How Online Banking Works — and How Safe It Really Is
Is Online Banking Safe?
Yes. Online banking is designed with multiple layers of security, including encryption, authentication tools, and fraud monitoring, to help protect your information and accounts.
At National Bank of Commerce (NBC), we use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection beyond your username and password. If our online banking system detects a change in your login conditions, you may be asked to verify your identity using a code sent by phone or text. It’s also important to make sure you’re accessing online banking through a trusted website, as fraudsters may create fake login pages designed to steal your login credentials.
You can take additional steps to help protect your accounts, including using strong, unique passwords, enabling account alerts, and avoiding suspicious links or unexpected requests for personal information. If you notice unusual activity or believe your account may have been compromised, contact NBC as soon as possible.
What Is Online and Mobile Banking?
Online and mobile banking lets you manage your accounts from your computer or phone. In both, you can:
- View recent transactions
- Pay bills
- Review monthly statements
- Transfer money between accounts
Mobile banking also includes remote check deposit, which allows you to deposit a check by taking a photo in the app.
How Secure Is Mobile Banking on Your Phone?
A benefit of mobile banking is the ability to use an app to access your account on your phone rather than a browser. As mentioned above, fraudsters can create fake websites that look like your online banking login, whereas it is much more difficult to create a fake app to imitate your mobile banking app. Mobile banking apps can also leverage Face ID and other biometrics unique to mobile phones for enhanced security. Using this feature adds another layer of protection if your phone is ever lost or stolen.
What Customers Can Do to Stay Secure
You play an important role in protecting your accounts. A few best practices:
- Use strong, unique passwords
Mix upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid reusing passwords, especially for online banking. - Avoid public Wi‑Fi
While convenient, public Wi-Fi can be vulnerable to fraud and should not be used on your computer when accessing online banking or other secure websites. - Set up alerts
Transaction and card alerts can notify you of unusual activity, large purchases, or specific types of transactions. These alerts help you monitor your account without having to log in.
When to Contact Your Bank Immediately
Timing matters when something looks off. Contact NBC right away if you notice:
- Suspicious transactions
- Login attempts you don’t recognize
- Alerts about new devices or locked accounts
Call 715.394.5531 or use the ‘Conversations’ feature in online or mobile banking. If a transaction is fraudulent, our team will guide you through the dispute process and help secure your account.
If you lock yourself out of online banking, you can call us for assistance or use the ‘Forgot?’ option to reset your password.
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FAQs
It can be simply by the way a mobile banking app is set up in comparison to accessing online banking through a browser. That said, we use strong encryption and security technologies to ensure your online and mobile banking access is safe and secure.
Fraudsters use many tactics, but strong passwords and security features greatly reduce your risk. Always access online banking through trusted links – never through unexpected emails or texts.
Contact NBC immediately. We’ll review the activity, help secure your account, and guide you through any necessary dispute or return processes.
Conclusion
Online and mobile banking make managing your money convenient and accessible, while multiple security features help protect your accounts. By using strong passwords, monitoring your accounts, and knowing what to watch for, you can take an active role in keeping your information secure. For more tips on protecting your personal information, visit our Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention resource.