Where to change your password depends on your bank

Most banks let you change your password through their website or mobile app — usually in a settings or security section. Some banks also let you change it by phone with customer service, and a few still require you to visit a branch in person. The fastest way is almost always online or through the app, and it takes about five minutes.

Before you start, know that different banks call this feature different things. Some say "password," some say "online banking password," and some separate your password from your PIN (a four-digit number you use at ATMs). This guide covers passwords for logging into your account online or on your phone — not ATM PINs, which you change at an ATM machine itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password online, through your bank's app, or by calling customer service — the online method is fastest and available 24 hours.
  • Your bank will ask you to prove who you are before letting you change anything, usually by asking security questions or sending a code to your phone.
  • Your new password must meet your bank's rules, which usually mean at least 8 characters and a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • After you change your password, you will be logged out of all devices and will need to log back in with your new password.
  • If you forget your password before changing it, use the "Forgot Password" link on your bank's login page rather than calling — it is faster and works 24/7.

Changing your password online or through the app

Log into your bank account on the website or open the mobile app. Look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) or a settings gear icon, often in the top right or bottom of the screen. Tap or click on it and search for words like "Security," "Settings," "Account Settings," or "Change Password."

Click on the password change option. Your bank will ask you to enter your current password to confirm it is really you. Type it in and continue. Next, you will see a screen asking for your new password. Type in a password that meets your bank's requirements — usually at least 8 characters long and containing a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #.

After you enter your new password, the system will ask you to type it again to make sure there are no typos. Once you confirm, your password is changed. You will usually be logged out when ready, and the next time you log in, you will use your new password.

Changing your password by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you want to change your online banking password. They will ask you security questions to confirm your identity — questions like your mother's maiden name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or the answer to a question you set up when you opened the account.

Once you have answered the questions correctly, the representative will guide you through creating a new password. They may give you a temporary password over the phone, or they may ask you to create one yourself while they listen. After the call ends, log out of your account completely, then log back in with your new password to make sure it works.

What to do if you forgot your password

Go to your bank's login page and look for a link that says "Forgot Password," "Forgot Your Password," or "Can't Log In." Click it. Your bank will ask you to enter your username or the email address linked to your account.

Next, the bank will send you a link or a code to reset your password. This usually arrives by email or text message within a few minutes. Click the link or enter the code on the bank's website, and you will be taken to a screen where you can create a new password. Follow the same rules as above — at least 8 characters, mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

This process works 24 hours a day and does not require you to call anyone. If you do not receive an email or text within 10 minutes, check your spam or junk folder, or call customer service to confirm your contact information is correct.

Password rules your bank will enforce

Every bank has slightly different rules for passwords, but most require the same basic things. Your password must be at least 8 characters long — some banks require 10 or 12. It must contain uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), at least one number (0–9), and at least one special character like !, @, #, $, or %.

Most banks will not let you reuse a password you have used before — usually your last 3 to 5 passwords are blocked. Some banks also require you to change your password every 90 days, though this is becoming less common. If your bank has this rule, you will see a warning on your account when it is time to change it.

When you create your new password, avoid using information that is straightforward to guess, like your birth date, your name, or a straightforward sequence like 123456. A good password is random or based on a phrase only you would know — for example, the first letter of each word in a sentence you remember, mixed with a number and a symbol.

What happens after you change your password

You will be logged out of your account on all devices — your phone, your computer, your tablet, anywhere you were logged in. This is a security feature. The next time you try to access your account, you will see the login screen and will need to enter your username and your new password.

If you have your bank's app on your phone, you may need to log in again there as well. Some apps will ask you to log in the next time you open them; others will let you stay logged in but will ask for your password the next time you try to move money or change account settings.

If your password change does not work

If you see an error message saying your new password does not meet the requirements, check that it is long enough and contains all the types of characters your bank requires. Read the error message carefully — it will tell you what is missing.

If you change your password successfully but cannot log in with the new password afterward, wait a few minutes and try again. Sometimes the system needs a moment to update across all the bank's servers. If you still cannot log in after 15 minutes, call customer service. Do not try to reset your password again — that can lock your account temporarily as a security measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password if I am locked out of my account?

Yes. Go to the login page and click "Forgot Password." You do not need to be logged in to reset your password. The bank will send you a code or link by email or text, and you can create a new password without calling anyone.

Is it safe to change my password on public WiFi?

It is safer to use your home WiFi or your phone's data connection, but changing your password on public WiFi is not dangerous if you are on your bank's real website or app. Make sure you are not on a fake website — check that the web address starts with https:// and matches your bank's official domain.

Do I need to change my ATM PIN when I change my online password?

No. Your online banking password and your ATM PIN are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. You can change your ATM PIN at any ATM machine by selecting the PIN or security code option in the menu.

What if my bank does not have an online password change option?

Call the customer service number on the back of your card or on your bank's website. Older banks or smaller community banks sometimes do not offer online password changes, but customer service can always help you change it over the phone.

How often should I change my password?

If your bank requires it, you will see a notification telling you when. If your bank does not require it, security experts suggest changing your password once a year or whenever you think someone else might know it. You should also change it when ready if you notice suspicious activity on your account.