Using a virtual private network (VPN) to browse the Internet can provide you with more security and privacy online. It may also be used to access websites that are not available in your area. (For example, Netflix is not available in some countries, but you can access it through a VPN.)
Some people even use VPNs to make it look like they are in a specific location even if they are not. This can help people in other locations navigate websites that offer blocking more easily.
However, these security measures may cause some VPN users, like Ernie from Blue Ridge, Georgia, who wrote to us, to face the opposite problem of being blocked on websites, such as online banking sites, that they would normally have no trouble accessing. Simply checking something online can be frustrating and time-consuming, which can cause many people to reconsider using a VPN altogether.
But is this the right move? If this happens to you, here's what you need to know:
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What does a VPN do?
If you already have a VPN, you probably know how it works. But if you're unfamiliar, or just to recap, a VPN essentially creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. This tunnel protects your online activity from being monitored by others, including hackers, Internet service providers, and governments.
When you connect to a VPN, your data is encrypted. This means that all information sent and received is jumbled and unreadable to anyone intercepting it. This encryption helps keep sensitive information like passwords, emails, and browsing history private.
This masks your real IP address, which stands for “Internet Protocol Address” – a numeric label that identifies your device and its general geographic location – with the IP address of the VPN server, making it look as if your online activity is coming from you. In another location.
This helps protect your privacy and allows you to access content that may be restricted in your physical location due to censorship or licensing agreements. Basically, a VPN gives you anonymity and freedom online by encrypting your data and hiding your online footprint.
See more: Best VPNs for Private Web Browsing in 2024
Why do some banks and websites not work when my VPN is on?
Because VPNs are designed to provide an extra layer of security and privacy for online activities, including banking transactions, some users experience problems when trying to log in to their bank with their VPN turned on. This is because some banks may block VPN connections as a security measure to prevent fraudulent activity. When you go to the website to log in, you may not be able to proceed or may see an error page.
However, this is not a universal practice and many banks allow VPN connections without issue. This situation can still happen on other websites as well as your bank website.
See more: Does a VPN prevent apps from tracking you?
What to do if you can't log in to online banking with your VPN turned on
If you're having trouble logging into online banking or other websites, it may be because of your VPN. In fact, there have been many times where I thought there was a problem with a website or online connection, but it turned out that the VPN was the culprit! So here's what you can do:
1. Contact your bank’s customer support team.: It may provide additional information about why the app is not working with your VPN and provide a solution.
2. Try a different VPN: Some VPNs with your banking app may work better than others. Try a different VPN service to see if that solves the problem.
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3. Disable VPN when using banking apps.: If none of the above solutions work, you can disable the VPN when using banking apps and re-enable it when you're done using it. With a VPN that has a plug-in or widget pinned to your browser navigation bar, you can very easily activate and deactivate the VPN with the click of a button.
Disabling your VPN while using banking apps may be inconvenient, but it's always a good idea to exercise caution and keep your online safety a top priority.
If you're concerned about privacy and security, make sure you're connecting over a secure, private network and not public Wi-Fi.
See more: How do I use a VPN for online banking when traveling?
The best solution for private web surfing
Although VPNs can sometimes complicate access to certain websites, their privacy benefits cannot be overstated. So consider using a VPN to protect yourself from tracking and potentially identify your location on the websites you visit. Depending on your privacy settings, many sites may read your IP address and display the city in which you reside. A VPN spoofs your IP address to show an alternate location. Check out our expert reviews of the best VPNs for privately browsing the web on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
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Kurt’s Key Takeaways
Ultimately, regularly using a VPN when accessing the Internet can be a great way to increase your privacy and security while allowing you to access sites you might not otherwise be able to access due to your location. However, even this benefit is problematic because VPNs can prevent you from accessing sites you normally need to access, such as banking sites. Despite this frustration, we recommend using a VPN if possible and taking the steps above to ensure that your bank login goes smoothly.
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