Three ways you can support senior relatives with accessing online banking 

Online banking has become an essential part of daily life, offering convenience and ease of access to our finances on the go – by Olivia Mitchell

 
However, for senior relatives who may not be as tech-savvy, navigating the world of online banking can feel overwhelming and intimidating. In order to help them enjoy the convenience of online banking, they’ll often need some support to ensure that it’s done in a safe and secure way. In this article, we explore three ways that you can support your senior relatives with accessing their finances online. 

Set up their accounts 

The first step is sometimes the most daunting for some seniors – setting up their online account. If they already have an open account with a bank, find out which one and either begin filling out the application for access to online services or take them into a physical branch. 

For those who are particularly anxious about having their bank account on the internet, having a member of the bank staff present can help to reassure them and ease their worries. Or if they don’t have a suitable account, research banks with the most user-friendly and secure online banking interfaces and pick one from there. 

Once the account has been set up, it’s important to take the time to educate your family members on the basics of online banking. This means explaining how to log in, check account balances and make transactions, alongside the importance of keeping their account information secure. Encourage them to take notes and ask questions at any point, or consider putting together a document with some information for them to take away. 

Provide plenty of assistance 

It’s important to remember that this isn’t a one-time favour, and your senior relatives would likely benefit from ongoing support. When all of the information is presented at once, it can be tricky to remember each detail, so be prepared to keep the conversation open and go over things more than once. They may also run into technical difficulties or have other queries about specific features, so it’s important to have a plan in place to address these. 

One of the best ways to do this is via video call if they’re comfortable, particularly using a platform that allows screen sharing. This way, you can see exactly what they’re seeing and guide them through the troubleshooting process step-by-step, helping to prevent any frustration that may arise. However, if your relatives aren’t familiar with video calls, it might be best to carry out any troubleshooting in person where possible. 

When helping your senior relatives, it’s crucial to be patient and understanding. Technology may not come as naturally to them as it does to younger generations, having not grown up around the technological marvels that we have today. Take the time to explain each step slowly and clearly, avoiding any technical jargon where possible. 

Take advantage of technology 

Advancements in technology have provided us with a range of tools and features that can enhance the online banking experience, particularly for seniors. One tool that can be handy is the use of biometric authentication within banking apps, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. These features not only provide an extra layer of security to their accounts, but they often allow the user to skip past having to remember their account number and password. 

Encouraging your senior family members to install their bank’s application for online banking can not only help to keep their accounts secure, but can also simplify the entire process. The interfaces on smart devices are also usually a lot more simplistic than they would be on a computer, making it much easier for novice users to make sense of the platform. 

Additionally, if they’re using a PC to access digital banking, they’ll need to install antivirus software and make sure to keep it up to date. Whereas on smartphones or tablets, there’s no need for such software. This can help to reduce one of the hurdles in the process, all while protecting them from dangerous malware and phishing attempts. 

Supporting financial independence 

Supporting senior relatives with accessing digital banking is a crucial step towards ensuring their financial independence and security. By offering them some help and guidance along the way, you can empower them to navigate the world of online banking with confidence. Just make sure to be patient and understanding, so they feel comfortable enough to come to you with any concerns in the future. This could mean avoiding potential scams, so a little support can truly go a long way. 

Author bio 

 
Olivia Mitchell is a well-known tech enthusiast who has been working in the tech industry for over a decade and is passionate about helping people embrace the digital age. In her free time, she enjoys scuba diving to get up close and personal with wildlife.