Everyone wants to assume their internet connection is secure. However, when traveling, you’ll often have to use public wifi hotspots, which are rarely as well-protected as they should be. With more than half of Americans using online banking and a free hotspot on every corner, hackers have realized just how lucrative one attack can be. This is why it’s really important to use a VPN to securely access online banking.

Once you connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), your internet traffic is encrypted and can’t be read by anyone. Another benefit is that a VPN obfuscates your actual IP address and can make it appear that you’re in a different location. This is great for accessing your banking service while traveling without raising any red flags.

In this post, we’ll explain how to use a VPN to safely access online banking and provide additional tips for boosting your online security. If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary of the top VPNs for online banking:

  • NordVPN: Our top VPN for online banking. Quick, reliable, and highly secure, ideal for public wifi hotspots and unsecured networks. Also includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for banking securely. Has no connection limit and some of the fastest speeds around. Zero-logs policy.
  • ExpressVPN: A versatile, reputable service with 94+ supported locations. Provides around-the-clock support via live chat. An excellent choice for online banking.
  • CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly VPN with a huge network and task-specific servers. Fast enough for online banking or whatever else you have in mind.
  • IPVanish: This no-logs provider is packed with security features and can protect every device you own simultaneously.
  • PrivateVPN: An independently-audited no-logs VPN with high speeds. Goes above and beyond on privacy, ideal for online banking.
  • Atlas VPN: Speedy, secure, and suitable for any day-to-day task, including secure online banking. Has no connection limit and extremely fast speeds.

How to securely access online banking with a VPN

Keeping yourself secure while banking online is not as hard as you might think. Just follow these simple steps to protect yourself.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Here’s how to use online banking services securely from anywhere:

  • Register for a VPN that’s suitable for secure online banking. We highly recommend NordVPN.
  • Connect to a VPN server in your home country. The connection will take a few seconds to establish, and you will receive a notification when it’s complete.
  • Your data is now encrypted, and your IP address has changed. I you choose a server in your home country, you will appear to be browsing from back home (instead of wherever you actually are) and won’t raise any red flags with your bank.
  • Proceed to log in to your bank’s online portal and carry out transactions as normal.
  • If you’re having problems, try clearing your browser cookies. If the issues persist, contact your VPN’s customer support for more advice.

Best VPNs for online banking – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for online banking safely.

The best VPNs for online banking

Every VPN is different, so it pays to choose wisely. This is especially true if you’re planning on doing sensitive tasks like moving money. To find the best VPNs for mobile banking, we looked for providers offering all of the following features:

  • A high level of security, with uncrackable encryption and no logs kept
  • Fast and reliable servers in a large number of countries
  • The ability to go undetected by VPN-blocking systems
  • Free, knowledgable customer support
  • Apps for all major operating systems

You can read more about our system for testing and ranking the VPNs we recommend further on in this article. But now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.

Here’s a list of the best VPNs for online banking:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top pick for banking online safely. It has over 5,400 highly-secure servers in 60+ countries and delivers some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen, so there’s no need to worry about transactions dropping partway through. This VPN is an equally strong choice for streaming or torrenting and can protect six of your devices at the same time.

So, how safe is NordVPN? Well, given its 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, the chance of someone getting their hands on your data is near zero. New versions also include a tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malware automatically. NordVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it can’t reveal what you do online under any circumstances. Support is available 24/7 over live chat.

NordVPN has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can also be manually installed on supported routers.

BEST VPN FOR ONLINE BANKING:NordVPN is our top choice. With high speeds and a security toolkit that’s second to none, it’s perfect for safe and secure banking. Best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Strong security and privacy credentials
  • A fantastic option for streaming and torrenting
  • Keeps no logs whatsoever
  • Vast network of fast, low-latency servers
  • Customer service available via 24/7 live chat
  • Apps for all popular devices

Cons:

  • Only able to select a location, not a specific server

Our score:

Why not read our complete NordVPN review?

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is our top choice for a budget VPN that doesnt compromise on security. It’s more than capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with more expensive providers. There are 3,200+ servers to choose from (in over 100 countries!) and no connection limits whatsoever. Further, this VPN is among the quickest we’ve tested, so it’s suitable for banking, streaming, and more.

This service safeguards your privacy using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a tool that blocks trackers and malware automatically. There’s also IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, plus a true no-logs policy. In short, Surfshark is more than capable of keeping you safe online. If you run into any issues, support is on-hand 24/7.

Surfshark offers apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. If you’d prefer, you can manually install it on select wireless routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our top budget option. Impressive speed, versatility, and security make it a valuable tool for any privacy-conscious traveler. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee included.

