How to Introduce Your Elderly Parents to Online Banking

As more local bank branches close, online banking is more necessary now than it has ever been. If you’re concerned about your parents’ ability to carry out their banking activities, whether it’s because they’re struggling to leave the house or because their local branch has closed, it may be time to introduce them to online banking.

How Do You Enable Online Banking?

If your parents already have a bank account, the process of registering for online banking is usually straightforward. First, navigate to their bank’s website and find an option to register. This will typically be next to the ‘log in’ button. Once found, follow the instructions listed. Sometimes a bank may need to send a confirmation code and card reader to your parents’ home before online banking can be accessed. For a joint account, both your parents may have to provide consent before this can be set up.

Can You Open a Bank Account Online?

If your parents are looking to open a new bank account, it’s now possible to open one – or switch to a different one – online. Opening online also comes with the added benefit of having online banking enabled from the start.

There are even a few banks that are online-only, meaning that there are no physical branches for you to visit. This can mean they have less overhead costs. Therefore, they may be able to provide you with more enticing deals. Whilst this may appeal to some people, if your parents are the type who would prefer the ability to go into a physical branch and speak to staff, it’s probably best to stick with traditional banks.

When opening a new bank account online, your parents will need to provide proof of identity. Often this takes the form of a driver’s licence or passport. They will also need one or two documents to act as proof of address that are dated within the last 12 months.

What Are the Benefits of Online Banking?

Now you know how to get started with online banking, it’s important to know how it can be beneficial for your parents.

Online banking can seem daunting and overly technical. It is often perceived as having many risks associated with it. However, the opposite is usually true.

Banks have tried to make the online experience as easy as possible to understand and use. One of the biggest benefits of online banking is the ability for your parents to manage their day-to-day banking activities from home. With online banking, they can send money, track bills, and set up direct debits securely from their preferred device. It is also a helpful way of checking their funds before making a purchase. With some banks, they can even deposit cheques using a smartphone.

How to Introduce Online Banking

When introducing your parents to online banking, it’s best to take it slow. We take our ability to use banking applications for granted, but your parents may get lost and confused. Allow them to explore and learn at their own pace.

Try not to overcomplicate things. There are an overwhelming number of features they may never use. It’s best to start with things they need or want to know. Exploring advanced options may become confusing. Focus on things like checking their balance or setting up direct debits.

Is Online Banking Safe?

One of the biggest fears with online banking is the perception that it’s not safe. There’s a comfort provided by physical banks. Simple mistakes can be caught, and there’s a level of human security not matched by a computer.

At first, online banking can seem like it removes layers of security and makes it much easier for your parents’ money to be accessed. However, over recent years banks have spent lots of time and resources bolstering their online security. They are now able to spot and prevent mistakes made by users. Banks can also detect suspicious activity on the account. With card readers and additional steps of authentication being enforced, new security methods are always being put in place to keep your parents and their money safe.

However, scammers are still out there. Banks are usually efficient at catching them. However, scammers are always developing new tactics to trick people out of their money. Therefore, your parents should be informed of the types of techniques scammers use for this purpose.

Read ‘How to Protect Your Elderly Parents from Scams’ For More Information

How Can I Address My Parents’ Online Banking Fears?

As with any new technology, it’s natural to feel uneasy. If your parents have fears or concerns not covered here, it’s good to give them as much information as they need. Use reputable search engines like Google to research their questions. Bringing knowledge into the unknown is the best way to help anybody that’s unsure.

It may be the case that online banking isn’t right for your parents. If they’re capable and happy to travel to their local branch, registering for online banking may just introduce additional and unnecessary worries. However, with more and more local branches closing each year, it may not be long before online banking is the only option available.

If your parents feel they are no longer able to handle their own finances, they may want to consider empowering you with a Power of Attorney.

Read ‘Plan Ahead – Power of Attorney’ For More Information

Support from Careline365

Whilst you are talking to your parents about online banking, why not discuss the benefits of personal alarms? A Careline alarm provides extra peace of mind in case of a fall at home. Your parents will be in safe hands, benefitting from 24/7 support, 365 days a year. Our SmartLife Alarm is the latest in personal alarm technology, providing our fastest connection speeds and improved range, all without requiring a phoneline.

To find out more about our service, get in touch by calling 0800 030 8777, or use our contact form. You can find more advice on finances, health, and staying safe by checking out our blog.

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Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 2nd May 2025 to reflect current information.