Once you’ve opened a Finnish bank account (pankkitili), online banking (verkkopankki) becomes essential for paying rent, utilities, and managing daily finances. Finnish banks offer robust online and mobile services, often tied to strong authentication tools. This guide walks you through setup, typical features, and safety tips.
Getting started: activation and credentials
When your bank account is ready, you’ll receive instructions to activate online banking. Typically you’ll get:
- A username (or the use of your personal identity code)
- A method for strong authentication: mobile certificate (Mobiilivarmenne), bank-specific mobile app codes, or one-time tokens
Common banks (Nordea, OP, Danske Bank) have clear English guides for newcomers. Choose a bank that supports English-language online services if you’re not fluent in Finnish.
Key features of Finnish online banking
- Payments (maksut): Domestic transfers, standing orders (toistuvat maksut), and bill payments. Most invoices come with a reference number for easy payment.
- E-invoicing (verkkolasku): Many companies send invoices straight to your online banking — you approve and pay with a click.
- Mobile apps: Full-featured apps let you pay, transfer, and use card control features.
- Account statements: Download monthly statements for employment or tax needs.
- Savings & investments: Tools for term deposits and fund investments are often integrated.
Strong authentication and security
Finland uses strong authentication standards. The common methods:
- Mobile certificate (mobiilivarmenne): Your phone is the authentication device.
- Bank ID / app approval: Approve logins and payments via the bank’s app.
- One-time codes: Physical or app-generated codes for extra security.
Security tips:
- Never share authentication codes.
- Use bank apps only from official stores (App Store / Google Play).
- Enable push notifications for suspicious activity.
Common day-to-day tasks
- Pay rent: Use the landlord’s bank details and reference codes.
- Set up direct debits: For utilities and subscriptions.
- Transfer money: Use IBAN and BIC for international transfers. Expect fees; consider specialist services for better rates.
- Tax & salary: You can download payslips and annual statements for tax return or employer records.
Troubleshooting & customer support
If you lose access, contact your bank immediately. Banks typically offer English support lines. For issues with online identity, mobile operator support can help with mobile certificate problems.
Internal link: Need help setting up a bank account? See our How to Open a Bank Account in Finland (Pankkitili).
External link: Bank of Finland — consumer information: https://www.suomenpankki.fi/en
FAQ — Finnish online banking
Q: Can I use online banking in English?
A: Most major banks provide English interfaces and customer support in larger cities.
Q: Is it safe to bank online in Finland?
A: Yes — banks use strong authentication and secure apps, but you should still follow basic security practices.
Q: What if I don’t have a Finnish personal identity code yet?
A: Some banks allow limited services without it, but full online banking often requires registration and ID verification.