When online banking changes: How to make the transition easier

Most people have experienced it at least once. You log into a familiar website and suddenly things look different.

Familiarity can be important and when it comes to online banking sometimes change can feel difficult.

The good news is that most digital updates aren’t designed to change what you do, but to make it easier to do it.

This month, Commonwealth Bank will begin rolling out an updated version of NetBank, its online banking platform.

The changes help to make everyday banking tasks easier to find and complete, while improving accessibility and navigation.

What can help when digital services change?

What stays the same

When a familiar service changes, one of the first questions people ask is what they’ll need to relearn.

For most Commonwealth Bank customers, the basics of NetBank will remain unchanged:

• You can still access NetBank the same way
• Log on using your existing details
• Accounts, balances, and saved details, such as recurring payments or saved payees, won’t be affected
• Any security steps you currently use to log on and make transactions will stay the same.

A few helpful tips to keep in mind when you log on to the refreshed NetBank

Give yourself time

It’s normal for a new screen or layout to feel unfamiliar at first. Most people need a little time to adjust when frequently used services are updated.

Focus on the tasks you use most

Rather than trying to learn everything at once, start with what you usually do like checking balances, paying bills, transferring money, or viewing statements.

These are often the areas that digital updates seek to make more straightforward. The refreshed NetBank experience has been designed around these commonly used tasks.

Take advantage of accessibility features

The updated NetBank experience includes accessibility improvements and has been designed to work well on larger screens, which many customers prefer when managing their banking online.

Ask for help if you need it

Remember that online banking is not the only way to access banking services. You might still want to speak to someone or visit a branch.

Stay alert to scams

Periods of change can sometimes create opportunities for scammers, who may attempt to take advantage of uncertainty.

A useful reminder is to always access your bank by typing the website address directly into your browser. Do not click on links from emails or text messages asking you to log in.

While it can take a little extra effort to adapt to change when learning a new system, the key is to focus on the tasks you use most often.

Like any update, it may take time to become familiar with the refreshed NetBank experience. By focusing on the tasks you use most often and making use of the support available, you’ll be able to continue managing your banking with confidence.

And ask for support if you need it.

Most people find that after a short adjustment period, everyday tasks become second nature again.

For more information you can visit a CBA branch, contact the bank or find more information here: Meet the new NetBank.