  • No limit on the number of devices connected

  • Prioritizes user security

  • Fantastic speeds

  • Ideal for streaming, gaming, or general browsing

  • User-friendly apps on all devices

  • Customer support could be a little better

 

Read our in-depth Surfshark review for more details.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN operates more than 3,000 servers in over 90 countries. With no bandwidth limits, up to five simultaneous connections permitted, and consistently high speeds, this VPN is perfect for anyone hoping to safely use online banking as they travel. It’s a great choice for streaming, too and works reliably with major platforms like Netflix.

There’s no need to worry about your security since ExpressVPN’s encryption is currently considered uncrackable. Users benefit from its no-logs policy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and kill switch, plus there’s a new Threat Manager tool that stops your other apps from sending data to known tracking sites. Live chat is available around the clock, just in case you run into any issues.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux. There’s also custom firmware for routers that greatly simplifies the setup process.

GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:ExpressVPN is a solid choice for almost any task, whether it’s banking securely or streaming your favorite shows from abroad. Additionally, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Top-notch encryption standards

  • More than 3,000 servers in 94 countries

  • Superfast Lightway protocol works in China

  • Works with all major streaming services, including Netflix

  • 24/7 live chat available

  • Not as cheap as some other services

  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Interested? Check out the full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost boasts an expansive network, with more than 9,000 servers spread across 90+ countries. Many of these are specially optimized for specific tasks like streaming, torrenting, or browsing the web anonymously. Better still, this service provides fast, consistent speeds, meaning you shouldn’t have any issues no matter the task at hand. Up to seven devices can be secured at once.

This VPN posts regular transparency reports and doesn’t log any data that could identify you. Its connections are secured with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. CyberGhost also blocks ads, trackers, and malware without you having to lift a finger, so it’s a great complement to any traditional antivirus program. Support staff are ready to answer any questions, 24/7, over email and live chat.

CyberGhost has apps for iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux. Users can also manually configure it for use with supported routers.

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is very newcomer-friendly. What’s more, its highly-secure servers are ideal for securely accessing banking services. Boasts 24/7 support and very fast connections. Plus, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Solid privacy and security features enabled by default

  • Tells you which servers are good for a particular task

  • Scored very highly in our speed testing

  • Offers around-the-clock support

  • Great for beginners

  • Doesn’t reliably work in China or UAE

  • Fewer advanced settings

Read our detailed review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a quick, reliable provider with more than 2,000 servers in 75+ locations. Notably, it owns all of these outright, meaning, unlike most of its rivals, it has complete control over its network. IPVanish is great for online banking but is equally comfortable for torrenting. It even works with plenty of popular streaming services, and users can connect as many devices as they like.

This service doesn’t keep any logs at all, so your privacy is in good hands. Further, its connections all use 256-bit AES encryption and protect against IPv6 and DNS leaks. A built-in kill switch prevents you from accidentally browsing while disconnected, and WireGuard support ensures you don’t have to rely on outdated protocols just to browse safely. IPVanish offers 24/7 customer support over email and live chat.

IPVanish apps are available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. To get it running on Linux systems or routers, you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

BANK SAFELY ANYWHERE:IPVanish can protect all of your devices at once, helping you securely use online banking wherever you go. With strong privacy tools and a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s well worth your time.

  • All the security and privacy features you need for most situations

  • Has no connection or bandwidth limits

  • Lots of high-speed servers to choose from

  • Works with a variety of streaming services

  • Apps don’t work in China

  • Fewer servers than its rivals

Take a look at the complete IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN may only have around 200 servers (in 60+ countries), but it goes the extra mile on privacy. Not only does it own its servers outright, but it also acts as its own ISP and hosting provider. In short, you can use online banking safely in the knowledge that no third party ever has access to any part of the system. What’s more, PrivateVPN has very high speeds and recently bumped up its connection limit from six to ten.

This service has plenty of security tools built in. First off, there’s 256-bit AES encryption (which can be lowered to 128-bits for slightly better speeds), leak protection, and a customizable kill switch. PrivateVPN also offers a stealth mode that’s designed to help you browse freely in places like China. This service follows a true no-logs policy and provides support via an almost 24/7 help desk.

PrivateVPN has Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows apps. Manual setup is required for Linux systems and supported routers.

EXCELS ON PRIVACY:PrivateVPN is one step ahead of its rivals on privacy. Not only that, it boasts exceptional speeds and the ability to access almost every service we’ve tested. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Industry-leading privacy protections

  • Fantastic speeds

  • Can access just about anything from just about anywhere

  • Doesn’t have the largest network

  • Help desk goes offline for a few hours each day

Why not read our in-depth PrivateVPN review?

