1.3 How To Use Internet Banking In 10 Simple Steps (Complete Guide for Beginners).

1.2 How To Use Internet Banking In 10 Simple Steps (Complete Guide for Beginners).

What Is Internet Banking?

Internet banking is a digital banking service that allows customers to access and manage their bank accounts through the internet. It eliminates the need to visit a physical branch for most routine tasks. Banks provide customers with a secure login ID and password that can be used through their official website or mobile application.

Some common names for internet banking include:

Online Banking
E-Banking
Net Banking
Digital Banking
Web Banking

Through internet banking, customers can perform tasks such as:

Checking account balance instantly
Transferring money using NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, or UPI
Paying electricity, water, gas, and other bills
Opening or closing fixed deposits and recurring deposits
Ordering cheque books and viewing account statements
Managing loans, EMIs, insurance, and investments
Tracking every transaction in real time

Most importantly, internet banking is available 24×7, including weekends and holidays, making it far more convenient than visiting a bank branch.

Benefits of Internet Banking

Before we jump into the steps, it helps to understand why internet banking is so widely used today. Here are the key advantages:

1. Convenience and Time-Saving

No need to stand in queues or visit branches. You can perform banking activities anytime, even late at night.

2. Instant Transactions

Money transfer, bill payments, and recharges happen within seconds.

3. Cost-Effective

Most online transactions are free or cost far less than branch services.

4. Secure

Banks use advanced encryption, OTP verification, and multi-layered authentication.

5. Environment-Friendly

Digital statements reduce paper usage.

6. Transparency

Every transaction is recorded, providing complete clarity and control.

How To Use Internet Banking in 10 Simple Steps

Below is a simplified, easy-to-follow, beginner-friendly guide that teaches you exactly how to use internet banking safely and efficiently.

Step 1: Open a Bank Account and Request Internet Banking Access

To use internet banking, you must first have a bank account. Once your account is active, request your bank to enable internet banking (sometimes this is enabled automatically).

Banks may provide:

A Customer ID
A temporary user ID
A temporary password
An activation link or instructions

Some banks allow online registration, while others require visiting the branch for the first activation.

Step 2: Visit the Official Bank Website Only

Always access your internet banking through the official, verified website of your bank.
Avoid clicking links sent through emails, unknown messages, or unofficial websites.

Check for:

HTTPS secure connection
Bank’s verified URL
Avoiding spelling variations

This step protects you from phishing risks.

Step 3: Register or Log in for the First Time

Once on the official portal, you can proceed with:

• New User Registration

If you are registering for the first time, you may need:

Account number
Registered mobile number
Debit/ATM card details
Date of birth or PAN

You will receive an OTP to activate the service.

If the bank gave you a temporary username and password:

Enter temporary login details
Change the password immediately
Set up security questions
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

This ensures your account is fully secure from the beginning.

Step 4: Set a Strong Password and Keep It Safe

Your password is the key to your banking security, so follow these guidelines:

Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters
Avoid using names, dates, or predictable patterns
Never share your password with anyone
Change your password every 3 months
Do not save it in mobile notes or browsers

Experts recommend using a combination like:
Aa@9217Gh (Just an example—do not use this format exactly)

Step 5: Explore the Dashboard and Understand Menu Options

After logging in, you will see a dashboard. This is the control center from where all banking tasks are managed. Common menu sections include:

Account Summary
Account Statement
Fund Transfer
Bill Payments
Investments
Loans
Service Requests
Profile Settings

Spend a few minutes exploring each option to understand what it does.

Step 6: Check Balance and Download Statements

One of the first things users do is check their balance. This is usually available on the homepage. You may also:

Download monthly or yearly statements
View mini statements
Track debit/credit history
Verify transaction status

You can save statements as PDF files or email them to yourself.

Step 7: Add a Beneficiary for Money Transfer

To transfer funds, you first need to add a beneficiary (recipient).

Information required:

Name of the person
Bank account number
IFSC code
Account type (savings, current)

Most banks take 10 minutes to 4 hours to activate a newly added beneficiary.

Step 8: Transfer Money Through NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, or UPI

Once your beneficiary is active, choose a payment method:

NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer)

Settlement every 30 minutes
Suitable for regular transfers

RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement)

For large transactions
Real-time transfer

IMPS

24×7 instant transfer
Ideal for urgent payments

UPI

Fastest and simplest
No need for account number

Enter the amount, select the account, confirm details, and proceed.
An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number to authorize the transaction.