Internet banking

Once you have a bank account and you’re over 16, you don’t even have to leave home to manage your finances. Many banks will let you do it all on the internet.

This activity gives you an idea of how Internet banking works and what it allows you to do, though the exact process and services available differs depending on who you bank with.

Imagine your name is Karl Lawrence and you want to find out how much you have in your account.

Remember the information below, you will need it for the activity.

Your customer number is 2804810204
Your PIN is 1018
Your password is manu13dp


Please note: if using an interactive whiteboard, it may not be possible to use the on-screen keyboard for this activity.

Screen from Internet banking

Start the exercise, this will open in a new browser window

Get Flash playerDownload the Flash player (this will open in a new window).


For a text version click here (this will open in a new window).

Please note that different banks have different methods of dealing with security issues and this is one example. Other banks may use an alternative approach e.g. asking specific questions which only the account holder could answer.

Top tips

If you use online banking, it is important to be aware of “phishing” – a criminal activity in which people try to gather your personal details (such as your PINs, passwords and credit card details) by contacting you by email pretending to be from a trustworthy source, such as a bank.

A common example of phishing is when you receive an email, often on an urgent basis, claiming that you need to update your bank account details by clicking on a link. This link then takes you to a site asking for your full PIN and full password.

Remember:

  • Your bank will NEVER call you or email you asking for details such as this. Never provide any personal information or your account details to any third parties you are not expecting contact with.
  • Many banks only ever ask you to in part of your PIN or password, not the whole thing.
  • If you are buying anything online only use secure sites. You should see a padlock sign similar to the one below if the site is a secure payment site. Remember that a secure browser address changes from http to https. If you are in any doubt whatsoever do not proceed with any transaction.
    Secure site padlock
  • If you are buying or selling online, think about whether the person or organisation you are dealing with is trustworthy. If selling online, never send out any goods until you receive full payment. Never provide your full personal details online.
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