7. Atlas VPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN is a newer provider, but one that’s worth checking out. It offers access to 750+ servers in around 45 countries and delivers some seriously impressive speeds. Once you’re done banking, it can even help you securely access services like Netflix, Hulu, and Sling TV. As if this wasn’t enough, Atlas VPN lets you secure every device you own at the same time.

One of this service’s biggest innovations is its SafeSwap feature. This changes your IP address regularly, making it much harder to track you across the web. There’s also a breach monitor that’ll let you know if any of your details are leaked online. Naturally, Atlas VPN includes 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch too. Customer support can be reached 24/7 over email or live chat.

Atlas VPN has its own macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android apps.

FAST AND EFFECTIVE:Atlas VPN is a solid choice thanks to its speedy servers, powerful security tools, and lack of a connection limit. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re still unsure.

  • Includes a Built-in breach tracker

  • Faster than many of its rivals

  • No connection limit

  • No Linux or router support

  • Fewer locations to choose from than others on this list

Questions? Find answers in the full Atlas VPN review.

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for online banking

There are hundreds of VPNs out there, but if you’re going to put your trust in a provider, you have to know that it’s able to protect you and your data. Not only that, but it has to be able to keep up with your daily activities. To find the best VPNs for mobile banking, we looked for those that delivered everything listed below:

  • Powerful security features: These are crucial if you’re going to be banking with a VPN. We required our picks to offer 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a no-logs policy at a bare minimum.
  • High speeds: If your connection is too slow, you could find that transactions fail or, worse, repeat themselves. Luckily, we regularly speed-test leading VPNs to see which are the fastest and which have improved the most over time. These tests account for consistency, too, not just the top speed.
  • Strong unblocking ability: Some banking apps might try to block VPN users, so the ability to fly under the radar is hugely important. We also prefer providers that work with other geo-locked platforms like YouTube TV, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
  • User-friendly apps: Our top VPNs have to be easy enough for total beginners to use. That’s why multi-platform support, live chat, and task-specific servers are so highly-prioritized. Really, anything that makes things simpler is a huge advantage, whether it’s a lack of connection limits or just a well-organized menu.

For more details on how we put VPNs to the test, check out our complete methodology.

Further steps to ensure your safety while online banking

Other than just using a VPN, you can also deploy these methods to make sure you’re safe and secure on the web.

1. Keep your device updated

Making sure that your device is operating on the latest version of its operating system is a prudent method to guard against hackers and other malicious entities. That’s because developers are constantly researching new and emergent threats – when they ship an update, it’s in your best interests to download that. It’s possible that the update includes some new source code that helps quell attacks and fights malware.

2. Stick to secure sites

The HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) provides an easy method of determining whether the site you’re logging in to is encrypted by default. Simply look for the padlock icon next to the website address in your search bar. If it’s present and the address starts with “HTTPS” instead of “HTTP,” that means the site you’re trying to access is encrypted and should prevent hackers from forcing their way in.

3. Don’t give away any personal information

A common phishing scam is a trick to divulge confidential information like your login information, social security number, or other personally identifiable information that can be used for purposes like identity theft and gaining access to your bank accounts.

Fraudsters often send emails that appear to come from legitimate sources, such as your financial institution. In some cases, they copy the text and design of emails that you regularly receive and dupe you into thinking that it’s really your bank requesting information. However, banks generally do not request that you send personal information via email, and we recommend that you simply don’t respond to such requests.

There are various tell-tale signs of a phishing email, including a domain name that doesn’t exactly match that of the real institution, links that don’t match the domain (you can check by hovering over them), and poor spelling and grammar. If you’re unsure, you can always call your bank to check.

4. Enable two-factor authentication and use strong passwords

Many banks and financial institutions use two-factor authentication to add an additional layer of security. What this means is that a simple username and password aren’t enough to access your account. You’ll need to complete a second step, such as answering a security question or entering a code sent to you via email or SMS.

In the same vein, we encourage you to deploy strong passwords. Such passwords use alphanumeric combinations to guard against things like brute-force attacks. Comparitech’s password generator tool can help if you’re unsure about how to go about this.

5. Set up notifications for your banking activity

Some banks give you the option to receive text message alerts when there’s activity on your account. While this may entail an additional monthly fee, it could be a step towards securing your account. If there’s a suspicious transaction, you will at least be notified immediately and can take corrective measures without further delay.

Banking with a VPN: Frequently Asked Questions

Some dubious free VPN services have also tracked and mined user data in order to sell to third-party advertisers, while others have forcefully injected malware or turned idle user bandwidth into a botnet army. When it comes to protecting your online banking, a secure and reliable paid option is the clear choice.

If you’re traveling to a country where social media apps like Skype, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat are blocked, then the use of a VPN can help you access these as well. All in all, it’s a great option for bypassing restrictions and accessing the unfiltered and unharnessed web.