your mobile banking app.
  • Enter your login details (usually a password or access code).
  • Select the Account or Transaction Details menu.
  • Select the Account Mutation option and enter the desired time frame—such as the last 7 days or a specific date range.
  • Some apps allow you to view longer time frames, such as one or two months back.

Checking via internet banking

Internet banking is another convenient option, similar to mobile banking but accessible via a browser without the need for an app. Here you can find out how to check account mutations via internet banking:

  • Go to your bank’s internet banking page.
  • Enter your username and password.
  • Select the e-statement menu or a corresponding option for account mutations.
  • Enter the period you wish to view, including month and year.
  • Download or save the mutation data as a PDF as soon as it is displayed.

Checking via ATM

For those who do not have access to m-banking, ATMs offer an alternative way to view account mutations, albeit with some limitations. Normally, ATMs only display the last five transactions. However, this method is ideal if you only need information on recent transactions.

Find out how to check account mutations at an ATM here:

  • Insert your ATM card and enter your PIN.
  • Select the Account Mutation option. If it is not immediately visible, try the More menu until you find it.
  • Wait briefly until the ATM prints out a receipt with the last transactions.
  • Take your card out again as soon as you have finished.

Checking via Bank Teller

For more complete transaction information, you can visit your bank branch and request account mutations directly. Bring your passbook and a valid ID and stand in line at the counter. Once the teller has processed your request, you will receive a printout with a detailed transaction history.

Differences between account mutations and bank statements

When talking about account mutations, many people often associate them with bank statements. Although both provide a transaction history, they have different purposes and access methods.

Transaction information

Bank statements offer more comprehensive details compared to account mutations as they contain debit and credit transactions as well as additional information on transaction times and dates. 

In addition, account mutations generally only provide limited information as they typically only display transaction activities for the last 7 to 30 days. Account statements, on the other hand, can show a transaction history of more than 30 days.

Accessibility

Account mutations are easier to access than bank statements as they can be accessed via mobile banking and ATMs. Bank statements, on the other hand, usually require you to visit a bank or make an online banking request.

Administration fees

Checking account mutations via mobile banking, the issuing bank’s ATM or the counter service is usually free of charge. However, charges may apply if you retrieve account mutations from an ATM at a non-issuing bank.

Banks, however, often incur a charge for printing bank statements, ranging from Rp2,500 to Rp10,000 per sheet, depending on the bank.

Manage transactions and payments efficiently with Aspire

Account mutations are essential to track your transactions over a period of time. They serve as a useful reference for budgeting and monitoring cash flow, so it is important to keep and manage transaction records.

However, now you no longer need to repeatedly access account mutations to view your transaction history, as Aspire helps you manage transactions and payments effectively.

Aspire is an all-in-one financial platform that streamlines your business’s financial operations, including both inbound and outgoing transactions.

For inbound transaction management, Aspire offers an invoice management feature that allows you to create, issue and send invoices with just a few clicks. The feature also comes with an automatic reminder function to help your business partners pay on time and reduce the risk of late payments.

To manage outgoing transactions, Aspire offers expense management tools that allow you to budget, control and track your expenses in real-time. You can also provide your team with Aspire’s Corporate Cards so you can decentralize business spending while maintaining control of your expenses.

In addition, Aspire also offers a Bulk Payment feature that allows you to send money to multiple recipients at once. All your transaction data is seamlessly integrated into the accounting software, allowing you to complete your recording and accounting up to twice as fast.

Ready to find out how Aspire can transform your business finances? Get in touch with our team today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can Aspire support the unique financial needs and challenges of mid-sized businesses?

Aspire offers a comprehensive suite of expense management solutions tailored for mid-market companies. This includes sophisticated corporate cards, advanced budget controls, and streamlined claims and approval policies, all designed to enhance financial efficiency.

How quickly can a mid-market company integrate Aspire's solutions into existing systems and workflows?

Integration with Aspire's expense management solutions is swift and seamless. Mid-market companies can swiftly implement corporate cards with tailored features, set up nuanced budgets, and establish streamlined claims and approval processes, ensuring minimal disruption to existing workflows.

How does Aspire compare to competitors for international money transfers?

Aspire excels in international expense management with FX fees up to 2x cheaper than traditional banks.

Global payments are offered by various providers through business accounts. Read our article to know more about types of business accounts and how to choose the best one for your business. There are many banks and fintech companies offering business accounts to businesses in Singapore. We have covered them all in our blog, you can click the links to view accounts offered by various banks such as DBS, OCBC, Maybank etc.

