How to identify if a bank is safe to open a digital account
Operation authorization by the Central Bank, coverage by the FGC, data transparency and good relationships with customers and investors are some of the criteria to define which banks and financial institutions are the safest to open a digital account.
This modality refers to bank accounts opened, operated and managed entirely online, without the need to go to a physical branch. Interaction with the institution is done through the application or website.
Therefore, there is no specific ranking for the security of digital accounts or even financial institutions among themselves. But there are some ways to research and confirm compliance with minimum security controls for digital accounts available on the market, such as Inter, Banco do Brasil and Caixa Econômica Federal.
Defining minimum security parameters is the role of regulatory bodies
According to Leandro dos Santos Maciel, professor of finance at FEA-USP (Faculty of Economics, Administration, Accounting and Actuarial Science at the University of São Paulo), more than requiring specific technical parameters, people should check whether the institution is regularly authorized and supervised by the Central Bank (BC).
"It is up to the regulatory body to establish, monitor and update the minimum security standards that these institutions must observe", explains Maciel. "Cyber protection of the financial system is a regulatory and institutional responsibility, not an individual obligation of users."
What are the BC's minimum control criteria?
In December 2025, the Central Bank published a note on updating cybersecurity policy and requirements for financial institutions. Minimum controls include:
- authentication;
- management of digital certificates;
- network protection;
- access control;
- traceability of operations;
- secure systems integration;
- vulnerability correction;
- cyber intelligence;
- and periodically carrying out independent intrusion tests.
The objective was to increase the resilience of the financial system and reduce operational and fraud risks, including ensuring a safe environment for digital innovation.
What other security factors are important?
An extra aspect of security for banks and financial institutions are the so-called fundamental indicators. In short, they are financial and operational metrics used to assess the health, value and growth potential of a company.
"Aspects such as default, provisions for losses, profitability, credit ratings and risk concentration must be observed", highlights the finance professor at FEA-USP.
For customers, additional protection is offered by the FGC (Credit Guarantee Fund), which guarantees deposits and certain investments up to the limits established by regulation.
"From there, other aspects can help the consumer evaluate the quality and safety of the institution", says Maciel. "Although not everyone has the technical knowledge to analyze financial or technological indicators in depth."
Other signs of the institution's commitment to data protection, quality of services provided and market trust are:
- transparency in the disclosure of information;
- maintaining good relationships with customers and investors;
- demonstration of ongoing investments in technology and cybersecurity.
What changes in digital accounts for companies' working capital?
Leandro dos Santos Maciel explains that the criteria are similar, but that the analysis tends to be more rigorous for accounts that concentrate the company's working capital. Attention to the financial strength of the institution must be even greater.
"In addition, it may be recommended to diversify movements between different financial institutions, reducing concentration risks", explains the professor. "This strategy can also expand access to lines of credit, since the history of banking relationships is one of the factors considered by banks when evaluating and granting corporate credit."
What is customers' responsibility?
Customers are responsible for protecting their passwords, tokens and biometric data and not sharing this information with third parties.
"You must also keep your devices updated and secure, in addition to immediately reporting any suspicious movement, loss or theft of card, cell phone or access credentials to the bank", says Maciel.
The professor also highlights that the definition of responsibility may vary depending on the circumstances of each case, since digital fraud constantly evolves and takes different forms over time.
Regarding sharing of banking history through Open Finance, it must only be done with institutions authorized and regulated by the Central Bank.
"It is important to understand what information will be shared and maintain control over the consents granted", adds Maciel. "Also, be wary of requests received via email, messages or unofficial links."
As Open Finance is based on user consent, it is essential to assess whether sharing data brings concrete benefits that justify access to financial information.
Digital accounts offer financial benefits for everyday life
Digital accounts are known for being exempt from maintenance fees and opening online without bureaucracy. Management is done directly via cell phone, in addition to other advantages for routine use.
In the case of Inter, there is not only a national digital account for individuals, but also an international one, for children and companies. Basic financial services are free, and there is a piggy bank for safe and highly liquid balance income.
Source: CNN