In 2025, Netbanking is one of the popular terms in finance; it is also known as internet banking or online banking. In simple words, it is an digital services that allow bank customers to access and control their accounts completely using the internet and a PC/Laptop, smartphone or tablet without physically visiting a bank branch.
It has facilities such as –
- Full Transaction rights – It means you can use it to view, make bill payments, and transfer money anywhere using multiple payment modes.
- Limited Transaction rights – It has limited Operations rights, depending bank to banks.
- View-only rights – If you have view rights only, that means you can only access, view balance, statements, and bills, but not make payments using online banking.
So, whenever you register for net banking, ask for rights as per your requirements.
Back to history, as per Wikipedia, ICICI was the first bank in india who introduce net banking with very few features in 1998, and today almost all banks provide this facility, including gramin banks, co-op banks.
What Net Banking Offers: From Basics to Advanced Features
Now, Today, there are tons of features you will get, for example –
- Account Overview: You can easily view your balance, check your mini-statement, or download full account statements as a PDF and print them as well.
- Funds Transfer: Send money to other accounts using NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS.
- Bill Payments: You can use BBPS services such as paying electricity, water, gas, DTH, mobile recharge, and credit card bills instantly. Your money was deducted from your savings account without any OTP for bills.
- Deposit Management: Open and manage Fixed Deposits (FD) and Recurring Deposits (RD).
- Loan Management: Apply for loans, check loan balances, and repay EMIs online.
- Delivery Services: You can request a cheque book, debit card, credit card, Prepaid card, Forex card, Passbook, physical statement, and more directly to your registered address.
- Investment Options: It’s like an All-in-one feature; you can also invest in mutual funds, bonds, banking investment products such as NPS, and bank investment programs.
- Customer Services: You can use AI chatbots for help using netbanking, create a ticket for help, track complaints, and access banking support.
For security
- Security Features: You can now use two-factor authentication, so when you try to log in, you need an OTP first to access.
- QR Banking – Now, after entering login details, you have to scan a QR code using from mobile banking app to get access.
- In-App Mobile OTP – In April 2025, Axis Bank launched its first app-based Mobile OTP for login and transactions.
- Auto Log out Feature – Now, bank portals have auto log out features, which 10-minute session time frame. However, RBI recommends logging out properly after using. It can be like an additional layer of safety.
This is just a few examples, just like the tons of features banks offer for customers’ safety and improving the banking experience.
Net Banking Login Credentials
To access net banking, you need two main credentials:
| Credential | Purpose | Example / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| User ID or Username | Unique identification for logging in | Usually provided by the bank during account opening and activating NetBanking |
| Temporary Password | Secret key for login | Can be set by the user or provided as an initial token by the bank |
| Transaction Password | Authorises money transfers or payments | Usually different from the login password for security |
| OTP (One-Time Password) | Verifies online transactions | Sent to the registered mobile number or email |
Some banks, like BOB or HDFC, allow online activation using ATM/debit card details and Customer ID, while others, like Gramin banks or regional banks, still ask for a visit home branch and physical forms.
Steps to Activate Net Banking
If you want to open your NetBanking account after account opening, you may need a few documents –
- Your Debit Card or ATM Card
- Branch Token
- Customer ID or CIF
- Application form
- Aadhaar number + OTP
- PAN number + OTP
- Your Passbook to find the correct details, such as branch code, account number
- Identity proof and Address proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID) it only for branch activation.
Option A – How to activate via Branch Activation
- Visit your home bank branch, ask for the Netbanking activation form.
- Fill out the Activation Form with details like Name, Account Number, CIF, Mobile Number, and Email.
- Submit KYC documents if required. such as your scanned copy of PAN or aadhaar.
- The bank issues a login user ID or temporary password within 1-2 working days to your registered email ID and mobile number.
- Use the temporary password with the CIF/Customer ID to access net banking.
B Option – Activate via Branch Code
Most of the government banks, such as BOB, Indian Bank, Central Bank, and SBI, provide a branch token if you don’t have a debit card right now.
- Visit your base branch and ask to bank staff to generate a branch token for me for NetBanking.
- They ask for your customer ID and basic details.
- You will receive a Branch token on your phone, and valid only for 24 hours.
- Register online using your customer ID, PAN, and enter your branch token number to set a password.
C Option – Online Activation (for Major Banks)
This is a basic method offered by most private banks and top indian government banks. You can apply after the delivery of the ATM card to your address.
- Visit the bank’s net banking website using the latest web browser.
- Select “New User Registration”.
- Enter Customer ID / CIF, PAN Details, DOB, and ATM/Debit card details.
- Receive OTP on the registered mobile.
- Set the login password and transaction password.
- You may have to set 2/3 security questions to complete first-time registration.
- Start using net banking immediately.
How to Log in to Net Banking
For Banks (most popular banks)
The step-by-step login process is basic; however, you may find a different UI, but the process is almost the same:
- Visit the bank’s official website (e.g., onlinesbi.com, hdfcbank.com) using Chrome, Google, or Bing.
- Click Net Banking Login
- Enter User ID
- Enter Login Password
- Fill out the captcha.
- Enter OTP sent to your registered mobile/email if prompted.
- For transactions, enter Transaction Password.
