Protect your bank security

Protect your card

There are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your card is kept safe and secure.

• Sign the card immediately upon receipt.

• As soon as you receive your new card, destroy your existing card immediately.

• Regularly check that the card is in your possession.

• Ensure that you retrieve your card after a transaction.

• Do not allow anyone else to use your card.

• Do not use ATMs that look suspicious as they may have been fitted with a card skimming device.

• Take reasonable steps to protect your card and notify us immediately if your card is lost or stolen.

• Regularly verify all transactions on your account statements and promptly report any apparent error or unauthorised transaction to Bank First.

Protect your PIN

Your PIN is your key to access funds and make transactions from your Visa debit or credit card.

• Always be careful to shield your PIN when using an ATM or EFTPOS terminal. Use a free hand to cover the key pad while you enter your PIN.

• Memorise your PIN. Do not write it down or store it in your mobile phone or computer.

• Choose a unique PIN. Do not use obvious information such as birthdays or telephone numbers.

• Never disclose your PIN to anyone, Bank First will never ask for your PIN.

Protect your password

Your Internet Banking Member number and your password are your keys to accessing our online banking service. It is important to keep this information safe and secure.

• Always use an alpha-numeric password with a combination of numbers, upper and lower case letters with at least one special character, e.g. Rf3Tg#1d8w.

• Do not use passwords that you use to access other online services such as email. Your password should be unique to Internet Banking.

• Do not use obvious passwords such as names, birthdays or telephone numbers.

• Change your password regularly and keep your contact details up-to-date.

• Do not write down your login details or save them on your computer.

• Never disclose your password to anyone, Bank First will never ask for your password.

• Register for one of our free two factor authentication security features.

• Disable functionality on your computer or browsers that remembers login details.

Protect your computer

The way you browse the internet can have serious consequences to your online security. Safe browsing techniques are simple and effective.

• Never respond to an email that asks for your account details or your passwords.

• Take extra precautionary measures while accessing Internet Banking from a public computer (e.g. Internet cafes, libraries). If you have entered the login details on any shared computer, please change your passwords from your own PC at home or work.

• Never access Internet Banking by clicking on a link in an email. Login directly by typing www.bankfirst.com.au into the address bar and clicking on the Internet Banking link. Also check that the Internet Banking address starts with 'https://' and has a valid digital certificate (i.e. a padlock icon) to ensure that the site is secure.

• Always logout of Internet Banking once you are finished or leaving the computer unattended.

• Pay attention to your transaction history and last login details.

• Do not click on pop-up ads and only visit websites that you trust.

• Do not open dubious attachments on an email, even if it seems to come from a trusted source.

• Register for eStatements and eCommunications and Bpay View so you can access your account statements, important notices and bills online to reduce the risk of postal identity theft.

• Never give anyone remote access to your computer as a result of an unsolicited phone call or a computer pop-up.

Protect your mobile

To ensure you maintain the same level of security and safety when accessing our Mobile Banking (web version) and Mobile Banking App, we have provided some additional security tips when using your preferred mobile device. To view these tips, visit 'Mobile security' page.