ATMs give us instant cash. Mobile banking lets us make deposits from anywhere. Digital wallets protect our credit and debit card numbers while shopping in the wild. Technology makes it easy to spend, save, and grow our money where, when, and how we want. But that same technology also gives would-be thieves innovative new ways to take advantage of us. That’s why checking account security is more important than ever. Read on to learn more about the tactics hackers and scammers use, as well as tips on how you can keep their greedy hands off your hard-earned money.
Rather than target replaceable data like credit card numbers, today’s hackers are going after static data that leads to long-term identity theft. One-third of breaches involve bank account or driver’s license information.1 From 2021–2026 data breaches involving bank account information have increased by 168%2, making bank account security a top priority.
Is my bank account safe from hackers?
The good news is that financial institutions are constantly improving their security to stay ahead of hackers. An estimated 0.1 to 2.0% of hacking attempts actually succeed.3 Even though successful hacks are rare, hacking attempts are at an all-time high, causing the overall number of successful hacks to rise.
Breaches cost time and money and can damage a company’s reputation. So, most banks and credit unions have sophisticated systems in place to protect both their account holders’ and their own assets and data. This layered defense strategy incorporates tactics like behind-the-scenes monitoring, real-time fraud analytics, passkeys, continuous re-authentication, and more to keep hackers out of your—and our—business.
How can I make my checking account more secure?
It’s more important than ever to use every tactic available to protect your checking, savings, and credit card accounts. Here are 10 security tips to prevent checking account fraud.
Create a strong password
Passwords are your first point of access to your money and your bank accounts’ first line of defense against hackers and scammers. To bypass AI hacking tools, passwords should be at least 16 to 20 characters long.
Sure, it’s a pain coming up with a string of 20 UPPER and lowercase letters, numb3rs, and speci@l
$ymbols that are meaningful and memorable to you and inscrutable to anyone else. Fortunately, browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge and the iOS and Android operating systems offer password generators that will create randomized passwords for you. These are typically safe to use, unlike AI chatbots.
Don’t use personal identifiers in your passwords
As tempting as it may be, do not use your pet’s or children’s names, your wedding anniversary, your nickname and graduating class, or the make and model of your first car. Mix things up by using different passwords for different sites. And update them every 90 days or immediately if you suspect a breach.
Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)
Build in an extra layer of protection for your accounts by requiring a second verification step after entering your password. This is usually a single-use code sent to you by text or voice message, app, or email. You must enter this unique code to access your account. For an additional layer of security, use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or biometrics which use a scan of your fingerprint or face to verify your identity.
Track your checks and other transactions
Review your checking accounts weekly to see which checks have cleared, which automatic payments or deposits have been made, and what debit card purchases have been recorded, and follow up with your bank or your vendor if any charges seem off or suspicious. At Vantage, we offer secure online banking to make this easy. The sooner you act, the safer your money. As mentioned earlier, notifying your financial institution within two days can limit your liability for lost funds.
Update your devices regularly
While those “updates are now available” notices always seem to come at the most inconvenient times, ignoring them can put your money and your data at serious risk. The longer you wait to update, the more time you give hackers to exploit any vulnerabilities in your laptop, phone, software, and apps. When updating your tech, prioritize these items in this order. And think twice before you hit the “remind me later” button.
Hierarchy of Technology Updates:
- Operating System (iOS, Android, Windows)
- Web Browser (Chrome, Safari)
- Banking Apps
- Other Apps
Avoid using banking apps on public Wi-Fi
The free Wi-Fi available at airports, hotels, restaurants, and other public spaces is a great convenience for some things, but you should never use unsecured, public Wi-Fi to access your banking accounts. When you’re away from secure networks at home or work, use the 5G/LTE service on your device. As part of your device’s calling and data plan, mobile data provides a direct, encrypted connection to your service provider.
Get more protection by using credit instead of debit
Debit cards are a direct link to the cash in your checking account. That’s what makes them so convenient for everyday errands and shopping. But any fraud on your debit card is immediate. Hackers can clear out your account leaving you cashless while your bank investigates the crime. Swiping your card can expose your account number to hackers through hidden “skimmers” installed on payment terminals. Bypass thieves by going contactless with services like tap-to-pay and digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) available through most banks and credit unions.