For Gramin or Regional Banks:
- First, received the temporary login kit through email and mobile number.
- Open your website, tap on First time user.
- Enter your CIF, DOB, and Mobile OTP.
- Set a new username and a new password.
- Log in using the same details and set transaction password, profile password, and Security questions. (only first time required)
- Now, all done, log in.
Bank-wise Net Banking Activation/Login Examples
| Bank | Activation Mode | Required Credentials / Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI | Online + Branch | CIF / Customer ID + ATM card | Token optional if ATM linked; new accounts may need a branch token |
| HDFC Bank | Online | Customer ID + Debit Card | Instant activation; OTP sent to registered mobile |
| ICICI Bank | Online | Customer ID + Debit Card | First-time login sets transaction password |
| Bassein Catholic Co-Operative Bank | Branch first | CIF | Internet and Mobile Banking Activation Form Required |
| Bharat Bank | Email Method | User ID | token-generated only at email |
| Axis Bank | Online / Branch | Customer ID + ATM card / KYC | Branch visit is optional unless new account |
| PNB / Gramin Banks | Branch Only | Account proof + KYC | Physical form and token required for activation |
Steps to Download Net Banking Application Forms
If you find an issue, such as a customer ID not found, or netbanking is not activated, it means you have to submit a form to your branch first. Most of the indian banks do not provide pre-activated NetBanking facility. You may have to visit to submit an application form.
- Visit your bank’s official website.
- Navigate to the “Net Banking / Internet Banking” section.
- Look for “New User Registration Form” or “Net Banking Activation Form”.
- Download the PDF form.
- Fill out the form and submit it at your branch along with the required KYC documents.
What is User ID and Password in Internet Banking
User ID:
- A special identifier provide by the bank to each account holder.
- It can also be called Customer ID or CIF number in some banks.
- Most banks allow your to create own user ID and own password, but for creating you will need customer ID.
- Used to log in to the net banking portal.
- Example: 123456789 (assigned by the bank)
Password:
- A secret key you create (or receive as a temporary token) to access net banking.
- Usually, banks differentiate between:
- Login Password → You will required for daily log in to the net banking website or app.
- Transaction Password → It used for authorize fund transfers, bill payments, or adding new beneficiaries.
- MPIN → It works for mobile banking, it also works on netbanking also.
Which Account Types Can Use Net Banking
Net banking is not restricted to savings or current accounts.
| Account Type | Net Banking Access |
|---|---|
| Savings Account | Yes, full access to deposits, transfers, statements, and bill pay |
| Current Account | Yes, mainly for businesses or high-volume transactions |
| Credit Card Account | Yes, can view statements, pay bills, transfer funds to a card (without a savings account) |
| Loan Account | Limited access, mainly to check balance, EMI, or repayment history |
| Fixed Deposit / Recurring Deposit Account | Yes, can view balance, maturity, interest, and renew deposits online |
| Fastag Account | If you have a bank fastag, you will get a particular portal to manage your account digitally. |
| Prepaid / Forex Cards | Few banks such as HDFC give direct login button for prepaid cards |
Key point: Even if you don’t have a savings account, you can still use net banking for credit card management or loan accounts, provided the bank allows online login for that product.
Comparing Net Banking with Mobile Banking
Most people got confused with mobile banking, think, is it both same, yes they work almost the same but serve slightly different purposes.
| Feature | Net Banking | Mobile Banking |
|---|---|---|
| Device | Desktop or Laptop (web browser) | Smartphone / Tablet (app) |
| Accessibility | Can access full banking portal | Limited services through app |
| Features | Extensive: funds transfer, bills, investments, FD/RD, loans | Common: fund transfer, bill pay, balance check, mini-statement |
| Activation | User ID + password + token | App download + registered mobile + OTP |
| Security | Login password + transaction password + OTP | App PIN / biometric + OTP |
| Speed | Instant for transactions; batch for NEFT | Instant for IMPS, UPI |
| Ease of Use | Desktop interface; more options | App interface; quick and mobile-friendly |
Remaining questions for You
Can I access net banking without a debit card?
Yes, you can login via Aadhaar OTP, email link, Branch token, and Also SIM Binding method to track your customer ID and set password for login in netbanking.
How to Withdraw Money from Internet Banking?
In simple, you You cannot physically withdraw cash directly from net banking itself. Net banking is primarily for online fund transfers and payments. however, you can use Mobile OTP feature to withdraw from ATM without using debit card, such as YONO Cash.
Is Net Banking the Same as UPI?
No, netbanking is a large portal for account management where UPI is a just mobile-based Online payment method. it used for sending and receiving money via VPA and mobile number.
Can I transfer money internationally using net banking?
Yes, You have to use SWIFT Banking transfer method, but it may have higher charges, confirm with your bank first.
Can I schedule my electricity bill payment for a future date?
Yes, you can use netbanking for auto-pay facility, just set auto-pay via mobile OTP, it schedule bill payments in advance, so your account is debited automatically on the chosen date.
This article was written by Nanne Parmar, a fintech expert with a DCA degree and a commerce background, with 6+ years of experience in finance, fintech, and banking. Nanne has worked extensively in AI tools for banking, financial calculators, and fintech products. As the founder of EaseMoney, he focuses on making complex financial concepts simple for Indian users.