Online banking, anyone manage to do this?

How to Safely Bank Online

Online banking can be done through your local neighborhood bank by using their online portal or by using an online bank that does not have a physical location.

Banks take many precautions to ensure customers safety. This can include using encryption, requiring, or offering several authentication factors, timed log outs, and account monitoring. Your bank can provide more details about their safety practices.

Along with the safety features implemented by your bank you must also take precautions to protect yourself.

Use a Strong Password and Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication

Choose a strong password for your account and change it frequently. When you change your password also change your security questions.

Use a password manager to save your information and to generate a random, secure password.

Always use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) this will add an additional layer of security to your account. You will be required to provide a code or some other form of authentication before you are granted access to your account. 2FA requires users to provide exactly two authentication factors, MFA requires users to provide 2 or more authentication factors.

When you use 2FA and MFA you will select where you want the authentication code to be sent. Don’t choose to have the code sent to your email. Email accounts can be hacked and if a cybercriminal has access to your email, they can retrieve the authentication code. Instead have the code sent to your phone or use an authenticator app.

Never write your usernames and passwords down where others can see them.

Choose a Unique Username

Don’t use your email address or your real name as your username. Instead choose something that does not identify you. Using your name or email address makes you more vulnerable to hackers.

Don’t Save your Usernames and Passwords in Your Web Browser

Don’t save usernames and passwords in your browser. Instead type them yourself or use your password manager to login.

Sign Out When You Are Finished

Sign out of your account when you are finished banking.

Don’t Visit Secure Sites on Public Wi-Fi

Never visit secure websites when connected to public Wi-Fi. Hackers can easily access your computer, tablet or smartphone when you are connected to public Wi-Fi and steal your private information which can include email messages, passwords, credit card information, bank information and any other data on your device.

Secure Your Wireless Network

Be sure your wireless network is secure.

If your wireless network is not secure, every device connected to the network is at risk.

Password Protect Your Devices

Password protect your computers, tablets and smart phones. This prevents others from gaining access if your device is lost or stolen. Enable auto-lock so that the screen is locked after a period of inactivity.

Use Antivirus Software

Install antivirus software on all of your devices and keep it updated. Run regular scans to check for malware.

Keep Devices Up to Date

Enable automatic updates on your computers, phones and tablets. Keep not only the operating system updated but also all apps and programs that are installed. Out of date software is one of the ways hackers gain access to your devices. Security updates often include important fixes for operating systems and hardware.

Beware of Phishing, Vishing & Smishing Scams

Phishing is when a cybercriminal sends and email trying to trick you into clicking on a link or providing personal and financial information about yourself.

Vishing is when you receive a phone call, often threatening or intimidating in nature. The cybercriminal tries to pressure you into providing personal and financial information. They often pose as a government agency, police department, the IRS or your bank.

Smishing also known as SMS phishing is a text message sent by cybercriminals trying to trick you into providing personal or financial information. They often pose as a bank or other financial institution. They may send a fraudulent link prompting you to log into your bank account where they steal your username and password.

Don’t fall for any of these tricks. Be cautious of any type of message you receive requesting information. Never log into your bank or any other website using a link sent in an email or text message. Instead, login using your password manager or by typing the address yourself.

Install Certified Apps

Install only Apple and Android certified apps on your devices. Third party apps can contain malware, they can steal data, spy on you using your microphone and camera and intercept messages.

Don’t Leave Devices Unattended

Never leave your devices unattended in public settings or leave them in your car. Millions of smartphones, laptops and tablets are stolen every year and very few are recovered. As many as 25% of these devices are stolen from vehicles or during transportation. Keep your devices with you or lock them away.

Turn your Devices Off

A hacker cannot access a device if it is turned off. If you are not using your computer, tablet or phone shut it off.

Don’t Use Links to Logon

Don’t click on links in an email or text message to log into your bank account. Even if the email or text message looks legitimate it may not be and can direct you to a malicious website. Instead type the web address into your browser or connect to the site using your password manager.

Review Bank Statements

Review your bank statements monthly and verify that every transaction is legitimate. If you find anything unusual notify your bank immediately.

Monitor Your Online Accounts Regularly

Log into your bank account regularly to ensure all is well. Look for any debits or transfers you do not recognize. If anything is out of place, contact your bank right away.

