Would you like to know right away on your phone when your card is used to pay, or when money arrives in or leaves your account? That is exactly what transaction notifications do. These are small messages that appear on your screen, similar to a text message. In this guide we will show you exactly where to switch on this feature in your banking app. It only takes a few minutes. And don't worry: you cannot break anything by doing this. You are only switching on something that helps you, nothing more.
A push notification is a short message that appears on your phone's screen by itself, even when the banking app is not open at all. You will briefly see some text along with a small sound or a vibration, similar to a new message on your phone. You don't need to do anything for this except switch the feature on once.
With this setting switched on, you find out immediately when your card is used to pay — whether by you in a shop, or by someone else using your card without your permission. A charge you don't recognise catches your attention right away, instead of only weeks later when you look at a statement. This gives you a good sense of control, without needing to keep checking the app yourself.
This feature is usually hidden under Settings — often a small, gear-shaped icon. There you will find an entry called Notifications. On some banks it may also be called "Push messages" or "Alerts". The exact wording can differ a little from bank to bank, but it is always similar.
Sometimes it is not the banking app that asks next, but your phone itself, whether it may allow the app to send you notifications. This is a completely normal security question from your phone. In this case, tap Allow, so the notifications can actually reach you.
Pay with your card as usual, for example while shopping, or wait for a payment to arrive such as your pension. If a small message appears on your screen shortly afterwards, showing the amount and the shop, everything has worked. If nothing appears, simply go through the steps above again, calmly.
If a screen looks different from what is described here, don't worry. Every bank designs its app a little differently. Just look for similar words such as "Notifications", "Alerts" or "Push".
If no notifications arrive even though the switch is on, also check your phone's own settings: open Settings there, then Notifications, find the name of your banking app, and make sure notifications are allowed there too.
Very important for protection against fraud: if you see a notification about a payment you did not make yourself, don't panic, but act right away. Call your bank immediately, using only the number printed on the back of your bank card. Never call a number found in a text message or email, even if it appears to come from "your bank". And never give out a TAN, a code, or a password over the phone — a real bank never asks for these.
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