Digital banking makes it easy to stay connected to your finances wherever your day takes you. With online account access and the myAUCU mobile app, AUCU members can check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, deposit checks remotely, set alerts, and more.
A few simple security habits can help you make the most of that convenience while keeping your financial information protected.
Use a Strong, Unique Password for Online Banking
A strong password can help keep your account protected. For better security:
- Use a long password that is unique to your financial accounts.
- Avoid names, birthdays, addresses, or other personal information that may be easy to guess.
- Never share your password with anyone.
- Change your password right away if you believe it has been compromised.
Most importantly, avoid reusing passwords across accounts. A unique password helps protect your financial information if login credentials from another website are ever exposed.
Watch for Phishing Texts and Calls
Suspicious account alerts are designed to get your attention, and fraudulent ones can look convincing.
If you receive an unexpected message, do not click on links or provide personal or financial information. Instead, verify the message by contacting the organization directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate.
AUCU advises members who receive a suspicious message to contact us directly at 334-844-4120 or use the number on the back of their card.
Avoid Online Banking on Public Wi-Fi
Checking your account while working from a coffee shop, airport, hotel, or other public location may be convenient, but public Wi-Fi can introduce unnecessary security risks.
For safer mobile banking, use a trusted private network or your phone’s cellular connection when accessing sensitive financial information.
If a trusted connection isn’t available, wait to access your financial accounts until you’re on a secure network.
Keep Your Mobile Banking Device Secure
Your phone may hold access to your email, financial accounts, payment information, and other personal data. Protecting the device itself is an important part of mobile banking security.
Start with a few basic habits:
- Use a passcode or another device security feature to lock your phone.
- Keep your phone and apps updated.
- Avoid leaving your device unlocked or unattended in public.
- Download apps from trusted app stores.
- Log out of sensitive accounts when using a shared or unfamiliar device.
If you lose a device that has access to your financial accounts, take action quickly to secure your accounts and change passwords when appropriate.
Set Account Alerts and Review Transactions Regularly
You do not need to spend an hour reviewing your finances every day. A quick account check can help you identify activity you do not recognize.
AUCU’s mobile app allows members to set alerts in addition to checking balances, transferring funds, and depositing checks remotely. Consider using available account alerts as another way to keep track of activity on your account.
Then make account reviews part of your regular routine. You might check your transactions while having your morning coffee or set aside a few minutes at the end of each week.
If you notice a transaction you do not recognize, check the merchant name, amount, and date to see if you can identify the purchase. If it still looks unfamiliar, contact AUCU at 334-844-4120 for help. If you suspect debit card fraud, call AUCU’s debit card fraud number at 1-833-763-2033.
Explore Additional Identity Protection with Tiger Rewards Checking
For members with Tiger Rewards Checking, AUCU offers additional tools designed to help protect personal and financial information.
Eligible benefits include identity monitoring, identity theft resolution services, daily credit file monitoring with automated alerts of key changes, and up to $10,000 in identity theft expense reimbursement coverage. Registration or activation is required for certain benefits.
Tiger Rewards Checking also includes CyberRecover™, which provides 24/7 access to personal cyber advocates who can provide support and guidance for cyber incidents such as online fraud, hacking, ransomware, and extortion.
If you have Tiger Rewards Checking, take a few minutes to review your available benefits and complete any required registration or activation so you can make full use of them.
Make Digital Banking Security Part of Your Routine
Protecting your financial information does not have to become another major task on your calendar.
Start with a few simple actions. Use a unique password for your financial accounts. Avoid clicking links in unexpected messages. Use a trusted connection when accessing sensitive information. Set available account alerts. Review your transactions regularly.
These digital banking security tips only take a few minutes to put into practice, but making them part of your routine can help you manage your finances with greater confidence.
Your Trusted Financial Partner, Online and in Person
Since 1960, Auburn University Credit Union has been committed to the credit union mission of People Helping People. As a member-owned financial institution, our focus is on helping members make informed financial decisions and providing the personal service they deserve.
That commitment continues whether you are managing your finances from your phone, using online account access, or visiting an AUCU branch.
Our digital services can help you manage your finances around your schedule, while our team is here when you have questions or need personal assistance.
If you receive a suspicious message or have questions about activity on your account, contact Auburn University Credit Union at 334-844-4120.
AUCU is federally insured by the NCUA.
