When it comes to managing your financial life, technology can be your friend. By toggling on banking alerts, you can stay on top of your bank accounts and possibly avoid such issues as overdraft, late fees, and unauthorized use of your banking details.
Setting up automated alerts can be quick and easy, but you may need help knowing which are the right ones to use to suit your needs. Here’s a guide to 10 of the most valuable online banking alerts that you may find useful.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• Mobile banking alerts can enhance financial management and security by notifying users of important account activities.
• Alerts for low balances help avoid overdraft fees by notifying users when funds are low.
• Direct deposit alerts confirm when wages are deposited, aiding in financial planning and bill payments.
• Unusual activity alerts provide immediate notifications of atypical transactions, helping to prevent fraud.
• Large ATM withdrawal alerts inform users of high-value debits, offering a chance to quickly report unrecognized transactions.
What Are Bank Account Alerts?
How mobile banking works can typically involve alerts sent by email and/or text that keep you updated on the status of your accounts. These can share important information about your finances (such as, say, that you are about to overdraft your account) or they can help protect your account by informing you of a new log-in.
In many cases, you can customize how you want to receive mobile banking alerts, whether by email, text message, and/or push notification. You can also personalize the alerts. For example, one person might want a low balance alert when their account balance falls under $200, while another person might want to be notified when their account gets down to $25.
Why Should You Set Up Mobile Alerts for Your Bank Account?
Mobile banking alerts can help keep your bank account safe online and protect your financial status in the following ways:
• Allow you to monitor your banking activity
• Help you avoid unauthorized activity
• Prevent scams and fraud
• Alert you to low balances so you can steer clear of overdraft and related fees
• Help you manage debit card purchase behavior
• Know when an important payment or debit is made
• Feel more in control and secure of your finances.
How to Set Up Bank Account Notifications
How to set up bank account notifications will vary from financial institution to financial institution, but the basic steps typically are as follows:
• Go to your bank’s website or mobile app, and log in.
• Find the section where you can manage your notifications (it may have a name like “Alerts,” “Profile & Settings,” “Notifications,” or “Tools”), and choose the specific bank account you want to manage alerts for.
• Find the kind of alert you want to customize, such as account activity or security, and set it. You might need to determine details (such as to receive an alert when your balance falls below $150 or when a purchase is over $100).
• Specify how you want to receive your alerts, such as by text (SMS), email, or push notification.
• Save your selections.
10 Essential Bank Account Alerts to Activate Now
Here are 10 important mobile banking alerts. See which ones might suit your particular situation and needs.
1. Low Balance
Cars have gas indicators to warn drivers when fuel is close to empty, so why shouldn’t bank accounts? A low balance alert lets you know when funds have dipped below a predetermined amount — it could be $20, $1,000, or any amount you set. This can help keep you from overspending, having a negative bank balance, and triggering expensive overdraft or NSF fees.
2. Direct Deposit
Constantly checking your account to see if your paycheck has been deposited can be a nuisance, particularly if you only recently set up direct deposit (which can take one or two pay cycles to get going).
If you sign up for a direct deposit notification, however, you’ll know exactly when money sent electronically to your account has been deposited and is ready to use. Being notified of direct deposits can also help you know that you have enough money in your account to cover automatic payments you have set up. Bonus: Some banks allow you to get paid early, up to two days before the actual payday.
Increase your savings
with a limited-time APY boost.*
3. Suspicious or Unusual Activity
Unfortunately, more than a million people report fraud and identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) each year. Setting up a suspicious or unusual activity mobile account alert can save account holders a lot of headaches, as well as time and money, should their accounts ever become compromised.
A suspicious or unusual activity alert notifies consumers when there’s a change in their account status that’s outside the norm. For example, if a large amount of money gets transferred out of the account and this is something that rarely occurs, you would receive a suspicious or unusual activity alert. (It could be that you’re transferring it to a savings vault, or it could be an unauthorized transaction.) Or an alert might let you know if purchases are being made outside your typical travel area.
By alerting you the moment a potential fraud takes place, you can take action quickly, report the transaction as needed, and/or possibly freeze your account. Your bank’s customer service or fraud alert rep may also advise you on how to secure your account.
4. New Log-In Alert
Another helpful way to protect your accounts against bank fraud and theft is to set up a new log-in account alert. This alert lets you know when someone has logged into your account from a device, location, or browser that has never been used to access your account before.
If you weren’t the one logging in, you can possibly block the fraudster by immediately changing your password and/or freezing your account to prevent spending.
Some financial institutions also allow customers to set up multifactor authentication on their account (which requires users to provide multiple pieces of identifying information, not just a username and password to access an account), which can further protect your money.
5. Large Purchase or Debit Transaction
Some banks allow users to set up a customizable large purchase or debit alert. With this kind of online banking alert, you will usually receive a message whenever a purchase over a certain dollar amount (which typically you determine) is about to be debited from your account.
If you see the alert and don’t recognize the purchase, you may then be able to block the transaction.
Having a large purchase alert set up can help prevent not only fraud but also human error. If a restaurant server accidentally adds an extra zero to a dinner bill, a large purchase alert could go off. That could save you the hassle of reporting the purchase later and trying to have it reversed.