However, if you are a start-up or a growing business, chances are you may not meet the eligibility criteria for most of these banks or find their charges to be expensive for your liking. You can consider opting for Aspire multi-currency account for global payments which offers you all the benefits, with eligibility criteria which are less stringent. Read our article on bank charges in Singapore for a quick and easy comparison.

What level of customization does Aspire offer to meet the specific financial requirements of mid-market clients?

Aspire understands the diverse financial needs of mid-market clients and provides a high level of customization to tailor solutions accordingly. This includes the ability to customize corporate cards with specific spending limits, rewards, and benefits that align with the unique requirements of each client.

Additionally, Aspire's budgeting features are adaptable to accommodate the distinct financial structures of mid-market enterprises. The platform also allows for fine-tuning approval policies, ensuring they align with the specific workflows and compliance standards of individual mid-market businesses. This commitment to customization empowers mid-market clients to optimize their expense management in a way that best suits their financial goals and operational preferences.

Is there a minimum balance required for Aspire Business Accounts?

No minimum balance is required to keep your SGD, USD, EUR, GBP and IDR Accounts activated.

Can Aspire's corporate cards be customized to cater to the specific needs of consulting teams on the go?

Yes, Aspire's corporate cards are highly customizable. Consulting teams can benefit from tailored spending limits, travel-centric perks, and real-time transaction tracking, ensuring that the cards meet the unique requirements of professionals on the move.

How does Aspire support budget management for consulting projects and travel expenses?

Aspire's platform offers sophisticated budget controls that consulting companies can adapt to project-specific needs. This includes setting project budgets, tracking expenditures, and receiving real-time insights to ensure that expenses align with project goals.

What are Aspire Corporate Card FX rates?

At Aspire, we want you to pay the lowest rates in the market.
- Zero card activation fees
- Zero card transaction fees
- Best FX rates, up to 2x cheaper than banks

How does Aspire help consulting companies enforce expense policies and approvals for travel expenses?

Aspire streamlines the claims and approval process, allowing consulting companies to establish and enforce expense policies seamlessly. Customizable approval workflows ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.

Is Aspire's platform scalable for consulting companies of varying sizes?

Yes, Aspire's platform is scalable and caters to consulting companies of all sizes. Whether you're a boutique consultancy or a larger firm, the platform's features can be adapted to meet your specific travel and expense management needs.

How can I open a business account in Singapore?

For a business account in Singapore, Aspire is an excellent choice. With a focus on startup and SME needs, Aspire offers a seamless and transparent banking experience.

Benefit from their user-friendly online platform, no minimum balance or account opening fees, and dedicated support for businesses of all sizes.

Aspire is designed to streamline your financial management, making it an ideal partner for entrepreneurs in Singapore.

How long does it take to open an Aspire business account?

Registration with Aspire takes less than 10 minutes which you can do via our website or mobile app.

Once registered, we will get back to you within 5 business days on whether your account has been activated or if we need further documents from you.

Our account verification process varies according to the nature of your business. In exceptional cases, it can take up to 7 days to process your documents.

How can Aspire's corporate cards benefit my startup?

Aspire's corporate cards offer a range of benefits for your startup. Earn 1% unlimited cashback on qualified spends, simplify expense management, enjoy streamlined transactions, and gain real-time insights into spending. With customizable limits, integration with accounting software, and enhanced security features, Aspire's corporate cards are designed to empower your startup's financial efficiency and provide added convenience for your team.

Is Aspire suitable for both early-stage and established startups?

Absolutely, Aspire caters to the needs of both early-stage and established startups. Whether you're just beginning your entrepreneurial journey or have an established business, Aspire offers tailored financial solutions to help streamline your operations.

From managing expenses and optimizing workflows to providing valuable financial insights, Aspire's platform is designed to adapt and scale with your business as it grows. The flexibility and scalability of Aspire make it a suitable choice for startups at various stages of development.

Is there a minimum balance required for Aspire Business Accounts?

No minimum balance is required to keep your SGD, USD and IDR* Accounts activated.

However, we recommend keeping your subscription plan amount available on your balance to ensure you're up to date with your payment every month.*

To create a recipient or make any transaction on your IDR Account, you'll need to have a minimum balance of IDR 10,000 on your account.

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Galih Gumelar
is a seasoned writer specialising in macroeconomics, business, finance and politics. With a writing history at CNN Indonesia, The Jakarta Post, and various other reputed organisations, Galih leverages his broad range of experiences to create insightful resources for those wanting to start a business.
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