Setup Alerts

Sign up for text and email alerts, your bank will notify you when there is activity related to your account, including when a transaction is made, balance alerts, purchase alerts, when unusual activity is detected, when your password changes and when there is an ATM withdrawal or deposit.
 
Don't have a cell. Only use the laptop at home, never in public. All bills set up autopay, charged to a credit card. That is the only bill I take care of each month, review and pay balance do for that month. If there is a problem with a charge on the cc statement, I can address it right away. I also get cash back from the cc company. The credit card is also through my bank.
 
For a very long time.

I have no idea how you even do one of those bank book things. But I did it back in some distant past. I had to write a check a couple of weeks ago, and then I found the checkbook, then I found one of those archaic instruments known as a pen, and then I sat down and just stared at it for a while and then I was like ... um.... OK, yeah, this goes here and... and I finally got it. Then I tore it up and did it again like 3 times until I thought someone 'might' be able to read it. I don't write, that is what a keyboard is for, lol. Seriously, my handwriting is BAD, like how a doctor writes? I can't even read it! If you never practice, I guess this happens.
 
I mostly use online banking through my browser, but I use apps on my phone to deposit checks to my bank because I know how to use the camera on the phone. I'd use the phone banking app more often if the password manager app didn't need to be opened first, on my browser the password manager is a convenient icon in the top of the browser so I don't have to think ahead at all.

I hate writing checks but even when I need to I don't even bother to write them in the register in the checkbook, I haven't balanced a checkbook for decades. I appreciate the time-savings of online banking. It has only messed me up once - when an autopay ran out of scheduled years (because I'd set it up in the old days before the option to have a payment continue in an ongoing-forever manner and I think it had a 15 year max), and Save the Children started sending me bills like I owed them money. I was so annoyed I cancelled my Save the Children thing, and only months later realized what had happened.
 
I don’t use my phone for online banking. I don’t even use public wi-fi for anything. I have a big data plan so if I need to do anything on the phone in a public area, I use that.
 
And I'm proud of ya Fanci. :D I started banking online with trepidation but soon got used to it. I never do it using my phone though...only my desktop and tablet, though I'd use my phone if I had no other choice. Each financial institution's site has different features and locations for menu items, so that's something that has to be learned for usually the first few site visits. I find doing things online with my banks, credit union and brokerages to be so convenient that I wouldn't think of going back to the old way.

There are also many benefits to online banking. I can instantly transfer money between all my accounts (even accounts outside of the transferring institution), as well as send and accept money to/from my son and grandchildren using Cash App, which connects to one of my accounts. I can also instantly change my brokerage beneficiaries and upload any forms I need to submit directly to the site. Also, I can check my accounts daily if I wanted to which would get ahead of any fraudulent activity better than waiting a month for a statement. However, my banks are pretty good at alerting me about fraud (happened with a couple of credit cards, two different banks several years apart). I have other alerts set up as well. Another benefit is being able to put an immediate freeze on your card if it's lost or suspected of being stolen
 
hollydolly said:
Oh yes I've been banking online for many years now. There's still some things I prefer to go into the Bricks and mortar bank for.. but the banks are closing at a rate of Knots in the UK, so now there are none in my town, so I have to go to the next county...

As for banking on my phone.. my whole family does it, but I've never wanted to do it.. I just don't want to spend my life being paranoid about losing my phone because I have my CC's and banking details on there
Click to expand...
Well wouldn't you sign out of your banking app if you did use your phone? Strong passwords and hard to guess ID so no one would be able to guess and sign back in.
 
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s76l42 said:
How to Safely Bank Online

Online banking can be done through your local neighborhood bank by using their online portal or by using an online bank that does not have a physical location.

Banks take many precautions to ensure customers safety. This can include using encryption, requiring, or offering several authentication factors, timed log outs, and account monitoring. Your bank can provide more details about their safety practices.

Along with the safety features implemented by your bank you must also take precautions to protect yourself.

Use a Strong Password and Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication

Choose a strong password for your account and change it frequently. When you change your password also change your security questions.

Use a password manager to save your information and to generate a random, secure password.

