Would you like a family member - your child, or your partner, for example - to be able to check on your account at any time? Maybe so someone knows what's going on in an emergency, or just so you can keep track together. You can do this without ever handing over your password. Many banking apps (apps are small programs on your smartphone that let you manage your banking) have a built-in feature for exactly this. Depending on the bank, it is called "Power of Attorney", "Grant Access", or "Add a Co-User". This guide walks you through it step by step. Take your time - you cannot break anything by tapping the wrong button.
Why you should never simply share your password
Your password is the key to your entire account. Anyone who knows it can pretend to be you, make transfers, and change your settings. This is not a good idea even with your closest family members - not because you don't trust them, but because the bank can no longer tell afterwards who actually made a change. The solution is a separate, limited access for the other person. They can then see your balance and transactions (the list of all money coming in and going out), but - depending on the setting you choose - cannot make any transfers.
How to set up access, step by step
- Open your bank's banking app on your smartphone by tapping the icon (small picture) with your bank's logo.
- Log in as you normally would, for example with your PIN (a multi-digit secret number) or your fingerprint.
- Tap on "Settings" - usually shown as a small gear-shaped icon, often in the top right corner or in the menu at the bottom.
- Look in the settings for an option such as "Power of Attorney", "Manage Access", or "Co-users". If you are not sure, use the app's search function and type in the word "access".
- Tap "Add new access" or a similarly named button (a button is something you tap to make an action happen).
- Choose the type of access - look for an option called "View only" or "Read-only". This means the other person can only look, never transfer money.
- Enter the name of the person you want to give access to.
- Enter their email address or phone number, whichever the app asks for.
- Confirm the details by tapping "Next" or "Confirm".
- Enter the one-time confirmation code the bank sends you by text message (a short message with a number that is valid for this one action only).
- Wait for the on-screen confirmation that the access has been set up.
Your family member will now receive their own invitation - usually by email or text message - and will set up their own login with their own password. Your own password stays completely untouched and private throughout.
Important: never read a text-message code aloud over the phone
A confirmation code sent by text message is meant only for you. Your bank will never call you out of the blue and ask for this code. If someone calls claiming to be "from the bank" and asks you for the code, that is a scam. Hang up immediately. Afterwards, call your bank back using the phone number printed on the back of your bank card - never a number the caller gave you.
What to do if something goes wrong
Can't find a menu option called "Power of Attorney" or "Grant Access"? Not every banking app offers this feature in the same way. Check the app's help section, usually marked with a question-mark icon, or call your bank's customer service - the number is printed on your bank card. Does your family member still see nothing after setup? That is usually nothing to worry about - it can take up to 24 hours for access to become active. If you entered the wrong name, you can delete the access in the same settings menu and set it up again. For any real concern, the rule is always the same: call the official number on your card - never a number from an email or text message.
Quick recap
Many banks offer this feature on their everyday current accounts - you can read more about these account types at /en/personal-accounts.