The basic steps to access your account online
To log into your bank account, go to your bank's website or open their mobile app, enter your username or account number, then enter your password. Most banks will send a code to your phone or email as a second verification step before you can see your account. If you have never logged in before, you may need to set up your username and password first—your bank's homepage usually has a link that says "Enroll" or "Register" for new users.
The exact steps vary slightly by bank. Some use a username you create yourself; others use your account number or email address as your login ID. Some send a temporary password to your email that you change on first login. Check your bank's website or call their customer service number (on the back of your card) if you are unsure which method your bank uses.
Key Takeaways
- Visit your bank's official website or app, enter your username or account number, then your password, and complete a second verification step such as a code sent to your phone.
- If you have never logged in, look for an "Enroll" or "Register" link on your bank's homepage to create your login credentials.
- Write down your username in a secure place, but never write down your password—use a password manager instead.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page; your bank will verify your identity before letting you reset it.
- Do not log in on a public Wi-Fi network; use your home internet or your phone's cellular data instead.
Setting up your login for the first time
When you open a new bank account, your bank gives you temporary login information, usually in a welcome letter or email. Go to your bank's website and look for a button or link that says "Enroll," "Register," "Activate Online Banking," or "Set Up Login." Click it and enter the temporary information your bank provided.
You will then create a username and a strong password. A strong password has at least 12 characters and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). Do not use your birthdate, your name, or words from a dictionary. After you create your password, your bank will ask you to set up a second verification method—usually a phone number where they can text you a code, or an email address where they can send a code. This second step protects your account if someone steals your password.
What to do if you forget your password
On your bank's login page, click the link that says "Forgot Password," "Forgot Username," or "Need Help Signing In." Your bank will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions, entering your account number, or confirming information from your recent transactions. Once you verify who you are, your bank will send you a link to reset your password, usually to your email address.
Click the link in that email and create a new password. The link usually expires after a few hours, so do this right away. If you cannot remember the answers to your security questions or do not have access to the email address on file, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your card) and they will verify your identity over the phone before resetting your password.
Using two-factor verification safely
After you enter your password, your bank sends a code to your phone via text message or to your email. Enter that code on the login page to finish signing in. This second step means that even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your account without also having your phone or email.
Some banks let you choose to skip this step on devices you trust, like your home computer. Use this option only on devices that only you use. Never skip two-factor verification on a shared computer, a work computer, or a public device. If your phone number or email changes, update it in your bank account settings right away so you can still receive verification codes.
Staying secure while you log in
Always go directly to your bank's official website by typing the address into your browser or using an app you downloaded from the official app store. Do not click a link in an email or text message that claims to be from your bank, even if it looks real—criminals send fake emails and texts that look like they come from banks. If you are unsure whether an email is real, call your bank's customer service number from the back of your card and ask.
Log in only on a secure internet connection. Use your home Wi-Fi, your phone's cellular data, or a trusted network. Do not log in on public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop, library, or airport, because someone on that network can see your password. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use your phone's personal hotspot instead, which is more secure.
Never share your password with anyone, including bank employees or family members. Your bank will never ask you for your password in an email, phone call, or text message. If someone contacts you asking for your password, it is a scam.
Troubleshooting common login problems
If your login page says "Username or password incorrect," check that you typed both correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. If you are sure you typed it right, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it. If the page says "Account locked" or "Too many login attempts," your bank locked your account temporarily to protect it. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and try again, or call customer service.
If you cannot see the login page at all, your bank's website may be down for maintenance. Try again in a few minutes. If the problem continues, try the mobile app instead, or call your bank's customer service number. If you see a warning that says "This site is not secure" or your browser shows a red warning, do not enter your password—close the page and call your bank to report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my account number as my username?
Some banks let you use your account number; others require a separate username you create yourself. Check your bank's login page or welcome materials to see which one your bank uses. If you are unsure, call customer service.
What if I get locked out of my account?
Most banks lock your account temporarily after several wrong password attempts to protect it from hackers. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and try again. If it stays locked, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card and they will unlock it after verifying your identity.
Is it safe to save my password in my browser?
No. Do not let your browser save your bank password. Use a password manager instead—programs like Bitwarden or 1Password encrypt your passwords and are much more secure. If you use a shared computer, never save your password anywhere.
Can I log in on my phone?
Yes. Download your bank's official app from the App Store or Google Play, then log in with the same username and password you use on the website. The app is usually more secure than the website because it uses your phone's built-in security features.
What should I do if I think someone else logged into my account?
Call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card. Do not use a number from an email or text message. Tell them you suspect unauthorized access. Your bank can review your recent activity, lock your account, and help you change your password and security settings.