Always use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) this will add an additional layer of security to your account. You will be required to provide a code or some other form of authentication before you are granted access to your account. 2FA requires users to provide exactly two authentication factors, MFA requires users to provide 2 or more authentication factors.

When you use 2FA and MFA you will select where you want the authentication code to be sent. Don’t choose to have the code sent to your email. Email accounts can be hacked and if a cybercriminal has access to your email, they can retrieve the authentication code. Instead have the code sent to your phone or use an authenticator app.

Never write your usernames and passwords down where others can see them.

Choose a Unique Username

Don’t use your email address or your real name as your username. Instead choose something that does not identify you. Using your name or email address makes you more vulnerable to hackers.

Don’t Save your Usernames and Passwords in Your Web Browser

Don’t save usernames and passwords in your browser. Instead type them yourself or use your password manager to login.

Sign Out When You Are Finished

Sign out of your account when you are finished banking.

Don’t Visit Secure Sites on Public Wi-Fi

Never visit secure websites when connected to public Wi-Fi. Hackers can easily access your computer, tablet or smartphone when you are connected to public Wi-Fi and steal your private information which can include email messages, passwords, credit card information, bank information and any other data on your device.

Secure Your Wireless Network

Be sure your wireless network is secure.

If your wireless network is not secure, every device connected to the network is at risk.

Password Protect Your Devices

Password protect your computers, tablets and smart phones. This prevents others from gaining access if your device is lost or stolen. Enable auto-lock so that the screen is locked after a period of inactivity.

Use Antivirus Software

Install antivirus software on all of your devices and keep it updated. Run regular scans to check for malware.

Keep Devices Up to Date

Enable automatic updates on your computers, phones and tablets. Keep not only the operating system updated but also all apps and programs that are installed. Out of date software is one of the ways hackers gain access to your devices. Security updates often include important fixes for operating systems and hardware.

Beware of Phishing, Vishing & Smishing Scams

Phishing is when a cybercriminal sends and email trying to trick you into clicking on a link or providing personal and financial information about yourself.

Vishing is when you receive a phone call, often threatening or intimidating in nature. The cybercriminal tries to pressure you into providing personal and financial information. They often pose as a government agency, police department, the IRS or your bank.

Smishing also known as SMS phishing is a text message sent by cybercriminals trying to trick you into providing personal or financial information. They often pose as a bank or other financial institution. They may send a fraudulent link prompting you to log into your bank account where they steal your username and password.

Don’t fall for any of these tricks. Be cautious of any type of message you receive requesting information. Never log into your bank or any other website using a link sent in an email or text message. Instead, login using your password manager or by typing the address yourself.

Install Certified Apps

Install only Apple and Android certified apps on your devices. Third party apps can contain malware, they can steal data, spy on you using your microphone and camera and intercept messages.

Don’t Leave Devices Unattended

Never leave your devices unattended in public settings or leave them in your car. Millions of smartphones, laptops and tablets are stolen every year and very few are recovered. As many as 25% of these devices are stolen from vehicles or during transportation. Keep your devices with you or lock them away.

Turn your Devices Off

A hacker cannot access a device if it is turned off. If you are not using your computer, tablet or phone shut it off.

Don’t Use Links to Logon

Don’t click on links in an email or text message to log into your bank account. Even if the email or text message looks legitimate it may not be and can direct you to a malicious website. Instead type the web address into your browser or connect to the site using your password manager.

Review Bank Statements

Review your bank statements monthly and verify that every transaction is legitimate. If you find anything unusual notify your bank immediately.

Monitor Your Online Accounts Regularly

Log into your bank account regularly to ensure all is well. Look for any debits or transfers you do not recognize. If anything is out of place, contact your bank right away.

Setup Alerts

Sign up for text and email alerts, your bank will notify you when there is activity related to your account, including when a transaction is made, balance alerts, purchase alerts, when unusual activity is detected, when your password changes and when there is an ATM withdrawal or deposit.
Click to expand...
Is there a version of this in English?

Our pensions are paid in to our account directly but my wage is paid by cheque which means I am in the bank at least once a month.
I pay all our bills the old way, sometimes I even pay in cash but more often I insert my debit card at the till and the cashier does the rest. I'm not anti online banking, although Holly's comment about losing the phone or having it stolen, was something that I hadn't given thought to. Good point that, Holly.

