Opening your first bank account is an important financial milestone. Linking your email to your bank account enables you to manage your account online and take advantage of convenient features like electronic statements, mobile check deposit, and account alerts.
This guide will walk you through the process of linking your email to your first bank account.
Benefits of Linking Your Email
There are many benefits to linking your email to your bank account:
- Electronic statements – Rather than waiting for paper statements in the mail, you can have your monthly statements sent right to your email inbox. This allows you to monitor your account anytime.
- Account alerts – Many banks allow you to set up alerts to be notified of important account activity via email, such as low balances, large withdrawals, and more.
- Mobile banking – Linking your email allows you to download your bank’s mobile app and manage your account on the go. You can check balances, transfer funds, deposit checks, and more.
- Enhanced security – Some banks use email to send one-time passcodes as a second layer of account security when you login or perform sensitive actions online.
- Paperless banking – By going paperless and receiving statements electronically instead of by mail, you reduce clutter and do your part for the environment.
As you can see, linking your email to your bank account unlocks convenient features for managing your finances online.
Choosing an Email Address
When linking your email to your bank account, it’s important to choose an email address that meets the following criteria:
- Secure – Use an email that only you control and that you check frequently. Avoid shared or public email accounts.
- Professional – If you use separate emails for personal and professional purposes, link your bank account to your professional email that you intend to keep for the long term.
- Active – Choose an active email account that you use regularly. Don’t use an old email you never check.
- Permanent – Avoid temporary email addresses that may expire after a period of inactivity. Stick to email accounts from reputable providers.
- Unique – Using a unique email address just for your bank account can help you identify important bank emails quickly.
- Correct – Double check that you enter your email correctly when linking to avoid problems accessing your account later.
Following these tips helps ensure you can reliably receive and access important account alerts and information from your bank via email.
Linking Your Email During Account Opening
The easiest time to link your email to your bank account is during the initial account opening process:
- When applying for a bank account on the bank’s website or mobile app, there is usually a field to enter your contact email address.
- If opening an account at a branch, the banker will collect your email as part of the application.
- When first logging into online or mobile banking after opening your account, inputting your email is often required to verify your identity.
- As part of the account opening process, the bank may send an email to the address you provided asking you to click a verification link. This completes the email linking process.
So when going through the steps to open your new bank account, take care to accurately enter the email address you want linked. This ensures a smooth set-up.
Linking Your Email to an Existing Account
If you already have a bank account but have not yet linked your email to it, don’t worry – it’s easy to add an email later through online or mobile banking:
- Log into your bank account online or via the mobile app.
- Locate account settings. On online banking this is usually under a Profile or User Settings menu. Within the app look for Account Details or Settings.
- Search for an option to manage or update your contact information. There should be fields to enter and confirm your preferred email.
- Save your changes. The bank will send a verification email to confirm the new email. Click the verification link in the email body.
- You may need to login again for the email link to fully take effect.
- Start receiving electronic statements and account alerts at your new linked email address.
If you are unable to find email settings on your own, contact your bank’s customer service for assistance linking your email to your profile.
Accessing Online Banking
Once your email is linked to your account, you can use it to conveniently log into online and mobile banking:
- Website – Visit your bank’s website and look for the online banking login option. Enter your account number or username and password.
- Mobile App – Download your bank’s app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and enter your credentials to log in.
- Reset Password – If you forget your password, you can use the linked email to reset your password through the password recovery option.
- Two-Factor Authentication – Some banks have added security that requires entering a code sent to your email when logging in on a new device.
- Account Alerts – Login to online or mobile banking to update your email-based account alert preferences for balances, statements, and security notices.
Keeping your email updated ensures continuous access to your account online or via mobile.
Enabling Account Alerts
One of the top benefits of linking your email to your bank account is the ability to set up account alerts. Here are some common bank account alerts to consider activating:
- Low Balance Alert – Get notified when your balance drops below an amount you specify, such as $100. Prevent overdrafts.
- Large Withdrawal Alert – Be notified if a withdrawal over a threshold you set occurs, for example $500. Watch for fraud.
- Deposit Alert – Receive an alert each time funds are deposited into your account. Monitor incoming transfers.
- Account Statement Alert – Get an email when your monthly statement is ready to view online. Stay up-to-date.
- Suspicious Activity Alert – Banks can email if they detect potentially fraudulent transactions. Take quick action.
- Recurring Transfer Alert – Reminds you of upcoming automatic transfers you have scheduled. Prevent missed payments.
Log into online banking to find and customize alert options to get the notifications you need via the email linked to your account. Activating alerts helps you actively monitor account activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I entered the wrong email when opening my account?
Contact your bank’s customer service team to request your email be updated. They will verify your identity before making changes.
Can I link multiple email addresses to my account?
Most banks only allow one email to be linked per account for security reasons. Choose the email you use and check most frequently.
What if my linked email gets hacked or compromised?
Notify your bank immediately to block the email. Provide an alternate email to link the account while you regain access to your compromised email account.
How do I unlink an email from my bank account?
Log into online banking, locate your profile settings, and remove the existing linked email address. Some banks may require adding a new email first before removing the old one.
Can I still get paper statements if my email is linked?
In most cases, yes. Even with an email linked, you can request paper statements be sent by mail in addition to receiving electronic statements. Check with your bank.
Summary
Linking your primary email address to your first bank account is a useful step in managing your money online. With your email connected, you can securely access your account via web and mobile, receive important alerts, go paperless, and take advantage of convenient digital banking features.
When opening your first account, be sure to provide an email you control and check often. Make sure to verify it through the confirmation email. Later you can log into online banking to add or update the linked email if needed.
Activating customized account alerts through your linked email is strongly recommended to monitor balances, watch for suspicious activity, and manage your finances responsibly. With your inbox now tied directly to your bank account, you can take control of your money!
Ready to connect your email to online banking? Discover which bank is best for you by checking out our top picks for accounts with great digital features. Then find the option that matches your needs and get started managing your money with convenience today.