This mobile bank alert may be especially helpful if you are not in the habit of monitoring your bank account on a regular basis.
6. Overdraft Alert
If you overdraw your account using a check or debit card, your bank might allow the transaction, letting you spend more money than you actually have in your account.
Typically, this comes with a price — an overdraft or NSF fee (which can cost you up $40). And, if you don’t realize you’re overdrafting your account, you might continue to make purchases and incur a fee on each one. Depending on the bank, if your account remains in a negative balance for an extended number of days, your account could even be closed.
To avoid these problems, If you get an overdraft alert, you may want to:
• Add money to your account as quickly as possible to prevent any more overdrafts with subsequent bill payments. If you move quickly, you might possibly be able to avoid the first overdraft fee (check if your bank has a deadline to deposit money that might help you avoid an overdraft fee).
• Some banks have no overdraft fees up to a certain dollar amount; check and see if yours offers this feature.
7. Personal Information Change (Password, Address, etc.)
Personal information change bank alerts notify you if someone has tried to change your password, username, or any personal information in your profile, such as contact information or opting out of bills through mail.
If you see something was changed and you didn’t make the changes, you’ll likely want to change your password ASAP and alert the bank to help protect your account.
8. Large ATM Withdrawal Alert
Setting an alert for withdrawals from an ATM lets a person know when cash has left their account. This might be helpful in the event that there are multiple authorized users on the card (so you are aware of a change in the account balance) but also if the card has been stolen or lost. This kind of alert can help you quickly spot fraud and act on that knowledge.
According to the FTC, the maximum loss for a person who reports their card as lost within two days of discovery is $50. That means even if a thief steals a debit or ATM card and wipes out the account’s balance, the account holder would not be out more than $50.
If a person doesn’t notice their ATM or debit card has gone missing, a withdrawal notification could be the first thing to alert them.
9. Card Not Present Transaction
Also known as a CNP, a card not present alert notifies you that a purchase is being attempted online, by phone, or by mail, and a physical card wasn’t involved. This can help inform you of fraudulent activity, allowing you to protect your finances in real time. You might be able to decline the transaction, freeze your bank account, and get a new card issued.
Remember, if you report misuse of your card number within two days of the event, you are not liable for more than $50, per the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. In this way, online banking activity alerts could help you avoid having to pay for fraudulent charges.
10. Upcoming Payment Alert
An upcoming payment alert can be a good way to stay posted on recurring or one-time scheduled payments. For instance, if you had scheduled a payment of a medical bill a couple of weeks ago to happen right now, the alert could nudge you to check your balance and make sure you’re in good shape to cover the expense.
Or an upcoming payment alert could remind you that you are paying for, say, a streaming channel you haven’t been watching and you might decide to cancel and save some money.
What Should You Do After Receiving a Bank Security Alert?
If you receive a mobile banking alert or bank notification, you may or may not need to take action.
• If the message tells you something you already knew or expected (say, that you received your paycheck or your mortgage was paid per your instructions), no action is needed.
• If you receive an alert that your bank account is low and/or you are at risk of overdraft, you can transfer funds to avoid problems and fees.
• If you are informed that a transaction or log-in occurred that you do not recognize, you can (and should) alert your bank’s customer service ASAP to avoid fraudulent activity and related issues, such as identity theft. In addition, you may want to change passwords or freeze your account.
The Takeaway
Online banking alerts can help you manage your financial life more conveniently. They can provide you with important and timely account information, such as when your account balance falls below a certain amount or when your paycheck has been electronically deposited. This can help you better manage and protect your finances. Setting up alerts is a personal decision and can be changed as your needs evolve or as your financial institution adds new options.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
What types of bank accounts are eligible for account alerts?
Typically, a variety of bank accounts are eligible for alerts, including checking and savings accounts, as well as certificates of deposit (CDs). You can also have alerts for your ATM and debit card.
How can I tell the difference between a real bank alert and a phishing scam?
Here are some ways to tell if a bank alert is real or if it’s phishing: Ask yourself if you have opted into this kind of message from your bank. Know that your bank will not ask for confidential information by text. Be aware that a sense of urgency or needing to send money to resolve a “problem with your account” right away can signal a scam. Also look for slight misspellings, such as Citiibank instead of Citibank. You can contact your bank directly to know if an alert is real.
Are there any fees for setting up bank account alerts?
Most major banks do not charge for setting up bank account alerts. However, your mobile carrier might apply text or data charges if you get SMS alerts, so it can be a good idea to check with them about their policy.
Can I customize the dollar amount for my large purchase alerts?
Yes, you can usually customize the dollar amount for your large purchase alerts. For instance, one person might want to be notified of purchases over $100, while another might only want to know about ones that are over $500.
Do alerts for direct deposits arrive instantly?
Direct deposit alerts can arrive almost instantly when your bank makes the funds available. It can be wise to double-check with your bank about when payroll funds become available. Some banks offer an early pay benefit, which allows access before the official payday.
SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.
Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.
Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.
See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.
We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
^Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
SOBNK-Q425-033