As I said I'm not anti online banking, I do it the old way because that's what I am familiar with and it's another reason to get out of the house. Sometimes when the demands of work means that I have no time, my wife will bank my cheque or pay a bill, she then meets up with one or two friends for coffee and chit-chat. That's why it's good to have an excuse to be out.
 
If you have a local bank cherish it, frequent it as much as possible, that way, you may be instrumental in the staff retaining their jobs.
I regularly go into my bank for cash, and when a floor walker points me towards and ATM, I tell them I prefer to do business with a human being, and that is what happens, for how much longer I don't know. 😊
 
horseless carriage said:
Is there a version of this in English?

Our pensions are paid in to our account directly but my wage is paid by cheque which means I am in the bank at least once a month.
I pay all our bills the old way, sometimes I even pay in cash but more often I insert my debit card at the till and the cashier does the rest. I'm not anti online banking, although Holly's comment about losing the phone or having it stolen, was something that I hadn't given thought to. Good point that, Holly.

As I said I'm not anti online banking, I do it the old way because that's what I am familiar with and it's another reason to get out of the house. Sometimes when the demands of work means that I have no time, my wife will bank my cheque or pay a bill, she then meets up with one or two friends for coffee and chit-chat. That's why it's good to have an excuse to be out.
Click to expand...
Did you see my reply to @hollydolly ? When banking using a phone (or tablet) one should always sign off before doing anything that may cause the loss of the phone (eg: sticking it in your pocket or elsewhere or having a purse snatched). In fact, most financial institutions will now sign you out automatically if activity isn't detected within a certain amount of minutes. With good, strong passwords and hard to guess login IDs no one would be able to log back into the account. But as I've said in the past...everyone must do what they are comfortable with when it comes to their finances. Just curious HC...is there no way to have your wages directly deposited?
 
OneEyedDiva said:
Did you see my reply to @hollydolly ?
Click to expand...
Yes I did.
OneEyedDiva said:
Just curious HC...is there no way to have your wages directly deposited?
Click to expand...
The British system of automatic payment from one account to another is known as direct debit. All the employees where I work are paid by direct debit. All the employees where I work have their pay advice slip with all their details, e-mailed to them.
But there is this one old fart who still has a cheque, with the advice slip, presented to him, in an envelope, once a month. The teasing that I get, like: "They could chisel your advice slip on stone tablets if you asked," adding, "a bit heavy though, at your age." The world is changing caused by online shopping. Town centres are like a wasteland, I'm all for change but it does need to be given some thought before rushing headlong into that change.
 
fancicoffee13 said:
I have been doing this for quite a few years. However, I am now learning all the things I can manage online right on my phone. So, this morning, I needed to go to the bank to get something taken care of, and thought, I think I can do this online. After awhile, I figured it out and got it done. (!) Well, I will wait and see tomorrow and go to the bank and ask a few questions. I am still proud of the fact I can still figure this "tech" stuff out.
Click to expand...
Moderator, please delet this mistaken post, the next one is the correct version
 
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Since 1990s have used online in some form.
Best interest rates are online only banks like Capitol One, Ally, Bask.
US gov Treasury Direct is the sole possible to buy US BONDS, especially TIPS and ibonds.

Easy to create acct and link to your regular bank.

Beware of scams involving gold, silver, bitcoin, IRA, etc.
The bank branches are gradually being closed or minimized as mostly of the younger generation seldom use cash and never checks.

Most banks both online and regular, have secure apps and websites.

With these changes, I foresee in 3..8 years, very few physical bank branches and virtually no live phone support.

Just the ramblings of an old retired EE

jon
 
I have most bills set up for auto pay with cashback credit cards, a few I pay online, property taxes are paid with a check as they charge a fee if you pay with credit card.
 
About autopay. I used to feel that it was ME that paid the bills. I didn't want somebody else taking money out of my account. Then I thought that I had to pay the trash guy every month. I need the service. So what's the difference in me authorizing the payment or let autopay do it. Same with the electric bill, I got to pay it- no choice, at least autopay doesn't forget. Now, that I have my cell phone, I do all my banking on it. Unfortunately, I know how it is to get yanked out of your home and get stuck in a hospital for a long while, you're not going to any bank.
 
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