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Are Online Banks Safe? Everything You Need to Know Before Opening an Account

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Brooklyn Sprunger
Author: Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger
Content Manager

Brooklyn Sprunger is a full-time Content Manager and Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, where she oversees product reviews and ratings while also writing about credit cards, bank accounts, investing, auto insurance, and other personal finance topics. She has worked in financial content since 2018, including more than four years at The Motley Fool. When she’s not writing or editing, Brooklyn is likely hiking and watching the Tennessee Vols.

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Nathan Alderman
Fact Checked: Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
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Nathan Alderman has been a full-time Motley Fool employee since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As Motley Fool Money's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.

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Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation. APY = Annual Percentage Yield.

I get it, online banks can feel a little intimidating at first. How do you access your money when you need it fast? Where does your money actually go? And, the big one: is it safe?

When I opened my first online-only account back in 2022, I had the same questions. Turns out, I wasn't alone -- 91% of people in our Motley Fool Money Online Banking Trends survey said that digital banking was just as important as security, fraud protection, and quality customer service when choosing where to bank.

Here's the good news: online banks are just as safe as traditional ones. Plus, they often come with higher rates and lower fees. Intrigued? Allow me to explain.

What makes online banks different from traditional banks?

At the core, online banks and traditional banks are pretty similar, but the big difference is that online banks operate entirely online. There are no physical branches or in-person customer service (you'll need to rely on phone, chat, or email support instead).

This lack of physical overhead -- no branches to maintain or tellers to pay -- lets online banks offer better savings rates and lower fees. For me, that's a huge win.

And here's something that might surprise you: both online and traditional banks are backed by major financial institutions or insured by the FDIC. This means your deposits are protected, just like they would be at a brick-and-mortar bank.

Compare savings rates

Make sure you're getting the best account for you by comparing savings rates and promotions. Here are some of our favorite high-yield savings accounts to consider.

Account APY Bonus Next Steps
up to 4.50%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account with Eligible Direct Deposit by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Min. to earn: $0
Earn up to $300 and +0.70% Boost on Savings APY with direct deposit. Terms apply. Circle with letter I in it. Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account with Eligible Direct Deposit by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
3.40%
Min. to earn: $0
Earn up to $200 when you use offer code TMF925 on your first Discover Online Savings application. Circle with letter I in it. Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account with offer code TMF925. Deposit $15,000 to earn a $150 bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn $200. Deposits must post within 45 days. Offer ends March 12, 2026. See Discover's website for full details.
Open Account for Discover® Online Savings

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

4.10%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of September 30, 2025 and subject to change at the Bank’s discretion. Refer to product’s website for latest APY rate. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY.
Min. to earn: $500 to open, $0.01 for max APY
N/A
Disclaimers

To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code TMF925 at application, deposit into your Account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Qualifying deposit(s) may consist of multiple deposits and must post to Account within 45 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.

What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 03/12/2026, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. Due to new customer funding limits, you may wish to initiate fund transfers at your other institution. For information on funding, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank.

The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of September 30, 2025 and subject to change at the Bank’s discretion. Refer to product’s website for latest APY rate. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY.

How do online banks keep your money safe?

I was definitely nervous about keeping my money with an online bank at first, but I was relieved to learn that they take several steps to keep your money safe. Here's how:

  • FDIC insurance: Just like traditional banks, most online banks are insured by the FDIC. This means your deposits are covered up to $250,000 per depositor if the bank were to fail. So, your money is just as protected as it would be at any other bank.
  • Encryption and cybersecurity: Online banks use top-notch encryption to protect your personal and financial data. Basically, your info gets scrambled so hackers can't access it. Many banks also use two-factor authentication (2FA), which requires you to confirm your identity with a code sent to your phone or email before logging in. It can feel like an extra step, but trust me, it makes it much harder for fraudsters to get in.
  • Regular audits and compliance: Online banks are subject to the same security regulations as traditional banks. They go through regular audits to make sure they're following federal and state rules. This ensures that your money is in safe hands.

Are online banks vulnerable to fraud or scams?

Let's be real: fraud and scams are a concern for everyone these days. But the good news is, online banks take proactive steps to protect you. Here's how:

  • Fraud prevention systems: Online banks use real-time fraud detection to monitor your transactions for any weird activity. If they spot anything out of the ordinary (like large transfers or unfamiliar accounts), you'll get an immediate alert. My bank once sent me an alert when I transferred a couple thousand dollars, which gave me peace of mind knowing they'd jump on anything unusual.
  • Account alerts: Most online banks let you set up alerts for things like balance changes, logins, and transactions. These notifications make it easy to spot any suspicious activity early. I've found it super helpful to get these alerts to stay on top of my accounts.

To protect yourself further:

  • Use strong, unique passwords: Make sure your password is complex and different from others you use. This helps prevent hackers from gaining access using stolen info.
  • Enable two-factor authentication: As I mentioned earlier, 2FA adds that extra layer of protection to make it much harder for someone to break into your account.
  • Monitor your accounts regularly: Even though online banks have great security measures, it's still a good idea to check your accounts regularly. If something looks off, report it immediately.

Pros and cons of banking with an online-only bank

Pros

  • Lower fees and higher interest rates compared to traditional banks.
  • Convenient, 24/7 access to your accounts from anywhere.
  • Cutting-edge tools like budgeting tools, savings goals, and mobile check deposits.

Cons

  • No physical branches to walk into.
  • Limited options for cash deposits (though many banks have partnerships with ATM networks).
  • Customer service may not be available in person (though many online banks offer excellent support).

How to choose the right online bank for you

When it comes to picking the right online bank, it's not just about finding the best interest rates or lowest fees -- it's about finding a bank that fits your unique needs. Here are some key factors to consider:

Fees

While online banks generally have lower fees than traditional banks, it's still important to review each bank's fee structure. Pay attention to things like monthly maintenance fees, ATM withdrawal fees, and charges for wire transfers. For example, I use the LendingClub LevelUp Savings account, which has no fees. Let me tell you, it's a game-changer.

Annual percentage yield (APY)

If growing your savings is a priority, you'll want to look for a bank that offers competitive interest rates. Online banks typically offer higher savings rates than traditional banks. A few great examples of online savings accounts include:

Customer support

Even though online banks don't have physical branches, you want to make sure they offer solid customer service. Look for banks that offer 24/7 support via phone, chat, or email. I've found that reading reviews helps me get a sense of how responsive and helpful their support teams are.

Digital tools

One of the biggest advantages of online banking is the access to cutting-edge digital tools. Look for a bank that offers a sleek mobile app, an easy-to-use online dashboard, budgeting tools, and any other features that will help you manage your finances. Some banks even offer free or low-cost financial planning tools that can help you meet your savings goals.

Is an online-bank right for you?

Once you've reviewed the fees, interest rates, customer support, and digital tools, you'll be ready to choose the online bank that fits your needs. Whether you're aiming to maximize your savings, cut down on fees, or access innovative financial tools, the right online bank can offer great value.

Ready to take the plunge? It's easier than you think. Check out our top high-yield savings accounts to discover online banks offering some of the best rates out there.

FAQs

  • Yes, online banks are just as safe as traditional banks. They are often FDIC insured, meaning your deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, just like at physical banks.

  • You can access your money at an online bank through mobile apps, websites, and ATMs in the bank's network. Many online banks also partner with ATM networks for easy access.

  • Yes, most online banks offer customer support via phone, chat, or email. They may not have physical branches, but their support teams are often available 24/7.