Digital Banking: The Online Security Arsenal at Your Fingertips
Due to the plethora of convenient digital services and online apps, the traditional way we do banking has changed. According to a recent study by Forbes, the U.S. Consumer Banking Statistics indicates that 78% of Americans prefer using online or mobile banking over using an ATM, or visiting a physical branch to manage their accounts. Even if you're someone who already finds themself in this statistic, keep reading to make sure you're taking advantage of all the features at your fingertips.
The Rise of Digital Banking
Due to the popularity of digital banking options, security is of the utmost importance and the safety of your online accounts is a top priority.
Here are some ways you can use our digital banking services to reduce your risk of falling victim to scams, hackers, and online threats.
Online Security Measures for Digital Banking Users
Mobile Wallets: Convenient and Secure
A mobile wallet, created especially for your mobile devices, allowing you to make secure purchases with only your phone. Mobile wallets offer a safe and convenient way to shop online or in person because the advanced technology ensures your card information is properly encrypted, not being stored on your phone or sent to the store. Benefits include convenience (no need to carry your physical card), faster payment, less fraud, and secure encryption and tokenization.
Online Banking Alerts: Real-Time Account Monitoring
Online banking alerts helps you closely monitor account activities. These real-time communications give you up-to-date info such as transaction notifications so you can take immediate action if something in your account doesn't seem right. The instant notifications gives you the ability to report fraud faster so that any transactions that you did not authorize can be blocked. Whether it's low balance texts or large purchase push notifications, online and mobile banking alerts are a great tool in helping keep your accounts and money safe.
Debit Card Management Tools: Taking Control of Your Card
Your debit card is literally the key to all of your money in the digital banking world. Keeping your physical card and information on it safe is crucial to avoid identity theft and fraudulent charges. If your debit card is lost or stolen, having the ability to take immediate action to shut down your card will lessen the chances of becoming a victim of fraud. With these self-service card management options inside the Allegiance Credit Union Mobile App, you can quickly turn off or deactivate your debit card - temporarily or permanently - anytime.
Credit Monitoring
Checking your credit report frequently is another way to prevent widespread fraud. Tools like the free Credit Score feature inside the Allegiance Credit Union Mobile App, allows you to see what lines of credit and loans are open under your name on a daily basis. You'll be able to catch anything suspicious much quicker than if you wait until the next time you go to apply for credit and realize someone has been taking out trade lines in your name.
eStatements: A Paperless Approach to Account Information
eStatements are a great for those who prefer digital record keeping while also adding another layer of security to protecting account information. This digital option eliminates the risk of stolen identity from paper statements becoming lost or stolen in the mail. Not only are e-Statements convenient and secure, they also reduce your carbon footprint by going green.
Bill Pay: Streamlining Your Finances
Bill Pay is a tool that is used to conveniently organize and pay bills via Online Banking or our Mobile App. Paying bills electronically via this method is safer because it using an encrypted website securing your information from getting into the wrong hands. In addition to this, you can schedule recurring payments and payment reminders to ensure bills are paid on time, save money spent on postage, checks, envelopes, etc., from anywhere at any time.
Take Steps to Protect Your Accounts and Personal Information
To remain vigilant against online threats, people must educate themselves on the best practices for online security and be aware of the latest scams from spoofed online shopping sites to phishing emails and texts designed to trick you into giving personal information.
Allegiance stands strong against fraud for its members and is here to help protect your assets through financial education, offering Identity Theft Protection, and making data security a top priority of our credit union.
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