Debit cardsĪ debit card also lets you draw directly from your bank account. Here are four alternatives to using your bank account information and how they compare. You can use several payment methods when shopping online. Keep these receipts handy until you've reviewed your bank account transactions and confirmed the charge went through as expected. Often, you'll receive order confirmations from both the online store and the payment app. The app will draw money from your bank account to complete the order. Verify the order details are correct and then authorize the payment. Log in to the app to continue, then return to the checkout process. You'll likely be prompted to log in to your payment app in a separate tab or window. Select the app you're using as the payment method. If a retailer accepts a third-party payment app, it'll be an option when you reach the payment stage. When you're ready to checkout, use these general steps to complete your order: 1. These apps can be connected to your bank account and offer an extra layer of security and privacy protection, often at little or no extra cost.Īfter setting up an account with a payment app, making an online purchase is similar to using an e-check. If an online retailer doesn't offer e-check as a payment option, a potential workaround is to use a payment app such as PayPal or Venmo. Using a third-party app for checking account purchases You can often set up alerts to notify you when your balance is suddenly low or when an unusual charge has been made, such as an out-of-state transaction or a purchase that's higher than normal for you. Tip: If your bank offers account alerts, use them to help keep your account safe. Even after you've made the purchase, regularly review your bank account transactions and investigate any activity you don't recognize. Be sure to sign out of it before you leave the website to prevent potential unauthorized account access. Retailers will often require you to create an account when you order from them. Use a private, encrypted internet connection when you're shopping online. Public Wi-Fi networks aren't usually well protected, which can make it easier for hackers to steal your bank account information. Nationally recognized retailers usually have the highest level of online security. Stick with well-known retailers for online transactions.You can aim to have a safe online shopping experience by taking a few precautions. With the potential risks of identity theft, it's natural to be cautious about sharing your banking information online. Tips for making online checking account purchases safely Review your checking accountĪfter you've completed your order, review your bank account transactions online or through your bank's mobile app to make sure you were charged properly. This will reduce the possibility of errors and delays as your order is processed. Confirm everything is correctīefore placing your order, review that you've entered all your information correctly, including your name, address, payment option and bank account information. Some retailers will 'ping' your bank account by sending a minimal charge (often $1) that's instantly reversed as a quick way to make sure the information is correct before the transaction goes through in full. You may also be required to enter your name, address and driver's license number to verify your identity as the account holder. Type in your routing and bank account numbers. When you reach the payment stage of the checkout process, select 'check,' 'e-check,' 'add a bank account' or a similar option. Select the right payment option at the checkout If you don't have checks, you can often find your bank's routing number in online banking, or you can contact the bank to get the information. The second set of numbers is your checking account number. Your routing number will be listed first and is nine digits. Look at the numbers printed on the bottom of the check. The bank account information you need is on your paper checks.

This will often be indicated at the payment stage, or it should be stated in their privacy policies. Make sure the retailer's website is secureĪlways check that a seller's payment processing system is secure before entering your bank account details. Or you can go to the checkout page and see if e-check is one of the choices. You can usually find out if this is an option on the retailer's homepage, in an FAQ section or in the terms and conditions. Sellers will indicate if they accept e-check payments where you can pay with account and routing number information. Choose a retailer that lets you pay with your bank account Here are the steps to follow for e-checks or bank account purchases, though they may vary depending on the retailer. Making a purchase online using checking account information is often just as quick and easy as other payment options.

Citizens bank online checking account