Online banking safety — protect your accounts
Online banking is convenient and, when done carefully, very safe. The threats come from password reuse, fake "fraud alert" messages designed to trick you, and using banking on unsafe networks. Following a few habits puts your accounts in good shape.
Set up two-factor authentication on your bank accounts. Even if someone steals your password, they can't get in without your phone.
Key habits
- Use a different password for your bank than for any other site. If a different site has a data breach, your bank should still be safe.
- Turn on two-factor authentication. Most banks let you do this in the security settings of their app.
- Always type your bank's address into the browser yourself, or use their official app. Never click banking links from emails or texts.
- Avoid banking on public Wi-Fi (coffee shops, hotels). Use your phone's cellular data instead, or wait until you're home.
- Check your account every week. The sooner you catch fraud, the easier it is to dispute.
- If you think your account is compromised, call your bank using the number on the back of your card immediately.