nettbank

Nettbank, short for nett banking or online banking, is a digital service that allows bank customers to access their accounts and perform financial transactions over the internet. It can be accessed via a web browser or a mobile banking app and is typically provided by retail banks as part of their service offering.

Typical functions include viewing account balances and transaction histories, transferring funds between own accounts, paying bills, scheduling recurring payments, and managing cards or settings. Many nettbank services also allow exporting statements, applying for loans, and initiating transfers to other banks, depending on jurisdiction and available features.

Access requires customer authentication, usually a username and password, complemented by two-factor authentication via hardware token, authenticator app, or SMS. Sessions are protected by encryption, and some operations require additional verification or device registration. Banks may implement risk-based authentication and fraud monitoring to detect unusual activity.

Security and privacy are core considerations. Banks use encryption for data in transit and at rest, along with fraud detection systems and regular security updates. Users should protect credentials, avoid phishing attempts, and keep devices and software up to date. Responsible use includes reviewing statements and promptly reporting suspicious activity.

History and scope: Nettbank emerged with the growth of the internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and has since become a standard feature of personal banking. It enables 24/7 access to a range of financial tasks, often reducing the need for in-branch visits.

Limitations and considerations: Online banking relies on internet access and bank systems, which can experience outages. While generally secure, it remains a target for cybercrime, making strong authentication, vigilant account monitoring, and adherence to security best practices essential.