Is it safe to manage a checking account on computer banking?

Question

I pay all of my bills etc on my computer thru my bank. My boyfriend says its not safe. What do you think?

Answer 1

Its safe.
They are very secure with bank sites and checking sites.

Answer 2

You may not be able to get a bank account in the UK because the banks are scared witless on laundering money. When you go into a branch, the person you will deal with will be an automaton, knows nothing, won't ask, and thinks they have done a good job when you have walked out the door in disgust having achieved nothing. A lot of the Polish and other east Europeans working here, use prepaid credit cards or bank cards that their salary can be paid into. Another way is to get an English friend to open a basic bank account in their name but you run the account via the debit card. The banks will charge you for converting your cheques ( checks to you ) and it can take 2 weeks.

Answer 3

I think it is, I use it. You just gotta be really carefull. make sure the site that you are on has some sort of Privacy and Security protection on it. READ everything before you type in your account info. becareful when you type in your social security number. Banking websites are usually safe. Always print out a confirmation receipt or some sort of confirmation that shows your transaction and the amount paid or balance.

Answer 4

It is safe as long as u know how to handle a computer.

First rule : Don't talk to strangers.
Second rule : Don't have anything offered by strangers (any kind of file)
Third rule : Don't install any third party software till u know that it's from a trusted site.

Last of all your bank has their own security. So don't worry.

Answer 5

I do the same, and I have had very few problems. I think it all depends on two factors: your bank's security, and the security measures you take with your computer at home.

We have two computers, one for me, and one for my husband. He is terrible about the security on his, and isn't always careful about updating security services. He also regularly opens links on unsolicited emails "just to see", and he downloads video clips about his hobbies (outdoor sports) from sites which have no security attached to them. We have caught viruses, and really nasty ones, on his computer before because he is not tremendously careful. We had one trojan virus on his computer that tracked keystrokes, and I was the one who found it, and I was the one who contacted the bank and had passwords, etc., changed to protect our accounts. We now do all financial stuff on my computer, and I am very careful about maintaining security. I don't ever store any passwords with cookies, I don't open up questionable links, and I have my security service set up to do regular scans for viruses and hackers. I also have a firewall.

Our main problem, in my area, anyway, is that there has been trouble in the past with regular mail delivery. In the last year, several mail carriers have been fired in our area for dumping mail in large batches instead of delivering it. Also, people regularly take both outgoing and incoming mail out of mailboxes. It got to the point where I was not comfortable paying bills with checks because I never knew if my check, and also my checking account information, were going to end up in the right hands. I now use checks only if I am paying for goods or services right there on the spot, such as at a grocery store.

One definite benefit of handling things through my bank's bill paying service is that we haven't had any late payments in the time we have been doing it. My bills go in like clockwork, whether I feel well or not. That was a tremendous problem for us before, as I am often sick, and I can be in bed for days with migraines. Also, I don't have to worry if a statement gets lost, because I know I am not going to forget to pay something just because I haven't got the piece of paper to remind me. Our credit rating, which was suffering, is now rock-solid and continues to rise.

Just make sure that you and your bank are taking security seriously. Only bank from one computer, and make sure it is as secure as you can make it. Don't store passwords or PINs on your computer--enter them by hand each time you log on. Check your balances and checking history regularly so you can track any suspicious activity. I think if you do those things, you should be fine.

Answer 6

My mom managers hers on line as do I, and it is extremely safe! Our bank told us it is almost safer than carrying you cards into the bank because they cannot be stolen!

Answer 7

According to the banks, it is safe. According to the software manufacturers, it is safe. It has been tried and tested and proven to be safe, therefore, it should be safe.

Answer 8

Make sure it's an SSL link, https:// not http:// it's a certificate, if this is not the case, well the site is secure but its like level 9 security not 10.

Answer 9

yes its perfectly safe . most banks wont hold you responsible for fraudulent charges anyways.

Answer 10

Best thing you can do!!! Forget him, tell him to get with it, sounds like hes computer shy, people say that who just don't get it!