How to use online banking
Online banking allows you to access your accounts and make various financial transactions on the Internet. For example, you can use online banking to pay bills or transfer money to other accounts. You can bank online using either a computer or a mobile device such as a cell phone or tablet.
Generally, online banking transactions cost less than using in-branch teller services or ATMs.
Online banking lets you check your transactions online as they are processed. You donât have to wait for a monthly statement.
In most cases, youâll need to do the following before you can use online banking services:
- register for online banking with your financial institution
- enter your debit card number
- create a username and password
- read and accept the terms and conditions
Online banking with your computer
To access your accounts using online banking from your computer you must:
- go to your financial institutionâs website
- enter the following information:
- username
- password
- answers to security questions
Online banking from a computer allows you to:
- access your accounts
- make future-dated bill payments
- transfer funds between accounts
- open a new account
- schedule regular payments or transfers
- apply for loans
Mobile banking
You can use mobile banking anywhere you take your mobile device, like a smartphone or tablet. You can use a mobile banking application (app) or an online banking site from your mobile device.
Mobile banking application (app)
To access your accounts using a mobile banking application you must:
- download your financial institutions mobile banking app to your mobile device
- open the app on your device
- sign in using your username and password
Only download apps and updates from a trusted source, such as:
- directly from your institutionâs website
- from your mobile deviceâs app store
Banking apps on your mobile device may only allow certain types of transactions such as:
- money transfers
- paying bills
To access all online banking services your financial institution offers, use the online banking site with your mobile device.
Mobile banking sites
Mobile banking sites let you access your accounts from your mobile device without downloading a mobile banking app.
Banking through an Internet browser on your mobile device is similar to online banking with your computer. Mobile banking sites may:
- give you a more detailed view of your accounts
- allow you to access more services than using a mobile banking app
Protection from unauthorized transactions when online banking
Most financial institutions have policies that protect you from unauthorized transactions while using their online banking service. These are transactions that you didnât make or approve.
It's your responsibility to always keep your banking and online banking details to yourself.
If you give your online banking information to anyone, including a spouse, partner, family member or friend, you may:
- risk losing the protection against unauthorized transactions offered by your financial institution
- be responsible for any unauthorized transactions on your account
Ask your financial institution about its online banking service commitments and policy on unauthorized transactions.
Learn more about protection against unauthorized transactions.
Your responsibilities when banking online
To ensure that youâre protected from financial loss from an unauthorized transaction:
- donât share your personal identification number (PIN), password or security questions and answers with anyone, not even family members
- manage your banking information, including log-on IDs and passwords, according to the terms of your financial institutionâs user agreement
- check your accounts regularly for transactions you didnât make or approve
- contact your financial institution or service provider as soon as you find an error
You may need to take additional steps to protect yourself when banking online. Read your account agreement and your financial institutionâs online banking or electronic access agreement to learn more.
Choosing a password and PIN
Pick a strong password for your online banking accounts. You may be responsible for transactions you didnât make or approve if you use a password thatâs easy to guess. Combine upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers and keyboard symbols such as # or @ when creating your password.
Financial malware, or malicious software, can damage your devices and put your financial information at risk. You must protect your passwords and PINs from such software or you may be responsible for unauthorized transactions.
Protecting your personal financial information online
Protect yourself when banking online to help prevent criminals from capturing or copying your financial information.
Someone may see what you send over public networks, like those you access from coffee shops, bookstores and public libraries. This information includes things such as your passwords, bank account numbers and credit card numbers.
To protect your financial information make sure you do the following:
- donât use public Wi-Fi or public computers for online banking
- donât share your user IDs, passwords and PINs with anyone
- use a strong password that no one can easily guess for your online banking accounts
- use different passwords for each of your financial accounts
- donât allow your computer or mobile device to remember your password or banking information, like your account number
- donât give your personal information by email
- donât respond to suspicious messages or click on links within them
- log into your account regularly to make sure there are no unauthorized transactions
Learn more about securing your accounts online.
Related links
- Mobile payments
- Depositing a cheque with your mobile device
