Accessing bank accounts online

I wouldn't access any of my bank accounts from a public computer....especially at an "internet cafe." The only way I do it is with my own netbook computer...although there's the threat of communicating over an unsecure network at, say, Starbucks, it's far less dangerous than using a third-party computer.

If you are not carrying your own brick with you, suggest you find a major hotel chain(Hilton, Accor, ect.), and use their business center computer for the 2 to 4 Euro charge for 30 minutes. They usually stick with either Swisscom or T-Mobile, and you will get a fairly secure connection.
Last trip, was using Hilton's in Italy and they were all Swisscom connections which I did use to check my cc's on line with no trouble.
Finally, be sure to notify all your card company's that you intend to use where and when you will be out of the U.S.

Make sure your laptop has decent security software and a good firewall, especially when using public WiFi at Starbuck’s or wherever. Personally, I would be cautious about using passwords or typing confidential information on any webpage when using an unsecure connection. That’s just me. Here's a good, short article you should read:

http://www.travelindependently.com/tips-for-keeping-your-computer-information-safe-while-traveling

Laura,

I'd be very cautious about using a public computer at a Net Café, as there's a higher likelihood these could contain keystroke logging software or whatever. Some Net Cafés are very good about setting up their PC's to delete user history, while others are not quite so diligent.

In the past, I've never used public computers to check bank accounts. I usually just spend a couple of dollars and phone the bank call centre (I always travel with a Cell phone). This year I'll be travelling with a Netbook, and have no reservations about using that to check accounts as the bank website uses a secure connection.

Happy travels!

I've used public internet cafes in Europe for about 8 years. I never had a problem with doing my banking this way. This time I brought my small Acer. All the hotels I've stayed in have Wifi, so it's very convenient to have the internet in my room. I carry my computer in my soft daybag and don't mind the couple of pounds of added weight.

Obviously you have gotten a range of responses, from "never do it" to "no problem". Myself, I have no issues with checking my accounts, even at an internet cafe, for several reasons:

1. My accounts only allow viewing and transfer between accounts within my bank. A transaction, like "move all the money to Fred's account" can't happen.

2. Security: My account senses an unknown IP and asks one of multiple security questions, always, prior to the password being prompted. Keystroke trackers are not of much use as the question changes and I have the option to either delete the question from being asked on prompt, or automatically when I use a strange PC.

3. Security Part 2: Since I also travel on business, I have a SecureID device, that I can use a secure portal with a passkey (a randon 8 digit number) that changes every 2 minutes. I can access the web via this and further limit tracking, but rarely need to.

4. Fraud protection: In the very unlikely event something should happen, not sure from what source, your bank protects you from fraud and lost funds, mine is limited in most cases to $50. Of course, checking your account is the best way to catch cases of fraud.

In the end, as long as your account has good security and limited transaction capability, I think that the value to check your account (and perhaps detect fraud from other causes) far outweighs the risk.

I would not access anything like my bank account from a public computer. If someone has installed a keystroke logger they can type everything you did, including your password. Either bring your own netbook, use a smart phone like an Android, or call your bank and use the automated system.

There is a degree of protection against keystroke loggers because if your bank detects you are logging on from a computer it hadn't seen before it will ask a challenge question, but my bank only has 3 or 4 so if if someone gives 3 wrong answers until they get to the one they know they are in. They saw one valid answer when you logged on from the public computer, got challenged, and the keystroke logger captured your keystrokes.

Someone mentioned business travel and laptops. I’m sure business travelers on this board already know that many/most companies supply remote users with VPN service, providing a secure/encrypted channel back to the company's network from the internet on wired or wireless connections. You can get cheap or free VPN for your own personal laptop as well…probably the single most effective way to secure your info when using a hotspot at Starbuck’s, your hotel, the airport, wherever.

The online banking system my credit union uses, only allows me to check activity/balances, and transfer money between checking/savings. So even if someone stole my password, the worst they could do to me is transfer fund between my savings/checking...annoying but nothing to loose sleep over:) In this case, I wouldn't hesitate to use public computer.

But I have an account with another larger "national" bank, and to use their online system a security certificate has to be installed on your computer to use it. So with this bank it would be impossible to access my accounts at a public computer.

But in general I agree with Paul's post, there are multiple layers of protection at most banking sites these days, so for most people using a public terminal is a reasonable risk to take.