Money & Finance
Protect Your Banking Privacy
Banks are required to protect your money, not your privacy. A few free steps stop the data sharing, the junk offers, and the most common account takeovers.
Last updated June 6, 2026 · By Harbor Privacy
Lock Down the Accounts Themselves
1
Turn on transaction alertsIn your bank app, enable alerts for every transaction or any charge over a small amount. You will spot fraud the moment it happens.
2
Unique password + 2FAUse a unique password and two-factor authentication on every financial login. See our passwords & 2FA guide.
3
Go paperless or shredStop mailed statements, or shred them. Mailed financial paper is a common source of identity theft.
4
Use virtual card numbersMany banks and Apple/Google Pay offer single-use or virtual card numbers for online shopping, so your real number never reaches the merchant.
Stop the Data Sharing You Didn't Agree To
Under federal law banks can share your information with affiliates and marketing partners unless you opt out. They bury this in the annual privacy notice.
- Call your bank or use its privacy notice to opt out of sharing with affiliates and third parties.
- Opt out of prescreened credit and insurance offers at optoutprescreen.com or 1-888-5-OPT-OUT. This is free and run by the credit bureaus.
Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze is the single best protection against someone opening accounts in your name, and it is free. See our credit freeze guide.
Watch for Account Takeover
- Banks will never text or email you a link to log in. Open the app yourself instead.
- Be suspicious of calls claiming to be your bank's fraud department, see spotting phishing.
Related guides: What is Plaid, Revoke bank access, Budget without linking your bank.
Common Questions
Does opting out hurt my credit?
No. Opting out of prescreened offers and data sharing has no effect on your credit score or your accounts.
Will I still get my statements?
Yes, electronically. You are only stopping mailed paper and marketing data sharing, not your actual account access.
Are virtual card numbers safe?
Yes, and safer than your real card. If a merchant is breached, the virtual number is useless to thieves.
WANT THIS DONE FOR YOU?
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