Online bankingAs fraudsters become more sophisticated in their scamming techniques, it has never been more important to keep on top of your own security.

Thankfully, banks seem to be stepping up their game too – and Nationwide topped the online banking security test carried out by Which? this month. So how did your bank fare?


The new investigation, revealed in the September issue of Which? magazine, focuses on a number of online security areas, including login and logout security, the level of protection when changing address or setting up a new payee and whether free Rapport virus protection software is provided.

Nationwide took the top spot, followed by Natwest/RBS and Barclays, while Santander and Halifax fared pretty poorly.

Pete Corrie, Nationwide's head of financial crime, said: "We take the security of our members' money and personal information very seriously and have developed a very secure online bank.

"We continually strive to be one step ahead of fraudsters and earlier this year we introduced the option of using a card reader at sign-in to our Internet Bank. The card reader is generally recognised as providing the highest level of security currently available and helps provide additional security to our customers who bank online."

Online banking security rated by Which?
  1. Nationwide BS - 69%
  2. NatWest/RBS - 63%
  3. Barclays - 62%
  4. The Co-operative Bank - 59%
  5. HSBC - 58%
  6. Clydesdale Bank - 56%
  7. First Direct - 54%
  8. Lloyds TSB - 54%
  9. Smile - 49%
  10. Santander- 44%
  11. Halifax - 38%
  12. Norwich & Peterborough - 35%