What to do when your bank's website is down

What to do when your bank's website is down

Online banking and automated payments are being aggressively pushed by banks and other financial institutions, even charging customers who want to receive paper statements. When the technology works, it is convenient and safe. But what happens when the system has a problem and you can't access your account? Here are several important measures you should take in advance of a system glitch.

Maintenance Account Records

Keep a comprehensive list of all of your financial accounts, including debit and credit cards, loans, mortgages and every bill or loan you pay. List the account number, business name, address and phone number and use it when you can't access your account online. Update the list whenever changes are made and keep it in a safe place.

Have a Backup Plan

If your bank's website is down and access to your account is denied, your bills will still need to be paid. Having a checking account and an ATM card attached to the account will give you the opportunity to make good on your payment even when there are technical difficulties. This is a great reason for paying your debts when the bill is received and not waiting for the last minute or right up to the due date.

Automatic Billing

The convenience of automatic billing has one drawback - they are easy to forget. But, it is especially important to keep these accounts up-to-date and available. If an automatic payment is made on a debit or credit card that is cancelled or replaced, the new card information won't automatically transfer for the payment. It's your responsibility to contact each lender with the new card information to avoid interruption.

Be Proactively Protective

A great deal of the security of doing your financial business online is in your hands:

Review all online accounts at least once a week. Early detection of unauthorized activity will mean quick action to resolve the fraud and less damage to your finances. Bi-annually request a copy of your credit report from the three credit bureaus. It's your credit, so make sure no one else is using it.

Select a PIN that cannot be guessed, like data that is included in your wallet (e.g., birth date, social security number, telephone number, etc.). Protect your account number and PINs just as you would cash. Never write down your PIN - memorize it. And never use your PIN as a password.

Be careful when accessing your accounts over the Internet. Avoid using a public computer unless you are entirely certain of the security of the connection. Log off and close the browser when you're finished. Never click on links within emails; always type the URL directly into the browser. Never send account information or PINs via email; it could be intercepted. To protect your information use only a computer that has a firewall in place. Install anti-spyware and anti-virus software and implement updates as soon as they're available.

With more people looking to go green, it stands to reason that online and electronic banking will be the only option for consumers, in the not too distant future. Security measures put into place now will save you headaches down the road.

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