Online Banking, Bills, and Digital Payments
By The Primary Health Awareness Trust
Managing money online doesn’t mean giving up control — it means gaining it. For older adults, learning safe online banking can make life easier, save time, and give you confidence when managing bills, pensions, or transfers from the comfort of home.
What Is Online Banking?
Online banking lets you access your bank account using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. With the right support, it’s a safe and secure way to:
- Check your balance
- Transfer money
- Pay bills or people
- Set up direct debits or standing orders
Do I Need to Be “Techy”?
Not at all. Most online banking apps are designed to be simple, even if you’re new to using them. You can ask your bank to help you register, or join our Zoom Digital Support sessions.
Is It Safe?
Yes — when you follow a few simple safety steps:
- Only access your bank through the official app or by typing the web address yourself
- Never share your PIN, password, or passcode — even if someone says they’re from the bank
- Use two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone)
- Always log out when finished
- Keep your device updated for the latest security fixes
What Are Digital Payments?
Digital payments are ways of sending or receiving money online. This includes:
- Debit card payments when shopping online
- PayPal for secure purchases without entering card details
- Bank transfers to pay trusted individuals (e.g. a cleaner or carer)
Never send money to anyone you don’t know — and always double-check bank details before transferring.
Useful Tip: Set Up Low Balance Alerts
Many banking apps let you set an alert if your account drops below a certain amount. This helps you stay in control without checking your balance every day.
Ask your bank or family member to help you enable this — or bring it to our next tech session.
What If I Prefer to Talk to a Person?
You still can. Online banking is an extra option — not a replacement for customer service. You can always:
- Visit your local branch
- Use phone banking
- Ask for paper statements
We believe in choice, not pressure. Digital tools should support your comfort — never rush you.
Building Financial Confidence is Brain Training
Learning how to manage your money online is not only practical — it strengthens memory, problem-solving, and independence. These are key parts of cognitive resilience, helping your brain stay active and sharp as you age.
Explore more in our Cognitive Resilience Hub.
Next: Health Tools at Your Fingertips
In Blog 9, we’ll explore digital tools for medication reminders, health tracking, and the NHS App — all explained simply.
➡ Read Blog 9: Digital Tools for Daily Health & Wellbeing