Online Banking in Finland
Foreign ID is accepted at Finnish banks
Some foreigners in Finland have had problems getting online banking as their foreign ID has been rejected by Finland's banks. On 22nd July 2014 Finland’s Discrimination Tribunal ruled that banks cannot discriminate against people who only hold identity documents issued by foreign governments.
National Non-Discrimination and Equality Tribunal of Finland: yvtltk.fi Search "banking"
Introduction
Finland has always had, proportionally, one of the world's biggest online banking populations. The most common use for online banking is paying bills, whether Finnish or international, but there's a lot more you can do with it, such as e-invoicing and buying shares. The major benefit of course is that you don't have to go to the bank; I've been maybe 4 times in the last 18 years.
All the major banks offer online banking and apps for Apple iOS and Android. Services are offered in English as well as Finnish and Swedish. Online banking services are available 24 hours a day, wherever you have Internet access.
Quick Bank Links
Find out about online banking:
- Nordea > Online & Mobile Services
- Osuuspankki > eServices
- Danske Bank > eBanking
Starting Online Banking
When you are opening a bank account, also sign up for the bank's online banking package. If you already have an account but you don't have online banking, visit your bank's website to arrange it.
You don't need special software for internet banking, and it is compatible with virtually all browsers. Apps are available for Apple iOS and Android.
Once arranged you will be given a user ID and, perhaps,access codes - you will replace these with a code app. Get the internet address for the service, login with your user ID and code app, and you're good to go!
Online Services: Using the System
Everyday finances (paying bills, fund transfers etc), managing your investments, arranging insurance, setting up bank services, managing your credit cards
and more should be fairly self-evident once you are in the system.
If you have difficulties, help with the various features will be available at your bank's website - see links above.
Security
Online banking services employ a raft of security measures to keep things safe. Primarily, as mentioned above you will receive a user ID. This is not your bank account number, it's a separate ID only for online banking. Access codes are generated by app and are one-time-only use; each time you access online banking you will use a new access code, which even you will not see.
Related Links
Links to other sites are direct to the relevant page, where possible
