Where to change your password depends on your bank
Most banks let you change your password through their website or mobile app without calling anyone. Log in to your account, look for "Settings" or "Security," and find the option to change your password. Some banks call it "Change Password," others call it "Update Login Credentials." The exact location varies by bank, but it is always in a security or account settings area.
If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. They can walk you through the process or change it for you over the phone after verifying your identity. A few smaller banks or credit unions still require you to visit a branch in person, but this is rare.
Do not email your bank asking them to change your password. Banks will never ask for your password by email, text, or phone, and they will not change it that way either. If someone claiming to be from your bank asks for your current password, it is a scam.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your bank's website or app, go to Settings or Security, and look for the password change option — this is the fastest way for most people.
- You will need to enter your current password before creating a new one, so have it ready.
- Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — check your bank's specific rules when you create it.
- If you forget your password before changing it, use the "Forgot Password" link on your bank's login page to reset it first.
- Never share your password with anyone, including bank employees — legitimate bank staff will never ask for it.
Steps to change your password online
Open your bank's website or app and log in with your current username and password. Once you are logged in, look for a menu or settings icon — usually a gear symbol or three horizontal lines in the top right or left corner. Click or tap it.
Find the security or account settings section. This might be labeled "Account Settings," "Security Settings," "Login & Security," or "Change Password." Click on the password change option. Your bank will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it in exactly as it is, including uppercase and lowercase letters.
Next, create your new password. Your bank will show you the requirements — usually a minimum of 8 characters, and a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Make it something you can remember but that is not easy to guess. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words. Type the new password twice to confirm it matches.
Click "Save" or "Confirm." Your bank will show a message saying the change was successful. You are now logged out of your account. Log back in using your new password to make sure it works.
What to do if you forgot your current password
Go to your bank's login page and click "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username." Your bank will ask you to verify your identity — usually by answering security questions you set up when you opened the account, or by confirming a code sent to your email or phone number.
Once you have verified your identity, your bank will let you create a new password. Follow the same rules as above: at least 8 characters, mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. After you set the new password, log in and you can change it again if you want to use something different.
If you cannot remember the answers to your security questions, call your bank's customer service line. They will verify your identity using other information — usually your Social Security number, account number, and answers to questions about your account history. Then they can reset your password or help you set new security questions.
Password requirements your bank will enforce
Banks have different rules, but most require passwords to be at least 8 characters long. Some require 10 or 12. Nearly all require a mix of uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and at least one symbol like ! @ # $ % or &.
Most banks will not let you reuse a password you have used before — usually the last 5 to 10 passwords are blocked. This is to prevent you from cycling back to an old password if it was compromised. Some banks also require you to change your password every 90 days, though this is becoming less common.
Your bank will tell you these rules when you go to change your password. If your new password does not meet the requirements, the system will reject it and tell you what is missing. Read the error message carefully — it will say whether you need more characters, more symbols, or a different mix of letter types.
Changing your password on a shared or public computer
Avoid changing your bank password on a shared computer, public WiFi, or a computer you do not own. If you must do it, log out completely when you are done — do not just close the browser. Better yet, use your own device on your own internet connection.
If you change your password on a public computer, your bank may flag it as unusual activity. You might get an email or text asking you to confirm the change. This is normal security. Click the link in the message or call the number on the back of your card to confirm it was you.
After you change your password, check your account for any unauthorized transactions. If you see anything you did not do, call your bank right away. Most banks cover fraud on debit and credit accounts, but you need to report it within a certain time frame — usually 60 days.
How often you should change your password
Change your bank password if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on another website that was hacked, or if you shared it with anyone for any reason. You do not need to change it on a schedule unless your bank requires it — most no longer do.
If you reuse the same password across multiple websites, change your bank password immediately. If one website is hacked, criminals will try that password on your bank account. Use a different, strong password for your bank than you use anywhere else.
Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane to generate and store unique passwords for each account. This way you only have to remember one master password, and each account has its own strong, random password that is hard to crack.
What happens after you change your password
You will be logged out of your bank account immediately after changing your password. Log back in with your new password to make sure it works. If you are logged in on your phone or tablet, you may be logged out there too — you will need to log in again with the new password.
If you have set up any third-party apps or services to access your bank account — like a budgeting app, tax software, or bill pay service — they may stop working after you change your password. You will need to update your password in those apps as well. Look for a settings or account section in each app and update your bank login information.
Some banks send you a confirmation email after you change your password. This is normal. Do not click any links in the email unless you initiated the change yourself. If you get a password change confirmation that you did not request, call your bank immediately — your account may have been compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my password on my bank's mobile app?
Yes, most banks let you change your password through their mobile app the same way you would on the website. Open the app, log in, go to Settings or Security, and select the password change option. The process is identical to the website version.
What if my bank says my new password is too weak?
Your bank will tell you exactly what is missing — usually more characters, more symbols, or a different mix of uppercase and lowercase letters. Read the error message and adjust your password to meet all the requirements. Try adding a number or symbol, or making it longer.
Do I need to change my password if I change my PIN?
No, your PIN and your password are separate. Your PIN is what you use at ATMs and in stores; your password is what you use to log into online banking. You can change one without changing the other. Changing your PIN does not affect your password and vice versa.
What if I change my password and then forget the new one?
Use the "Forgot Password" link on your bank's login page. Your bank will verify your identity and let you create another new password. You can do this as many times as you need to. There is no penalty for resetting a forgotten password.
Should I write my password down somewhere?
Do not write your password on a sticky note or in a document on your computer. If you need to remember it, use a password manager that encrypts your passwords. If you must write it down, keep it in a locked drawer at home — never at your desk or in your wallet.