Banking online gives you a convenient way to make bank transactions and pay bills from home. You are not limited by the hours that the bank is open for walk-in or drive-through customers; transactions made online after closing time are recorded the next business day in most banks. If you do your banking online, take into consideration safety measures to protect your identity and your bank account.
Open a Web browser and navigate to your bank's website. Find an icon that will take you to its online banking section.
Apply for an online banking account, if you did not apply for one at your bank. The application requires you to provide your contact information and other requested information. Ensure you have all the data correct the first time you submit the application.
Create a username and password. When choosing your password, make it different from passwords you use for other sites. Adding a single digit to your username and password increases your security, as does choosing a word from a foreign language, according to Dan Barker, a computer security teacher at Duke University. In addition, change your password regularly and do not have it saved in your browser.
Wait for your application to be approved. Depending on your bank, this can take from 1 to 3 business days.
Log in to your online banking account. Familiarize yourself with navigating your online bank account, and view the information for the checking and savings account you have linked to your online account. You can view online statements, recent transactions, withdrawals or deposits.
Locate an option labeled "Transactions." Choose the "Make Transaction" option.
Input the details for the transaction you want to make. This usually is done via radio buttons or drop-down boxes. For example, if you want to transfer $100 from your checking account to your savings account, you would input "100.00" into the box representing the amount to transfer, choose your checking account from the "From" menu and your savings account from the "To" menu. Choose the option to finalize your transaction. Some banks allow you to schedule regular transactions on a given date.
Review your transaction details on the next page. The page will typically give you the date your funds are expected to transfer. If you see any mistakes, go back and correct them by using the Back button provided by the site. Never use your browser's Back button; it compromises security.
Tips
For additional security, print out a record of your transactions.
Tips
- For additional security, print out a record of your transactions.
Writer Bio
Michael Smathers studies history at the University of West Georgia. He has written freelance online for three years, and has been a Demand Studios writer since April 2009. Michael has written content on health, fitness, the physical sciences and martial arts. He has also written product reviews and help articles for video games on BrightHub, and martial arts-related articles on Associated Content.