How to Enroll in Home Banking

Many banking institutions now offer online banking, allowing you to manage your money from home any time of day. Getting started with online banking is relatively simple. The following steps will guide you through the process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Password that’s tough to break but easy for you to remember
• A high-speed internet connection (optional but preferred)
• Computer with anti-spyware and anti-virus protections
• Filing cabinet to store printed statements
• Account and personal info – including a safe email address

1. Visit your bank’s Web site and sign up for an account. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your checking account number, your Social Security number and your address. Make sure the Web site uses security measures before you give out important information.
2. If you don’t a have a regular bank, you can find online institutions that can give you good interest rates and can help you set up an account either via Web chat or via toll free help.
3. Memorize your password and/or authentication key. Never pass out this information to anyone else. If you need to write this info down to remember it, keep the document out of view, preferably in a secure filing cabinet.
4. Get information on the bank’s additional services, which may include online bill paying and fast loan applications.
5. Ensure that the computers you use to access online banking are secure and up-to-date. Tech-savvy hackers can break into a poorly defended computer and actually watch you type your passwords. Use anti-spyware and anti-virus software as added levels of security on your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Many online banking programs will allow you to download checking and savings information directly into a money management program for easier accounting.
• Print out your online transactions statements and save them in a remote place.
• If you use electronic bill paying, double-check your printed statements to ensure the accuracy of your payments.
• Avoid identity theft and fraud. Protect all your key account and personal information.
• Never enter info in a bank’s Web site unless you are sure the URL is correct and legitimate. Identity thieves have been known to create fake online banking sites for the express purpose of obtaining passwords and/or getting social security and identity information.