This Tech Goes Home lesson covers 10 different topics. To quickly skip to a different topic, click on one of the buttons below.
1. What is Online Banking?
How does Online Banking work?
2. Advantages of Online Banking
Data Crunch: How Do Consumers Use Online Banking?
This Google Doc contains information about how consumers use online banking and what they banking features they consider critical.
The Advantages of Personal Internet Banking
This article offers seven advantages of banking online as well as tips for staying safe while doing so.
Is Online Banking safe?
Online banking is safe, as long as you take steps to protect your accounts and make sure your bank uses industry-standard security technology.
3. Online Bill Pay and How to Use It
Online Bill Pay Service
Online bill pay lets you make individual or recurring electronic payments from your bank or credit union. Learn more here:
Online Bill Pay Tutorial
Video: Know What's Possible with Online Banking
Watch this short AARP video to learn more about what you can do with online banking.
How to Not Miss an Online Bill Payment
You can set up automatic payments through your bank or directly with service providers like your phone or utility company. Banks are often preferred due to stronger security and no extra fees, while some providers may charge transaction fees for credit card payments.
Best Banks for Seniors
To help find the best bank for seniors in 2025, Money reviewed over 50 banks and credit unions based on their offerings, APYs, fees, and customer service. Check out the list of recommendations here:
Online Banking Security Center
If you are a Bank of America member, check out their banking security center that can help you keep your account and information safe.
Can chip cards be skimmed?
Magnetic stripe credit cards are vulnerable to fraud from skimmers that capture card information during swipes. Chip (EMV) cards were introduced to reduce this risk by requiring insertion instead of swiping. While chip cards offer better security, they can still be targeted by a newer fraud method called “shimming.”
4. Direct Deposit
What is Direct Deposit?
Direct deposit is an electronic payment method that lets your employer or other payers transfer funds directly into your bank account, giving you quicker access to your money. It’s commonly used for paychecks, but can also be used for tax refunds, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and more.
Learn more about Direct Deposit
This article explains more about setting up direct deposit, examples of direct deposit, how long it takes, and more.
Pros and Cons of Direct Deposit
This article (geared towards business owners) shares pros and cons of direct deposit.
5. A Cashless Society
Pros and Cons of a Cashless Society
A cashless society may seem futuristic, but it’s already becoming a reality as many transactions today are conducted without physical money. Supporters highlight benefits like lower crime, easier transactions, and smoother international payments. However, the shift also brings challenges such as privacy concerns, cybersecurity risks, greater reliance on technology, and the risk of excluding vulnerable populations, leading to mixed results in countries pursuing full cashlessness.
What is a cashless society and how does it work?
A cashless society is one where physical cash is no longer used, and all financial transactions are done digitally through methods like credit cards, electronic transfers, or mobile payment services. While no country is fully cashless yet, many experts believe growing consumer demand, business trends, bank incentives, and supportive government policies could soon make it a reality in some places.
Video: The Future of Money
6. Online Banking Simulator
7. Trusted Online Payment Methods
How to Safely Pay for Goods and Services
Here are tips on how to pay when you're exchanging goods and money with someone you don't know.
Practice Exercise: Payment App Users Under Attack
In this Google Slides link, you'll learn more about fraud attacks on payment apps.
Video: Tips for Paying While Online Shopping
Video: Is it Safe to Use your Credit Card Online?
What is P2P Payment?
Peer-to-peer payment services let you use a bank account or a credit or debit card to pay friends or family from your phone.
8. Credit Cards vs. Digital Wallets
Credit Card vs. Mobile Payment
Are Digital Wallets Safer than Credit Cards?
Credit cards have long been a popular and reliable way to make purchases, build credit, and earn rewards, with over a billion in use worldwide. As technology advances, many people are turning to digital wallets for convenience, allowing them to tap their phones to pay while still accessing credit card perks. While digital wallets are generally secure, it's still wise to keep a physical card on hand, as each method has its own benefits and security features.
9. Online Shopping
Shopping Safely Online
Online shopping is convenient, allowing you to compare prices and buy from multiple vendors without leaving home. However, it also creates opportunities for attackers to steal your personal and financial information for fraudulent use or resale. How can you protect yourself?
Pros and Cons of Shopping Online
Check out this list of 20 pros and cons of online shopping:
GCF Tutorial: Online Shopping
Learn more ways to protect yourself while online shopping in this tutorial:
How to Order Groceries Online
How to Buy in Walmart Online
10. Amazon Order Tutorial
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