How to Start and Use Net Banking and Mobile Banking Safely

Who needs this service?

Account Holders: Any individual with a savings or current account in an Indian bank who wants to transfer money, pay bills, or check balances from home.
Smartphone/Computer Users: Citizens comfortable using a smartphone (Mobile Banking) or a computer/laptop (Net Banking).

Required documents

Keep these ready before you start. You do not need to upload them, but you need the details written on them:

Bank Passbook: For your Account Number, CIF Number (Customer ID), and Branch Code.
Active Debit/ATM Card: For validation (Card Number, CVV, ATM PIN).
Registered Mobile Number (RMN): Must be active on your phone to receive OTPs.
Identity Proof: PAN Card or Aadhaar Card (sometimes asked for verification).

Step-by-Step Online Process

Most major banks allow instant activation if your mobile number is linked to your account.

1. State Bank of India (SBI) – Net Banking

Official Portal: https://www.onlinesbi.sbi/

Go to the portal and click “New User Registration”.
A pop-up will ask if you have the kit. Click “OK” (assuming you don’t have a printed kit from the branch).
Enter Details: Fill in your Account Number, CIF Number, Branch Code, Country, and Registered Mobile Number. Select “Full Transaction Rights” for money transfer ability.
OTP Verification: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile.
ATM Card Validation: Select “I have my ATM Card” and enter card details (Last 4 digits, expiry, PIN) to activate instantly.
Create Login: Set your Username and Login Password.
Success: You can now log in. Note: You will need to set a “Profile Password” separately for making transactions.

2. HDFC Bank – Mobile Banking (App)

Official App: HDFC Bank MobileBanking (Play Store / App Store)

Download and open the app.
SIM Binding: The app will send an SMS from your phone to verify your number. Ensure you have an SMS pack.
Authentication: Enter your Customer ID (found on Passbook/Chequebook) and registered mobile number.
Verification: Enter your Debit Card details (Number, Expiry, PIN) or Net Banking Password (if you already have one).
Set PIN: Create a 4-digit MPIN or enable Biometric (Fingerprint) for quick login.

3. ICICI Bank – Net Banking

Official Portal: https://www.icicibank.com/

Click on Login -> “Get User ID”.
Enter Account Number and Mobile Number to get User ID via SMS.
Go back to Login -> Click “Generate Password”.
Click “Proceed” and enter your User ID.
Enter the registered mobile number to receive an OTP.
Set your new password.

4. Axis Bank – Net Banking

Official Portal: https://www.axisbank.com/

Click Login -> “Register”.
Enter your Customer ID (Login ID) and Mobile Number.
Enter your Debit Card details (Card Number, ATM PIN, Expiry).
Set your specific Login Password and Transaction Password.

Offline Process (Branch Visit)

Use this if you do not have an active Debit Card or are uncomfortable with online registration.

Visit Home Branch: Go to the branch where you opened your account.
Ask for Form: Request the “Internet Banking / Mobile Banking Registration Form”.
Fill Details: Enter Name, Account Number, Mobile Number, and signature. Tick “Full Transaction Rights”.
Submit ID: Attach a self-attested copy of Aadhaar or PAN card.
Receive Kit:
- Post: The bank will send a “Welcome Kit” with printed User ID and Password to your home address within 7–14 days.
- Email: Some banks (like Bank of Baroda) may email the User ID and allow you to set the password online after 24 hours.
First Login: Use the credentials from the kit to log in. You will be forced to change the password immediately for safety.

How to Check Status / Track Application

Online Registration: Activation is usually instant. Try logging in immediately.
Offline (Branch) Request:
- SBI: Visit https://onlineapply.sbi.bank.in/personal-banking/application-status (Select ‘OnlineSBI Registration’ if applicable, otherwise tracking is only via branch).
- General Method: If you haven’t received an SMS within 7 days, call the customer care number with your Application Reference Number (given by the branch).
- SMS Alerts: You will receive an SMS like “Your Net Banking request [Ref No] has been processed” once active.

Common Problems & Solutions

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
“SIM Binding Failed”	No SMS balance or Dual SIM issue.	Ensure you have a main balance/SMS pack. If using Dual SIM, set the registered number as the default for SMS.
“CIF / Account Mismatch”	Wrong details entered.	Check your Passbook. The ‘0’ (zero) and ‘O’ (letter) often get confused.
“User Already Registered”	You may have activated it years ago.	Use the “Forgot Username / Password” link on the login page instead of “New Registration”.
“Invalid Debit Card Details”	Card is inactive/blocked.	Go to an ATM and do a balance enquiry to ensure the card is active before registering online.
“OTP Not Received”	Network issue or DND.	Restart phone. If problem persists, update your mobile number at the branch (KYC update).

Official Helpline Numbers (Govt & Banks)

Safe Banking Rule: ONLY call numbers listed on official websites or the back of your Debit Card. Never trust random Google Search numbers.

National Cyber Crime Helpline (Govt of India): 1930 (Report fraud immediately)
Portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in

Bank Official Toll-Free Numbers (As of Jan 2026):

SBI: 1800 1234 / 1800 2100
HDFC Bank: 1800 1600 / 1800 2600
ICICI Bank: 1800 1080
Axis Bank: 1800 419 5577
Punjab National Bank (PNB): 1800 180 2222
Bank of Baroda: 1800 5700

This information is from official sources (RBI, Bank Portals) as of January 2026. Always verify URL involves https:// and look for the lock icon before entering passwords.

Would you like me to guide you on how to set a strong password that is hard to hack but easy to remember?

How to Start and Use Net Banking and Mobile Banking Safely