Online banking is a great way to keep an eye on your bank accounts.Understanding how to access your accounts online is important since there are many new online-only banks.Setting up your online account, locating and using helpful and important features, and staying secure are important parts of using online banking.
Step 1: If you don't have a bank account, you should open one.
You can skip this step if you already have a bank account.You need a bank account to access online banking.You can open a checking or savings account at a local branch of your preferred bank.Some banks do not have physical branches.Simple or Ally are online-only banks that rely on their web interface to service their customers.If you follow the instructions on the website, you can open an account with an online-only bank.Make sure the bank you choose is insured by the FDIC.Check the current interest rates and compare them to the bank's rates to make sure you get the best return on your investment accounts.Some banks offer online banking with competitive interest rates.
Step 2: You need to set up an account.
You will be able to access your accounts online once you have an account with the bank.You will need some kind of identification that is associated with your account, such as a Social Security number, Federal ID number or driver's license number.Follow the instructions on the website for opening an account.It is likely that you will need your account number in order to set up an online account.If you don't have the number, you can call your bank or visit a branch to get it.If you have trouble opening an online account, call or visit the bank and ask for help.If you need assistance, most banks have a toll-free 800-number that you can call.
Step 3: There is a password and a secure usernames.
The online portal requires a password and a usernames.Special characters, numbers, and upper and lowercase letters are included in your password.Write it down and keep it in a safe place if you fear you will have trouble remembering it.If you don't already have a usernames for another account, select one.Adding numbers to your name will make it more unique.Don't use the same password for multiple accounts.Don't use birthdates, social security numbers, and other identifiable information in your passwords or usernames.
Step 4: Your contact information should be set up.
You will be asked for your contact information during the sign-up process.You can match this to the information your bank has on file.You will be able to use this online portal to change your contact and billing information in the future, and it is important that you always know what address the bank has on file for you, as certain transactions with your bank card might require a billing zip code for verification.If the bank needs to send you important information via email or if you lose or forget your password, make sure to use an email account that you check daily or frequently.
Step 5: You can learn around the portal.
Once you have setup your account, it is a good idea to click around the banking portal and learn where things are.If you have more than one account, you can see how each account looks when opened and broken down.You can log out of your banking sessions with the "logout" button.It is important to understand where important pages can be found in your banking system.The key to learning the ins and outs of your online banking portal is simply taking some time to explore the interface.A customer service agent from your bank may be able to show you around the website.If you're in need of assistance, give your bank a call or visit a branch.
Step 6: Don't use paper statements anymore.
Digital or electronic bank statements are a great feature of online banking.This is better for the environment as it saves paper, and it can help you stay organized and on top of your accounts.You can view your statements in electronic form on most online banking portals, sometimes as a.PDF that you can save to your own harddrive.If you prefer, you can stop paper statements from being mailed to your home and switch to digital statements in your online banking portal.If you are interested, choose this option.Some banks offer incentives to customers who want to switch to electronic statements, like a small percentage docked from the interest rates on credit lines.You should check with your bank to see if there are any perks for changing to digital statements.
Step 7: Use online bill pay to pay your bills.
Many banks offer a free bill pay service through your online banking portal, where you can pay utilities, rent, and other monthly charges.You can schedule these payments ahead of time and not have to worry about them every month.You can monitor your online banking portal if you link your bank account for automatic payments.If you are sure the funds will be in your account on the day the bills will process, set up automatic or scheduled payments.If you get hit with an overdraft fee, you won't want it.Write your bills down in a notebook or enter them into a spreadsheet to keep track of them.You can use a budgeting software to track your spending and bills.
Step 8: The online portal can be used to apply for credit.
The online banking portal can be used to sign up for new accounts once you have an account with the bank.Applying for new lines of credit, opening new accounts, or even applying for loans can all be done from the comfort of your home if you log in.
Step 9: Special offers can be found in the portal.
You will be notified of new account statements and changes to your account information via message inboxes on online banking portals.You need to locate this inbox and check it regularly.You might also find customer-only offers for new banking products.Credit lines with low introductory interest rates, high-yield savings accounts, and other services might be offered to you through that message inbox.The personal email account you have tied to the banking account may not be forwarded to these alerts.You may be required to select this option in the settings of your online banking inbox.
Step 10: Transfer money from one account to the other.
If you have more than one bank account, you can use your online banking portal to transfer money between them.Sending money to other people with the same bank account is possible.Customers of Wells Fargo and Bank of America can transfer money between their accounts.You should know what the fees are for this service.Federal law prohibits more than 6 transfers from a savings account to a checking account in one month, so most transfers will be free.Fees will be listed before you confirm the transfer on your banking portal.
Step 11: A mobile banking application can be used.
You can access your bank's apps on your phone.Go to the app store and search for your bank.Make sure the app is owned by your bank.You can find offers or advertisements for this app on the bank website or in the branches.You can deposit checks with the camera on your phone.You can use these apps to transfer money, monitor account balances, and locate nearby ATMs and branches.
Step 12: Avoid using online banking on the internet.
Passwords and banking information should be avoided when you are connected to a public internet connection.It is possible for thieves to steal your information when it is transmitted over public or free wi-fi connections.If you rely on this kind of connection, you should download a software to keep your information safe.
Step 13: When using your phone in public, keep an eye on your surroundings.
Just like when you type in your PIN at the ATM, you will want to make sure no one can see your screen if you are online.If you are using your phone to check your balance, make sure no one is looking over your shoulder or standing very close by.Passwords and balance information should be kept private.If you want to protect your privacy, cover the screen of your phone or laptop with your hand, or wait until you are at home or in a private place to access your online banking information.
Step 14: If you see signs of fraud or theft, you should monitor your accounts.
One of the best ways to make sure your accounts are secure is to monitor them for unauthorized charges.It is easier to monitor the activity in your accounts with online banking.You should contact the bank if you see any charges you don't remember.The charges should be open in front of you for easy access.