In this section we’ve put together some tips and recommendations to assist you to bank safely online.

It is REALLY IMPORTANT to keep your financial details and your accounts safe while banking online. Banking online can be super convenient….HOWEVER, do note the excellent tips to stay safe below as it will protect you and your precious income from thieving magpie types!

For the most safety, make sure you:

• Regularly change and update your passwords.
• Use strong passwords, ones that would be difficult to guess and do not share it with anyone. The password should contain a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. It is also important to have different passwords on different sites so that if someone gains access to one, they won’t be able to access the others.
• Where possible, set up and use two-factor/multi-factor authentication, so you consent to all new login attempts.
• Regularly check your bank statement and transfers. Make sure all payments have been made by you. If you notice an unusual payment, contact your bank immediately.
• Avoid logging into your bank account while using public computers or public Wi-Fi. Someone using these networks after you may be able to access your password via search history. Always assume that someone can access the computer’s history in public settings so we reckon that banking from home is a good idea.
• Type in your bank URL rather than using
  an email link. The email and link might look legitimate but could direct you to a phishing site. OOhhhh so sneaky!

For easier online banking: mobile bank apps on your phone

• Nowadays, most banks have mobile banking apps that can be downloaded onto you iPhone or Android for easier, quicker access. For example, Bendigo Bank have a mobile banking app called BENDIGO BANK
• See Download Apps
• If paying bills via the app in public just ensure to be a bit discreet.
• Many banking apps now have a ’round up’ feature, where you can round up any payments you make to the nearest $1/$5/$10 (whatever you like!), with the difference going directly into a savings pot. This can be helpful when starting to save for the first time, or if you’re just looking for a bit of extra cash at the end of each month!

BPAY Banking

BPAY is a secure and straight forward way to pay your bills through online or mobile banking.

Paying bills with BPAY:

1. Look for the BPAY logo on your email or paper bill.
   

2. Find the Biller Code and Reference Number (Ref or CRN) and login to your secure mobile banking.
3. Find the BPAY option, which can be found when making a payment, and enter your Biller Code and Reference Number where it prompts you to do so.
4. Now you are free to choose which account to pay from or schedule your payment for a better time.
5. Once the bill is payed, your details will be saved to make it easier next time!

Here is a step by step video on how to pay bills with BPAY: