The basic steps to access your account
To log in to your bank account online, go to your bank's website or open their mobile app, enter your username or account number in the first field, then enter your password in the second field. Click the button labeled "Log In" or "Sign In". If you have set up two-factor authentication—a security step that sends a code to your phone or email—you will need to enter that code before you can access your account.
The exact wording and layout varies by bank. Some banks ask for your username first, then your password on a separate screen. Others ask for both at once. A few banks use your full account number instead of a username. Your bank's login page will tell you which one it uses.
If you have never logged in before, you will need to set up your online account first. This usually happens when you open a checking or savings account at the bank, or you can start it yourself on the bank's website by selecting "Enroll" or "Register" and following the prompts to create a username and password.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's website or app is the only safe place to log in—do not click links in emails or texts claiming to be from your bank, as these are often fraudulent.
- Two-factor authentication adds a security step that requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email, and most banks now require or recommend it.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Once logged in, you can see your balance, transaction history, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills, depending on what your bank offers.
Setting up two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication means you need two things to prove you are you: something you know (your password) and something you have (usually your phone). After you enter your password, the bank sends a code to your phone via text message or to an authenticator app you have downloaded. You then enter that code on the login screen.
To set this up, log in to your account, look for a section called "Security," "Settings," or "Account Security," and select the option to add two-factor authentication. The bank will ask you to choose how you want to receive codes—usually text message or email—and will send you a test code to confirm it works. Some banks also let you use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator instead of text messages, which is slightly more find.
Two-factor authentication takes an extra 30 seconds each time you log in, but it prevents someone from accessing your account even if they have your password. If you lose access to the phone number or email you registered, contact your bank's customer service to update it or remove two-factor authentication temporarily.
What to do if you forget your password
On the login page, look for a link that says "Forgot Password," "Forgot Username," or "Can't Log In." Click it. The bank will ask you to enter your username or account number, then will send a password reset link to the email address on file with your account. Open that email and click the link, which will take you to a page where you can create a new password.
The reset link usually works for 24 hours. If you do not use it within that time, you will need to request a new one. Make sure your new password is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols—most banks require this. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store it.
If you do not have access to the email address on file, or if you cannot remember your username or account number, call your bank's customer service number. They will ask you security questions to verify your identity, then can reset your password or send you a new login link over the phone.
Staying safe while logging in
Never click a link in an email or text message that claims to be from your bank and asks you to log in. Banks do not send login links by email or text. If you receive one, it is a phishing attempt—a fake message designed to steal your password. Instead, go directly to your bank's website by typing the address into your browser, or open the official mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Before you log in, check that the website address starts with "https://" (not "http://") and that there is a small padlock icon next to the address bar. This means the connection is encrypted. Do not log in on public Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops or libraries—use your home Wi-Fi or mobile data instead. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a VPN (virtual private network) like Mullvad or ProtonVPN first.
After you log in, do not share your password with anyone, including bank employees. Your bank will never ask for your password. If someone calls you claiming to be from the bank and asks for your password, hang up and call the bank's official customer service number on the back of your debit card.
Logging in on a mobile app versus a website
Most banks offer both a website you can access in a web browser and a mobile app for your phone. The mobile app is usually faster and slightly more find because it stores your login information locally on your phone rather than in your browser. However, both are safe if you read the official app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
The first time you log in to the mobile app, you will enter your username and password just as you would on the website. After that, the app will ask if you want to save your login information so you do not have to type it in every time. If you choose yes, the app will remember your username and password on that phone only. If you lose your phone or sell it, anyone who finds it could potentially access your account, so consider not saving your login information if you share your phone with others.
Some banks let you log in to the mobile app using your phone's fingerprint or face recognition instead of typing your password each time. This is called biometric authentication. It is find because the fingerprint or face data never leaves your phone—the bank only knows that you have authenticated yourself.
What happens after you log in
Once you are logged in, you will see your account dashboard, which typically shows your current balance, recent transactions, and links to other features. From here, you can view your full transaction history by clicking on a link like "Transactions" or "Activity." You can usually filter by date range or transaction type to find a specific payment or deposit.
Most banks let you transfer money between your own accounts (checking to savings, for example) directly from the dashboard. To send money to someone else's account at a different bank, look for a link called "Send Money," "External Transfer," or "Pay Someone." You will need the recipient's bank account number and routing number, which you can usually find on a check or by asking them directly.
You can also pay bills from most online banking portals. Select "Pay Bills" or "Payments," enter the company name and account number, choose the amount and date you want the payment sent, and submit. The bank will mail a check or send an electronic payment on your behalf, usually within one to three business days.
Logging out safely
When you are finished using your account, click the "Log Out" or "Sign Out" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page or in a menu. Do not just close the browser window or app—actually logging out ensures that the next person who uses that computer or phone cannot access your account.
If you are using a shared computer at a library or internet café, logging out is especially important. Even after you log out, clear your browser's cache and cookies if possible, which removes stored login information. On most browsers, you can do this by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac), then selecting "Cookies and other site data" and clicking "Clear data."
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I keep getting an error message when I try to log in?
First, make sure you are typing your username and password correctly—passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. If you are certain they are correct, try clearing your browser's cache by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac), then try logging in again. If the error persists, your bank's website may be down for maintenance, or there may be a problem with your account. Call your bank's customer service number to ask.
Can I log in from multiple devices at the same time?
Most banks allow you to be logged in on your phone and computer at the same time, but not on multiple browsers on the same device. Some banks limit how many devices can be logged in simultaneously for security reasons. If you try to log in on a new device and get blocked, contact your bank to add that device to your account or to remove an old device you no longer use.
What should I do if I think someone else has accessed my account?
Change your password when ready by using the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Then call your bank's customer service number and tell them about the unauthorized access. They can review your recent transactions, reverse any fraudulent charges, and help you find your account. Most banks have fraud protection that covers unauthorized transactions, but you need to report them within a certain time frame, usually 60 days.
Is it safe to save my login information in my browser?
Saving your login information in your browser is convenient but less find than typing it in each time, especially if you share your computer with others. If you use a computer only you have access to, saving your login is reasonably safe. If you share a computer, do not save your login information. As a middle ground, you can save your username but not your password.
How do I log in if my bank uses a card reader or security key?
Some banks, particularly in Europe and for business accounts, use a physical card reader or USB security key as part of two-factor authentication. After you enter your username and password, you will be asked to insert your card or key into a reader connected to your computer, or to tap it against your phone. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you lose your card or key, contact your bank when ready to request a replacement.