Online Banking Tips

Online Banking Basics

• Read the fine print on online fees. Free is not always best.
• Don't expect to pay all bills electronically. Some bills, such as court ordered payments, can’t be made online.
• Insist on free customer support.
• Back up the banking files that are updated on your computer after each online session.
• Log off after each online session. This is done by clicking “log off” or a similar button on your bank’s website. 
• Close your browser window when you have completed your session.
• Change passwords regularly, at least every 30 days, and make sure you use both letters and numbers in your password.
• Use virus protection software.
• Keep all applications, including your operating system, up-to-date.
• Download critical operating system updates on a monthly basis. If you run Windows 98 or above, get regular updates here.
• Turn off your computer or disconnect from the network when not in use.

Protecting Your Privacy

• Confirm that your online bank is legitimate and that your deposits are federally insured. Click here for information and tips from the FDIC.
• Check with your bank and your Internet service provider for more information about how to protect your privacy online.
• Protect yourself from fraudulent Web sites. Most bank Web sites have an “About Us” section or something similar that describes the institution and information about its insurance coverage from the FDIC.
• Look at your bank's Web site for information about its security practices, or contact the bank directly.
• Never provide your debit card or credit card PIN to anyone online regardless of what screen prompts appear on your computer. No legitimate online banking application will request your PIN.
• Routinely run a spyware or adware detection program on your computer in order to eliminate Trojans. Lavasoft's Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy are free programs that can be downloaded free of charge at http://www.download.com/.
• Do not store access numbers and passwords on your computer.
• Do not use the AutoComplete feature for filling out Internet Forms.
• Before entering any access numbers, PINs, account numbers or other personal data, ensure that the website is "secure." Secure websites are denoted by a closed lock at the bottom of your browser window.
• Always log off at the end of your session.
• Use caution when downloading software from the internet. Only download programs from trusted sites and use your updated anti-virus software to scan downloaded programs before running them on your system.