Pankkitunnistus

Pankkitunnistus, commonly referred to as BankID in Finland, is an online identification and authentication system used to verify a person’s identity when accessing online services. It is provided by the major Finnish banks and is widely accepted by both private and public sector websites for login and electronic signing. The system is designed to work across banking, government, and commercial services, enabling users to prove who they are online without creating a separate account for each service.

How it works: a user chooses BankID as the login method on a service’s site and completes authentication with a bank-issued credential. This can involve using a bank card and a card reader with a PIN, or using a bank’s mobile authentication app. BankID relies on digital certificates and cryptographic signatures. Authentication is based on two factors: something the user possesses (the card, device, or mobile app) and something the user knows (a PIN or password).

Common uses: Pankkitunnistus is used for logging in to online banking, tax and social services, municipal portals, and other e-service platforms. It also supports electronic signing of documents and authorizing payments, enabling legally binding actions in many digital transactions.

Security and governance: BankID is maintained by Finnish financial institutions and subject to regulatory oversight. Security best practices emphasize protecting device access, keeping PINs confidential, and promptly reporting lost devices. In addition to BankID, Finland offers alternative electronic identification methods for public services, such as Suomi.fi tunnistus, which operate within the broader eID landscape.