What does bankbook mean?
A bankbook is a small printed booklet issued by a bank to account holders, used to record deposits, withdrawals, accrued interest, and the running balance of an account — essentially a portable ledger of one's banking history. Also commonly called a passbook, it was once a staple of personal finance: customers carried it to the branch, where a teller would enter each transaction and stamp or initial the update. The word combines 'bank' with 'book' and belongs to a family of compound nouns built on everyday objects, such as notebook and handbook. Today the bankbook has largely given way to digital banking, mobile apps, and emailed statements, yet it survives in many countries — particularly across Asia and parts of Europe — where passbook culture remains strong. Beyond its literal meaning, the term sometimes carries figurative weight, evoking thrift, security, or old-fashioned financial prudence, which makes it a useful word for describing both concrete banking practice and a more nostalgic relationship with saving.
nounA small book issued by a bank in which a customer's deposits, withdrawals, and running balance are recorded; also known as a passbook.
- A small printed book held by a bank customer in which deposits, withdrawals, and interest are recorded and updated at the branch.
"She brought her bankbook to the counter so the teller could update her balance."
"Grandfather kept a careful eye on his savings, checking the bankbook after every visit to the branch."
"The clerk entered the deposit in her bankbook and handed it back across the counter."
Standard pluralization; rarely encountered since most individuals hold only one bankbook.
"The estate contained bankbooks from three different institutions."
Before online banking, your entire financial life lived in a little paper booklet the teller stamped by hand — the bankbook was, quite literally, your money's diary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does bankbook come from?
Bankbook is a compound of two English elements: 'bank', borrowed from the Italian banca via French banque in the early modern period (originally referring to the money-changer's bench), and the native Germanic word 'book', from Old English bōc. The compound arose in the nineteenth century as retail banking expanded and banks began issuing customers printed record books for their accounts. It shares its first element with words like banker, banknote, and bankroll, and parallels other 'X-book' compounds formed from ordinary objects.
How bankbook is actually used
Bankbook is increasingly old-fashioned, as most banks have replaced physical passbooks with digital statements and apps. The term remains common where passbooks persist, notably in Japan, India, and parts of Europe. In everyday conversation people often use 'bankbook' loosely to refer to one's overall account or savings rather than the physical booklet itself.
Easily confused with bankbook
A chequebook contains blank cheques for making payments, while a bankbook records the transaction history and balance of an account.