How to Use Your Bank's App Safely

Check your balance, pay bills, and transfer money securely using your bank's official app — and spot the fakes.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Download only the official app
2.Set up Face ID or fingerprint login
3.Check your balance and transactions
4.Pay a bill or transfer money
5.Spot a fake banking app or scam

Download only the official app

~23s

Go to your bank's website (type the address yourself — don't click links from emails or texts) and look for the "App Store" or "Google Play" button. This takes you directly to the real app. Fake banking apps exist in app stores — always download from your bank's own website link, not by searching.

Quick Tip

Real banking apps are free. If an app charges money to download, it's fake.

Set up Face ID or fingerprint login

~19s

Once you've logged in with your username and password the first time, your bank will offer to set up biometric login (Face ID on iPhone, or fingerprint on most Android and iPhone devices). Accept this — it's both more secure AND faster than typing a password. Your bank will walk you through the setup.

Check your balance and transactions

~23s

Open the app and tap your current account to see your balance. Scroll down to see recent transactions. If you see anything you don't recognize, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card — not a number from a suspicious email or text.

Quick Tip

Check your balance weekly — catching problems early is key. Set up transaction notifications so your bank texts you for every purchase.

Pay a bill or transfer money

~25s

To pay a bill or transfer money, look for "Pay & Transfer," "Payments," or a similar option in the app menu. You'll need the recipient's sort code and account number (shown on their invoice or bank statement). Always double-check the digits before confirming — transfers cannot always be reversed.

Quick Tip

For a new payee, your bank may call or text you to verify. This is normal and a good security measure — never cancel this check.

Spot a fake banking app or scam

~25s

Your bank will NEVER ask for your full password, PIN, or one-time code via text, email, phone call, or in-app message. If anything asks for these, hang up or close the app and call your bank directly. Scammers sometimes impersonate banks perfectly — the real test is whether they ask for information your bank already has.

Quick Tip

Save your bank's genuine phone number in your contacts now, so you always have it when needed.

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finance

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