How safe and secure is online banking?
If they're FDIC-insured, online banks are as safe as traditional brick-and-mortar banks in many ways. You can also take steps as a consumer to ensure your account is as protected as possible when banking online, whether you bank with a brick-and-mortar or an online bank, also called a direct or digital bank.
How safe are online banks? Most online banks and credit unions are federally insured, which means that the US government will protect your money in the event the bank or credit union fails.
- Choose Strong Passwords. The stronger your internet banking password, the better. ...
- Change Passwords Regularly. ...
- Use Two-Factor Authentication. ...
- Stay Skeptical of Scams. ...
- Use Your Financial Institution's Security Offerings. ...
- Use a Password Manager. ...
- Check Your Accounts Regularly.
Bank | Forbes Advisor Rating | Learn more CTA below text |
---|---|---|
Chase Bank | 5.0 | Read Our Full Review |
Bank of America | 4.2 | |
Wells Fargo Bank | 4.0 | Read Our Full Review |
Citi® | 4.0 |
Online banks are safe and offer competitive interest rates with few fees. They're a great option for many people, but it ultimately depends on how you prefer to bank.
Cons of online banks
Customer service can be virtual and impersonal. You are more likely to incur ATM fees if the online bank has no ATM network or is part of a small network. You can't deposit cash unless the bank is linked to ATMs that accept cash. The number of products tends to be more limited at online banks.
Most banking apps offer a bevy of features meant to protect your sensitive information and identity that traditional banking websites might not. Some of these cybersecurity measures include: Encryption: Most mobile banking apps encrypt, aka disguise, sensitive data like login information and bank statements.
- Customer service lacks personal touch.
- Not an option for those lacking access to the internet.
- ATM options may be limited.
- Greater due diligence required to vet the bank.
Bank | The Ascent's Rating |
---|---|
Western Alliance Bank | 4.25 |
SoFi | 4.00 |
Wells Fargo | 4.00 |
Axos Bank | 3.50 |
For example, if you apply for a loan or a credit card from a bank, they may ask for your financial information, including information about your other bank accounts. In such cases, you may need to provide the relevant details, and the bank may verify the information through credit bureaus or other sources.
What bank gets hacked the least?
One of the biggest banks, Chase, is also one of the most secure banks to keep your money safe. Chase offers Zero Liability Protection, so if unauthorized transactions are made under your name, you won't be held responsible.
- First Republic Bank (FRC) . Above average liquidity risk and high capital risk.
- Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) . Above average capital risk.
- KeyCorp (KEY) . Above average capital risk.
- Comerica (CMA) . ...
- Truist Financial (TFC) . ...
- Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) . ...
- Zions Bancorporation (ZION) .
Citi Mobile is at the top of our list for a few reasons. Not only is the app easy to navigate—even if you aren't tech-savvy—but it's also highly secure.
Digital banking has become the most common way consumers bank today. The primary method of account access for more than 43% of consumers in 2021 was mobile banking.
In general, online banking offers a broader range of services than mobile banking. Mobile banking apps enable users to conduct essential transactions such as checking balances, viewing transaction history, transferring funds, and chatting with support.
Mobile banking lets you access banking services wherever you are, allowing you to save time and make payments more conveniently. Along with individuals, mobile banking is popular among businesses and business owners who want to receive funds and process payments from mobile apps.
The Bottom Line
Trading your brick-and-mortar bank for an online checking account has pros and cons. The pros include higher yields, lower fees, and high-tech features that help with account maintenance and budgeting. The cons include more difficult access to customer service, as well as online security concerns.
If you're willing to consider online-only banks, you'll likely find lower fees and higher interest rates. Brick-and-mortar institutions typically have more fees and lower rates, but often come with a wider array of services and in-person assistance.
Internet banking is known by a variety of other names such as web banking, net banking, and online banking, which primarily revolve around front-end customer transactions done using internet browser on desktop and mobile devices and on mobile apps.
Hacking your data: Hackers can steal your money remotely
Hackers have created malicious software (known as malware or Trojans) that attack bank apps. If you're tricked into downloading malware onto your phone, a scammer can spy on you and steal your mobile banking username and password.
Is online banking safer on laptop or phone?
Randal Wolverton, a certified public accountant who serves on the American Institute of CPAs' Forensic and Litigation Services fraud task force: “My preference is to bank with computers in a secure environment, as thieves may find smartphones more attractive to attack,” he says.
Hackers exploit weak passwords and vulnerabilities of public Wi-Fi to infect devices with malware. However, most mobile banking attacks happen through social engineering – when users are manipulated to give up their usernames and passwords to hackers, scammers, and other cybercriminals.
1) Cybersecurity Threats
Online banking is at risk of cybersecurity threats that could expose confidential and sensitive financial information of the customer. Hackers use various tactics like phishing attacks, malware, and ransomware to gain unauthorized access to accounts.
Key Takeaways. Before choosing an online bank, it's important to decide what features are most important to you. The lack of overhead gives internet banks advantages over traditional banks, including fewer or lower fees and accounts with higher APYs.
- Equifax Data Breach. ...
- Heartland Payment Systems Data Breach. ...
- Capital One Data Breach. Date: March 2019. ...
- JPMorgan Chase Data Breach. Date: October 2014. ...
- Experian. Date: August 2020. ...
- Block. Date: Apr 2022. ...
- Desjardins Group. Date: June 2019. ...
- Westpac Banking Corporation. Date: June 2013.