Money & Banking
Forgot online banking password: what to do?
If you cannot remember your online banking password, use the bank's official password reset process. Never share your login details or one-time codes with anyone, and act quickly if you suspect fraud.
Written by Mohamed IDBRAHIM · Reviewed by Rachel Turner · Updated October 31, 2026 · Reviewed November 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Immediate actions
- 1 Go directly to your bank's official website or app by typing the address yourself, not through a link in an email or text.
- 2 Use the 'Forgot password' or 'Reset password' option on the login page.
- 3 Complete the identity checks the bank requires, such as a one-time code sent to your registered phone or email.
- 4 Create a new, unique password and store it safely, for example in a reputable password manager.
- 5 If you cannot reset it or notice suspicious activity, call your bank using the number on your card or official website.
What not to do / warning
Never share your banking password, PIN or one-time codes with anyone. Banks do not ask for them. If you think your account is compromised, contact your bank immediately using the number on your card or its official website.
Forgetting your online banking password is common and usually easy to fix. The safe route is always the same: use your bank's official reset process and keep your login details private. Never let anyone pressure you into sharing a password or a one-time code, even if they claim to be from the bank.
What to do first
- Open your bank's official website or app. Type the address yourself or use the app you already have installed. Do not use links from emails, texts or search ads.
- Choose the password reset option. Look for 'Forgot password', 'Reset password' or similar on the login screen.
- Verify your identity. The bank will ask for details it already holds, such as your username, card number or a one-time code sent to your registered phone or email. Only enter these on the bank's own page.
- Set a new password. Use a long, unique password you do not use anywhere else. A password manager can create and store it for you.
- Sign in and check your accounts. Confirm your recent transactions look correct and that your contact details are up to date.
What NOT to do
- Do not share your password, PIN or one-time codes with anyone, including someone who calls or texts claiming to be your bank. Genuine banks do not ask for these.
- Do not reset your password through a link in an unexpected email or text. Go to the bank directly.
- Do not reuse your banking password on other websites.
- Do not ignore warnings from your bank or app about unusual logins.
If you cannot reset your password
If the reset process fails, your account is locked, or you no longer have access to the phone number or email registered with the bank, contact your bank using the phone number printed on your card or listed on its official website. Be ready to complete the bank's identity checks. Do not use contact details from a message you did not expect.
If you suspect fraud
If you think someone else has accessed your account, or you shared a code or password by mistake, contact your bank immediately using its official number. Ask it to secure the account and explain what to do next. In many countries you can also report the incident to the national fraud or cybercrime service. Acting quickly can limit any loss.
How to protect your account
- Use a unique password for banking and change it if you think it has been exposed.
- Turn on two-factor authentication if your bank offers it.
- Keep your phone, email and other contact details current with the bank.
- Log out of banking sessions on shared or public devices, and avoid banking on public Wi-Fi where possible.
- Check your statements regularly for transactions you do not recognise.
Start by going to your bank's official site or app and using its password reset option. If anything looks wrong or you cannot complete the reset, call your bank directly. This is general information, not financial advice; follow your bank's own security guidance.