Safe online banking: protect your money in a mobile world
Online banking is safe when a few habits are in place. Here's how to lock down your accounts and recognise the tricks aimed at your money.
Banks invest heavily in security, and the app on your phone is generally the safest way to bank. The weak point criminals target is not the bank's systems — it is you, through tricks and stolen credentials.
Set up your accounts safely
- Use a unique, long password for your bank — never reused anywhere else.
- Turn on the strongest login confirmation your bank offers: app confirmation or biometrics beat SMS codes.
- Enable instant notifications for every transaction, so fraud surfaces in minutes rather than at month-end.
- Use the official app from the official store — or type the bank's address yourself. Never reach your bank through a link in a message.
The tricks aimed at your money
- "Your account is at risk" calls: fraudsters posing as your bank's security team ask you to "move money to a safe account." Banks never ask this. Ever.
- Code harvesting: anyone asking you to read out a one-time code is logging into your account at that moment.
- Fake payment pages reached from phishing texts about deliveries, fines, or refunds.
If something goes wrong
Call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card — fast reporting can freeze cards and sometimes recover transfers. Then change your password, check for unfamiliar payees or direct debits, and report the fraud via our reporting directory. Acting within hours makes a real difference.