Is digital banking safe?
Mobile banking is considered safe if you use a secure internet connection and access your accounts from a trusted app.
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.
Short answer: Yes. Online banks are some of the safest places to store your money. In many ways, they're similar to traditional brick-and-mortar banks. But it's important to follow standard web best practices when banking online.
Kyle Marchini, a fraud management expert, told Burnette that it's easier to download malware using a browser than it is with apps. However, it's possible to unknowingly download a false version of your financial institution's banking app through a platform like Google Play or the App Store.
It is vital to understand the risks and security concerns that come with internet banking, though. Significant security issues include identity theft, fraud, use of weak passwords, phishing attacks, unsecure networks and devices, ignorance, insider threats, and system flaws.
As long as an online bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), it will offer the same coverage as the FDIC-insured bank down the street. The FDIC covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category.
#1: Security
For many people who are wary of digital banking, security is their first concern and the biggest potential disadvantage of accessing their money using a computer or mobile device. Safety should be a priority and it's important to ensure that your financial institution has put protections in place.
Online banking allows you to make deposits, pay bills, and transfer money anytime—from anywhere. It's so easy that often, you don't even have to think about what you're doing. Hackers know that. They count on moments of vulnerability—when you might never even notice—to break into your bank account.
Kyle Marchini, senior analyst in fraud management with research-based advisory firm Javelin Strategy & Research: "I give bank apps on mobile devices the edge when it comes to safety,” Marchini says. With computers, he says, it is easier to inadvertently download malware from hackers.
Chase is also the largest bank in the U.S. in terms of asset size. Chase customers have access to many security features, including multi-factor authentication, virtual card numbers, account alerts and debit card locking, for increased digital safety.
Can hackers access your banking app?
Data breaches occur when cybercriminals exploit website or system vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive information. A bank may experience a data breach if they don't prioritize cybersecurity—and hackers can also use stolen data to compromise mobile banking apps.
Why does this distinction matter? Because banks have more control over the security of your account when you use their app than they do when you use a website. For example, scammers can create phishing sites that look like your bank's login page or intercept your Wi-Fi network as you enter your credentials online.
A bank app may be safer than your bank's website -- but you'll still need to take security precautions. Dashia is a staff writer for CNET Money who covers all angles of personal finance, including credit cards and banking.
- 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.
Cons of online banks:
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. Check deposits, done online or on a mobile app, may take longer to process. They aren't a good fit for everyone.
- 1 Higher Chance of Scams. You have a significantly higher chance of being victim to a scam when you use your online banking system and account. ...
- 2 Deposits Can Take Days. ...
- 3 Hidden Fees. ...
- 4 Annual or Monthly Fees. ...
- 5 Identity Theft.
The short answer is no. Banks cannot take your money without your permission, at least not legally. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures deposits up to $250,000 per account holder, per bank. If the bank fails, you will return your money to the insured limit.
Bank NameBank | CityCity | Closing DateClosing |
---|---|---|
Heartland Tri-State Bank | Elkhart | July 28, 2023 |
First Republic Bank | San Francisco | May 1, 2023 |
Signature Bank | New York | March 12, 2023 |
Silicon Valley Bank | Santa Clara | March 10, 2023 |
When banks fail, the most common outcome is that another bank takes over the assets and your accounts are simply transferred over. If not, the FDIC will pay you out. Funds beyond the protected amount may still be reimbursed, but the FDIC does not guarantee this.
The rise of digital payments has increased the potential for financial crime risks (namely fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions risks).
What are the do's and don'ts about digital banking services?
Never share your CVV no. Don't share your password or CVV details orally with banks. Bank never asks for confidential information like user ID, password, credit card number, CVV, etc, via mail, SMS or bank initiated phone calls. Don't access bank website from a link provided in an email from any source.
Final answer: Digital banking does not offer the ability to speak to a representative in person but provides other benefits such as ease of use, convenience, and similar features to in-person banking.
- 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.
The bank or credit union must then resolve the issue in 45 days, unless the disputed transactions were conducted in a foreign country, were conducted within 30 days of account opening, or were debit card point-of-sale purchases. In those cases, you may have to wait as long as 90 days for the issue to be fully resolved.
If you've been scammed, your bank may refund the money stolen from your account; but it depends on the amount, how long it took to report the fraud, and the way the money was stolen. While that may not be comforting, you do have some protections as a victim of fraud, including: The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).