Online Banking 101: A Beginner’s Guide
Life can be busy. Between work, vacations, and family obligations, you may not have time to go to the bank. That’s why online banking can be a valuable asset in your financial management strategy. At Citizens Bank, we want to empower you to make the best decisions possible about your finances, including where and how you choose to bank. That’s why we’re here to help our members explore the many benefits that online and mobile banking can offer.
The Benefits of Online Banking
Due to its convenience, nearly 80% of Americans now prefer to use online banking. While you may know that online banking is more convenient than visiting a branch in person, you may not know about the other benefits this service offers.
1. Access Your Account Anytime
If your personal schedule doesn’t allow you to visit your bank during its regular business hours, you can still access your account online 24/7. If you’re not near your computer, no problem. Many banks, including Citizens, have apps you can use to access your account on your smartphone. You can even deposit money into your account using mobile deposit capture features.
2. Pay Bills Online
Paying bills can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. Many online banking platforms include an integrated bill-pay feature, internal and external transfers, and loan payment options. You no longer have to spend time and money on postage and writing checks to pay your bills.
3. Track Your Finances
Online banking also makes it easy to manage your budget. Along with providing a real-time register of your transactions, tools to monitor financial health, like Citizens Bank’s MoneyTracker, included in your online banking platform make budgeting easy. This, in turn, gives you greater control over your spending and helps you to reach your financial goals faster.
How to Bank Online Securely
One common concern bank members have about online banking is security. Banks, like Citizens, have responded to this concern by implementing a variety of features into their online banking platforms to protect users and their information. Using these features and practicing wise personal security habits make online banking a safe experience for all users.
1. Secure Money Transferring
When using online banking to pay bills or send money to friends or family, you may be concerned about how it will reach its destination. ACH transfers and P2P payments allow for secure and convenient payment processing. With these features, you can securely transfer money to any business or personal account.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication
Who can access your bank account is one of the most important things to consider regarding its security. That’s why we recommend that our members set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all of their online banking accounts. This can be done using a PIN number or code texted to your phone. By adding layers to authenticate your identity when you log on, MFA strengthens security measures.
3. Unusual Activity Alerts
Many online banking platforms monitor fraud and other unusual activity on your bank or credit card account. When this type of activity is detected, it sends an alert to your phone or email. However, you do need to make sure that this is enabled on your account for it to work. If you receive such an alert, contact Citizens Bank to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Bank From Anywhere
Online and mobile banking can be a convenient, secure way to access your bank account from anywhere in the world. If you would like to start using online banking, contact Citizens Bank. Our experienced personal and business bankers can help you set up your account and answer any questions you may have.
Sign Up for Online Banking at Citizens Bank in Tennessee
Start enjoying the convenience and security that online banking can offer with Citizens Bank. We can help you set up your account and provide you with the resources to manage your finances. Contact us online, call us at (615) 327-9787, or visit one of our branches in Nashville or Memphis to get started today!