Paying online with a routing and account number is generally safe when using reputable, secure, and encrypted (HTTPS) websites, such as for utility bills or established retailers, because the Electronic Fund Transfer Act provides fraud protection. However, it carries higher risk than credit cards, as fraudsters can use these numbers for unauthorized ACH transfers or checks.
If a fraudster knows your routing number they can easily tell which financial institution your funds are at, putting you at risk of phishing attempts. If a criminal has both your routing number and account number they can potentially steal money from your account through fraudulent ACH transfers and payments.
Here are some of the most secure payment methods available online:
Pay securely - or not at all
Never share your bank details over social media. If someone asks you to send money via bank transfer, it's likely a scam. Always use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection. If that's not an option, walk away.
Yes, banks can refund scammed money, but it depends heavily on the payment method, how quickly you report it, and if the transaction was truly "unauthorized" (someone stole your login) versus you being tricked into sending it (authorized push payment). You're more likely to get a refund for unauthorized card charges or bank transfers if reported fast, but it's harder for Zelle, wire transfers, or gift cards, though filing a formal dispute or complaint with agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) can help.
It's generally not safe to give your routing and account numbers to strangers or untrustworthy individuals, as they can use it for fraudulent ACH transfers, create fake checks, and steal money, but it's necessary and safe to share with trusted entities like employers (direct deposit), utilities, or government agencies (IRS) for legitimate transactions, provided the channel is secure. The risk comes from unauthorized withdrawals, so always verify who's asking and why, avoiding unsolicited requests.
Can someone take money from my bank with an account number? No, your account number and sort code alone cannot be used to withdraw money. However, scammers may use them to trick you into making a payment.
Note that there is very little a scammer can do with a bank account number alone. They will not be able to use it to withdraw money from your account, write checks, or pay for items online.
Use safer payment methods
Scammers often ask you to pay in ways that make it tough to get your money back. Don't pay with wire transfers through companies like MoneyGram or Western Union. Don't pay using gift cards like iTunes or Google Play, cash reload cards like MoneyPak, or cryptocurrency.
Look for "HTTPS" in the URL
The “s” at the end of “http” stands for secure and is using an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) connection. Your information will be encrypted before being sent to a server.
No. Only account holders and your financial institution can view your account balances.
In general, the risk of fraud from sharing your bank account number is low provided you monitor your accounts and notify your financial institution of any suspicious activity. There is also value in going paperless and changing passwords and security questions regularly.
Also, you should never share your personal banking details, such as PIN, card number, card expiry date and CVV number (that's the three digit number, which, in Starling's case can be found on the right side of the signature strip).
Online bill pay is included with an online bank account, and online bank accounts are generally very safe. Banking sites protect your accounts in a number of ways, including: Multifactor authentication. Alerts for suspicious activity.
For unauthorised fraud (where money is stolen without your permission), banks typically refund victims unless they suspect the account holder failed to take reasonable precautions to protect their banking details.
Banks typically refund unauthorized transactions if reported promptly. However, the refund process may vary depending on the type of scam and the bank's policies.
Credit cards offer features like encryption and fraud protection to help keep your personal information secure.