Credit cards place an external barrier between hackers and your money, and many offer purchase protection, cash back, and other benefits, too. To strengthen your security strategy, use a credit card, like the Vantage Platinum Rewards Mastercard®, for online shopping, at gas stations and other high-risk settings, and use your debit card to withdraw cash at secure ATMs.
Use a trustworthy credit card for installment payments rather than online microlending apps
“Buy now, pay later” is hardly a new concept. But online microlenders like Klarna and Affirm have made installment plans downright trendy. While breaking up that online purchase into four small interest-free payments may seem harmless, the offers are designed to trigger impulse purchases and can expose buyers to risk. Microloans show up in your spending history, which can lower your credit score even if you pay on time. If you don’t, you’ll be hit with late fees. And longer-term loans can subject you to APRs as high as 35.99%. You’d be better off paying with a credit card. Literally!
Speaking of which, many financial institutions offer an installment payment option through their credit card programs. Vantage Credit Union’s Platinum, Platinum Rewards, and World Mastercard® Installment Payments let you divide large, qualifying purchases into monthly installments with a lowered interest rate.* Not only will they not affect your credit score, you can apply Installment Payments to credit card purchases you made in the past.
Beware of oversharing
Protect your data as if it were cash, because to scammers, it is. Always verify the identity of anyone asking for your personal information. Do not give out your credit card or account number unless you’re actively buying something. Never share sensitive information like account numbers by email. If an online form asks for protected data, the website address should begin with “https.”
Less is more on social media. Be selective about the personal information you post. And remember that most transactions should not require your social security number unless you are applying for credit.
Take advantage of your financial institution’s security features
Your bank or credit union no doubt has several security features in place. For example, Vantage members can activate
- Real-time alerts to receive instant text or email notifications every time a transaction is made
- Credit and debit card locks to instantly freeze your account if your card has been stolen or misplaced
- Travel notifications to let us know the dates and destinations of your trips to stop us from accidentally declining your card
- Credit report monitoring through our digital banking app to highlight unauthorized or incorrect charges
Check with your bank to see which security services they offer. And activate or opt-in ASAP!
What should I do if my account is hacked?
- Alert the authorities! If you’ve been scammed, immediately stop all contact with the scammer and contact your financial institution and credit card provider using the contact information listed on your card, statement, or digital banking portal.
- Contact local police using their non-emergency phone number. If money has been taken, file a police report. This will leave an official record that can help you and your bank in trying to recover your lost money.
- Change your passwords. If you used a similar password on other accounts, change those, too. Secure your devices by running anti-virus software.
- Check your credit report frequently for unauthorized credit inquiries or charges.
Preventing fraud is the best strategy
It’s always better to deflect a scam or breach than it is to correct one. A little caution and work up-front can save you hours of frustration and thousands of dollars in lost assets down the road. Securing your checking account and other financial assets isn’t a one-and-done effort. It’s an ongoing process essential for keeping you moving toward your financial goals. As always, Vantage Credit Union is here to help.
10 Tips for Checking Account Security
- Create a strong password
- Don't use personal identifiers in your passwords
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)
- Track your checks and other transactions
- Update your devices regularly
- Avoid using banking apps on public Wi-Fi
- Limit your debit card use when possible
- Use a trustworthy credit card
- Beware of oversharing
- Take advantage of Vantage's security features
1 Account Takeover Fraud Statistics: Insights for 2026. Selvaraj, Jegan. Infisign, January 27, 2026. https://www.infisign.ai/blog/account-takeover-fraud-statistics-insights#
2 Data Breaches in America Hit All-Time Record High in 2025, Schwartz, Mathew J. Bank Info Security, January 29, 2026. https://www.bankinfosecurity.com/data-breaches-in-america-hit-all-time-record-high-in-2025-a-30624#:~:text=More%20than%20half%20of%20consumers,individuals%20reported%20%22breach%20fatigue.%22
3 U.S. Data Compromised Hit Record Breaches in 2025. Alder, Steve. The HIPAA Journal, January 30, 2026. https://www.hipaajournal.com/u-s-data-breach-record-2025/#:~:text=Financial%20services%20remained%20the%20most,slightly%20from%202024's%20537%20compromises
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