Skype for Business is not the right tool for your bank account
Skype for Business does not connect to your business checking account at all. If you are trying to use Skype for Business to access your bank account, you are looking in the wrong place. Your bank provides its own login portal, separate from any Microsoft product.
The confusion often happens because "business" appears in both names. Skype for Business is a messaging and video conferencing platform owned by Microsoft. Your business checking account is managed by your bank—Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, a credit union, or another financial institution. They are completely separate systems with separate passwords.
If you cannot sign into your bank account, you need to contact your bank directly, not Microsoft. If you cannot sign into Skype for Business itself, that is a different problem with a different solution.
Key Takeaways
- Skype for Business and your business checking account are separate systems run by different companies with different login credentials.
- To access your business checking account, go to your bank's website or app, not to Skype or Microsoft.
- If you forgot your bank password, use the "Forgot Password" link on your bank's login page, not Skype's.
- If you cannot sign into Skype for Business, the problem is with your Microsoft account or your company's network, not your bank account.
- Your bank's customer service phone number is on your debit card or bank statements; call them if you cannot access your account.
How to access your business checking account
Open your web browser and go directly to your bank's website. The address usually follows a pattern like www.bankname.com or online.bankname.com. You can also find the correct link on any statement, check, or debit card you have from that bank.
Enter your username or account number and your password. These are credentials your bank gave you when you opened the account, not your Microsoft or Skype credentials. If you do not remember them, click "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username" on that bank's login page.
Your bank will send a reset link to your email address or phone number on file. Follow the link, create a new password, and log in. This process takes a few minutes and does not involve Skype, Microsoft, or any third-party service.
If you forgot your bank password
Every bank's password reset process is slightly different, but they all start the same way: click the "Forgot Password" or "Need Help Signing In" link on your bank's login page. You will be asked to verify your identity using information only you and the bank know—usually your Social Security number, date of birth, account number, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.
Some banks send a reset link to your email. Others send a code to your phone via text or call. A few use a combination. Once you verify your identity, you will be able to create a new password and sign in immediately.
If you cannot verify your identity online—for example, if you no longer have access to the email or phone number on file—call your bank's customer service number. The number is on your debit card, checks, or bank statements. A representative can verify you over the phone and help you reset your password or update your contact information.
If you cannot sign into Skype for Business
If the problem is actually with Skype for Business and not your bank account, you are dealing with a Microsoft account issue or a company network issue. Skype for Business is typically used by employees at larger companies for internal communication.
First, make sure you are using the correct username. Many companies use your work email address as your Skype username. If you do not know your username, ask your company's IT department or help desk.
If you know your username but cannot remember your password, go to the Microsoft account recovery page at account.microsoft.com/account/recover. Enter your email address or phone number, and Microsoft will send you a reset link. If that does not work, contact your company's IT help desk, because your company may manage your Skype account differently than a personal Microsoft account.
When to call your bank instead of troubleshooting online
Call your bank immediately if you see unauthorized transactions in your account, if your debit card has been lost or stolen, or if you suspect fraud. Do not try to fix these problems through the website. Your bank's fraud department can freeze your account, issue a new card, and investigate suspicious activity.
Also call your bank if you cannot reset your password after following their online process, if you do not recognize the email or phone number associated with your account, or if you are locked out after too many failed login attempts. Banks have security holds that prevent login after repeated wrong passwords, and only a representative can unlock your account.
Your bank's customer service number is always on your debit card or in your statements. Most banks also have a 24-hour phone line for account access issues.
Separating your bank login from other accounts
Use a different password for your bank account than you use for Skype, email, social media, or any other account. If someone gains access to your Skype password, you do not want them to also have your bank password.
Write your bank password down and store it in a secure place—a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager app like Bitwarden or 1Password. Do not store it in a note on your phone or computer, and do not email it to yourself.
If your company requires you to use Skype for Business for work, that is a separate login from your personal bank account. Keep them completely separate, use different passwords, and do not confuse the two systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skype for Business connected to my bank account in any way?
No. Skype for Business is a messaging platform. Your bank account is managed by your bank. They are completely separate systems with no connection to each other. If you need to access your bank account, go to your bank's website or app, not Skype.
Can I use my Skype password to sign into my bank account?
No. Your bank account has its own username and password, separate from Skype or any other service. Your bank set up these credentials when you opened the account. If you do not remember them, use your bank's password reset process on their login page.
What if I am locked out of my bank account after too many wrong passwords?
Call your bank's customer service number on your debit card or statement. A representative can unlock your account and help you reset your password. Do not keep trying to log in, because each failed attempt may extend the lockout period.
My company uses Skype for Business—does that mean my bank account is connected to my work account?
No. Your company's Skype for Business account is for internal communication only. Your personal or business bank account is completely separate and managed by your bank. They do not share passwords or login information.
Where do I find my bank's login page if I do not know the website address?
Check your debit card, checks, or any bank statement. The bank's website address is usually printed on these items. You can also call the customer service number on your card and ask for the correct web address or app name.