Open Banking: What It Means For You And Your Finances

Open Banking refers to a collection of technologies and standards that allow users to communicate account information in a safe and secure manner, such as via apps and websites.

You may, for example, choose to provide a regulated company secure access to your current account information held by your account provider through an app or website. Only you can decide what information to share and for how long; no one else can access it unless you give them permission.

To utilize an Open Banking service, you must have online or mobile banking for your personal or business current account.

Services that allow you to share your account information with organizations other than your bank have been available for some time, but they were supplied through a technique known as screen scraping. Screen scraping is the technique of extracting information from a computer screen, comparable to taking a picture of your data.

Open Banking is more secure than screen scraping since you don’t have to divulge your password or login details to anybody other than your bank or building society.

Why should I divulge my personal information?

Sharing your information enables businesses to provide you with a wide range of services. You can, however, control how your information is used and with whom it is shared.

These services may be supplied by firms you recognize, such as high street banks or others. Services that may be provided include:

• Account dashboard and aggregation enable you to view accounts from many banks and building societies in a single mobile app or online.
• Spending analysis categorizes transactions and payments across different accounts to determine how much you spend on certain items or with specific businesses.
• When shopping for services, for example, if you’re looking for a new energy supplier on a comparison site, your spending patterns will be automatically analyzed, and you’ll be able to get the best deals without having to manually enter all of your information.
• Track your financial objectives – for example, if you’re saving for something, you may set a target and track your progress.
• Spending limitations – track how much you spend over time after recurring payments, such as rent and bills, are deducted.

How can I tell whether an Open Banking service is legitimate?

Check that the app or website you wish to use has been authorized by the FCA and is listed on the Open Banking website.

When you sign up for account information services with a company, the provider should give you enough information to understand the nature of the service and how it will handle your data, including if it will share it with anyone else.

Before utilizing one of these services, exercise caution and confirm that any companies to whom you provide your information are who they claim to be. You should make certain that you understand the service and are happy with the individual who will offer it to you.

You should not provide permission if you are unsure why you are doing so or who will get the information. If you do not allow permission, you will be unable to use the services.

What data will Open Banking firms have access to?

Companies should only seek access to the information needed to execute the service.

Access may be granted to current accounts, flexible savings accounts, e-money accounts, and credit cards.

You may exchange the following categories of data:

Regular payment data, such as who you’re paying, standing orders, and direct debits, as well as activities such as incoming and outgoing payments from your bank or building society account, as well as fees, overdraft payments, and rewards

You may also authorize them to make one-time or recurring payments from your bank account.

What is the procedure for sharing my account information?

To use account information services, do the following:

• You will normally need to download an app to your smartphone or log in to the website.
• You will be prompted to enter the data of several bank accounts so that the firm can compile all of the information.
• Businesses that want to access your data must provide you with adequate information to understand how and why your data will be used.

If you grant them access to your bank account details, you will either be:

• Sent to your banking app or online portal to log in and confirm your desire to share this information.
• Asked to provide your bank information securely using their own site.

The firm will then be granted access to your data by your bank.

How does Open Banking work for online payments and shopping?

Certain online companies, such as Vendreo, may enable you to pay without using a credit card if you use this service. When you go to the checkout, you’ll be brought to your bank’s website to log in and give the business permission to request payment from your bank.

Additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), may be necessary to confirm that you are the one doing the transaction.

You may, for example, get a code on your mobile phone that you must enter in order to complete your transaction. You may also be asked to validate your phone by fingerprint or facial recognition.

How to Give Permission in a Safe Manner

You should take a few steps to ensure your safety when utilizing these services.

• Check that the firm you’re using or considering utilizing is on the FCA registration and the Open Banking website.
• Examine your statements, and if you see any strange activity or payments from your account, notify your bank or account provider immediately.
• Make certain you understand how to cancel the authorization. This information should be available on the company’s website or by phoning them.

It is critical to practice internet safety.