Can you make a purchase online using checking account information?

The convenience of buying online has revolutionized the shopping experience. With just a few clicks or taps, you can order nearly anything from the comfort of your home.

Even if you don't have a credit card, you can still buy the things you need online. Electronic check or e-check payments aren't difficult, but you should be aware of some precautions to take for safe and secure transactions.

Guide to online purchases with a checking account

Making a purchase online using checking account information is often just as quick and easy as other payment options. Here are the steps to follow for e-checks or bank account purchases, though they may vary depending on the retailer.

1. Choose a retailer that lets you pay with your bank account

Sellers will indicate if they accept e-check payments where you can pay with account and routing number information. You can usually find out if this is an option on the retailer's homepage, in an FAQ section or in the terms and conditions. Or you can go to the checkout page and see if e-check is one of the choices.

2. Make sure the retailer's website is secure

Always check that a seller's payment processing system is secure before entering your bank account details. Well-known brands usually encrypt data. This will often be indicated at the payment stage, or it should be stated in their privacy policies.

3. Get your bank account information

The bank account information you need is on your paper checks. Look at the numbers printed on the bottom of the check. Your routing number will be listed first and is nine digits. The second set of numbers is your checking account number. If you don't have checks, you can often find your bank's routing number in online banking, or you can contact the bank to get the information.

4. Select the right payment option at the checkout

When you reach the payment stage of the checkout process, select "check," "e-check," "add a bank account" or a similar option.

5. Enter your bank account information

Type in your routing and bank account numbers. You may also be required to enter your name, address and driver's license number to verify your identity as the account holder. Some retailers will "ping" your bank account by sending a minimal charge (often $1) that's instantly reversed as a quick way to make sure the information is correct before the transaction goes through in full.

6. Confirm everything is correct

Before placing your order, review that you've entered all your information correctly, including your name, address, payment option and bank account information. This will reduce the possibility of errors and delays as your order is processed.

7. Review your checking account

After you've completed your order, review your bank account transactions online or through your bank's mobile app to make sure you were charged properly.

Tips for making online checking account purchases safely

With the potential risks of identity theft, it's natural to be cautious about sharing your banking information online. You can aim to have a safe online shopping experience by taking a few precautions.

• Stick with well-known retailers for online transactions. Nationally recognized retailers usually have the highest level of online security.
• Use a secure internet connection. Public Wi-Fi networks aren't usually well protected, which can make it easier for hackers to steal your bank account information. Use a private, encrypted internet connection when you're shopping online.
• Log out after your transaction. Retailers will often require you to create an account when you order from them. Be sure to sign out of it before you leave the website to prevent potential unauthorized account access.
• Monitor your bank account. Even after you've made the purchase, regularly review your bank account transactions and investigate any activity you don't recognize.

Tip: If your bank offers account alerts, use them to help keep your account safe. You can often set up alerts to notify you when your balance is suddenly low or when an unusual charge has been made, such as an out-of-state transaction or a purchase that's higher than normal for you.

Using a third-party app for checking account purchases

If an online retailer doesn't offer e-check as a payment option, a potential workaround is to use a payment app such as PayPal or Venmo. These apps can be connected to your bank account and offer an extra layer of security and privacy protection, often at little or no extra cost.

After setting up an account with a payment app, making an online purchase is similar to using an e-check. When you're ready to checkout, use these general steps to complete your order:

1. Choose the payment method

If a retailer accepts a third-party payment app, it'll be an option when you reach the payment stage. Select the app you're using as the payment method.

2. Log in to the payment app

You'll likely be prompted to log in to your payment app in a separate tab or window. Log in to the app to continue, then return to the checkout process.

3. Authorize the payment

Verify the order details are correct and then authorize the payment. The app will draw money from your bank account to complete the order.

4. Receive confirmation and review

Often, you'll receive order confirmations from both the online store and the payment app. Keep these receipts handy until you've reviewed your bank account transactions and confirmed the charge went through as expected.

Comparing online payment methods

You can use several payment methods when shopping online. Here are four alternatives to using your bank account information and how they compare.

Debit cards

A debit card also lets you draw directly from your bank account. Similar to third-party apps, your debit card adds an additional layer of security in that your bank account information is masked by the debit account encryption.

Prepaid debit cards

These payments function a lot like cash. You buy the card and place a certain amount of funds on it using the payment method of your choice. When you use the prepaid card, however, it's not linked to any of your personal account information. Instead, the card has its own account number and a cash balance. While this offers some anonymity, prepaid cards have a few downsides. They usually charge a fee for the initial purchase, anyone can take them and use them, and they don't have consumer protection features like the ability to dispute a charge or get unusual activity alerts.

Gift cards

Gift cards are another prepaid payment method but generally can only be used with the retailer they're purchased from. They usually come in specific dollar amounts ($10, $25, $50, etc.) and don't often charge fees to get or use them. You may get some protection features, like being able to log in and review transactions, but most often, gift cards are treated like cash.

Credit cards

Rather than drawing from a bank account, a credit card extends you a line of credit that you'll pay back later. You'll receive a monthly statement showing all of your recent purchases, and you then make a partial or full payment of your statement balance to replenish your credit limit. Credit cards often offer purchase alerts and additional consumer protections against unauthorized purchases.

Ready to start shopping?

Making online purchases with your checking account is quick, convenient and easy. Many online retailers now accept this payment method, which means you don't need a credit card to buy the things you need. By taking a few precautions, you can ensure your transactions are secure and your information is safe.

When it comes to your money and your bank, you want options. Citizens offers a variety of account types, mobile banking, credit cards and other solutions that can be just right for you. Browse our checking accounts and savings accounts, or stop by a branch to talk with a personal banker today.