Should you trust online banks?
Online banking is generally safe and not easy to hack — as long as you take the right steps to protect your information. This means setting up strong passwords and changing them frequently, and using additional tools like two-factor authentication to give yourself an extra layer of protection.
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.
To help you determine if a website belongs to an FDIC-insured bank, check the FDIC BankFind, a data resource on the FDIC website. You can look up banks by name or website address to verify whether they are a real FDIC-insured bank. Compare the bank name with the web address or URL.
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. Online bank features may especially benefit users who have low checking or high savings account balances.
Online banking does have some potential disadvantages. These include a lack of face-to-face customer support, cash deposit services and a risk of technology failures or security breaches.
- Our picks for the best online banks are SoFi Bank, Discover Bank, Ally Bank, Varo Bank, LendingClub, Upgrade, Alliant Credit Union, FNBO Direct, Zynlo Bank and Quorum Federal Credit Union.
- You may get a higher annual percentage yield (APY) compared to traditional banks when you choose an online-only bank.
- Top online bank: Quontic.
- Top online bank: LendingClub.
- Top online bank: CIBC USA.
- Top online bank: First Internet Bank of Indiana.
- Top online bank: Rising Bank.
- Top online bank: Varo Bank.
- Top online bank: Bank5 Connect.
- Top online bank: Discover.
- 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.
- Password-protect all banking access. ...
- Choose strong and unique passwords. ...
- Enable two-factor authentication. ...
- Log out when you finish banking. ...
- Avoid public Wi-Fi. ...
- Don't use a shared computer. ...
- Sign up for banking alerts. ...
- Guard against phishing scams.
Account Takeover: Cybercriminals gain access to a victim's online banking account through stolen login credentials or vulnerabilities in the banking system. They then initiate unauthorized transactions. Malware and Spyware: Fraudsters use malicious software to infect the victim's computer or mobile device.
What bank is the safest to put your money?
Bank | Forbes Advisor Rating | Products |
---|---|---|
Chase Bank | 5.0 | Checking, Savings, CDs |
Bank of America | 4.2 | Checking, Savings, CDs |
Wells Fargo Bank | 4.0 | Savings, checking, money market accounts, CDs |
Citi® | 4.0 | Checking, savings, CDs |
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.
One of the key benefits with online banking means you can pay all your bills or make payments through your bank's website. You can set up direct debits, standing orders, and even send money to friends and family members.
- No Actual Branches. ...
- Tech-Related Service Disruptions. ...
- Concerns about Identity Theft and Security. ...
- Deposit Restrictions. ...
- Faster is Not Always More Convenient. ...
- No Relationship with a Personal Banker. ...
- Limited Services Scope. ...
- Possibility of Overspending.
- Security problems: Online hackers' hacking of e-banking systems has led to several security problems. ...
- High Start-Up Cost: It costs a lot to set up different computers, software, hardware, a modem, and an internet network.
The tides have shifted, and the majority of Americans are now on board with digital banking. As of 2022, 78% of adults in the U.S. prefer to bank via a mobile app or website. Only 29% of Americans prefer to bank in person.
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.
Is Chase Bank FDIC insured? Yes, all Chase bank accounts are FDIC insured (FDIC# 628) up to $250,000 per depositor, for each account ownership category, in the event of a bank failure.
# | Bank | TCRE to Equity |
---|---|---|
1 | Dime Community Bank | 656.80% |
2 | First Foundation Bank | 598.20% |
3 | Provident Bank | 546.30% |
4 | Valley National Bank | 471.60% |
Bank | The Ascent's Rating |
---|---|
Chase | 4.50 |
U.S. Bank | 4.50 |
PNC Bank | 4.50 |
Western Alliance Bank | 4.25 |
What is the most popular online bank in the US?
- Top 10 online banks. Bank5 Connect. Zynlo. Quontic. SoFi. American Express. Ally. Laurel Road. Everbank. Capital One. Discover.
- Pros & cons of online banking.
- Frequently asked questions.
- Our methodology.
If your online bank is part of an ATM network, you can deposit cash into your online account via a linked cash machine. You can also consider getting a reloadable prepaid debit card that you can deposit cash onto and link it to your online bank account.
Allay Consumers' Fears
Consistent with Ponemon Institute's other Privacy Trust studies, the biggest fear consumers have is identity theft (82%), followed by unauthorized access to their bank accounts and telemarketing abuse.
Banks typically do not have direct access to information about a customer's accounts at other financial institutions. However, they may be able to obtain information about your other accounts through various means such as a credit report, if you give them permission to do so, or through a court order.
- Don't Go for the Obvious PIN. ...
- Choose a Reliable Bank. ...
- Skip the Public Wi-Fi. ...
- Choose a Strong Password… ...
- 5. … ...
- Enable the Text Alerts Feature. ...
- React Promptly in the Case of Fraud. ...
- The Bottom Line.
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