Alerts & Notifications
Bank alerts help you monitor account activity in real time. You can receive email, SMS or push notifications for balance changes, large transactions, new payees and sign‑in attempts. Setting up alerts enhances security and helps you avoid overdraft fees.
Common Alert Types
- Balance alerts: Notifies you when your balance drops below or rises above a set threshold.
- Transaction alerts: Sends a message when a withdrawal, deposit or purchase exceeds your chosen amount.
- Security alerts: Alerts you of sign‑ins from unrecognized devices.
- Payment due reminders: Helps you avoid late fees by reminding you of upcoming bill payments.
How to Set Up Alerts
- Log in to your online banking or mobile app.
- Navigate to "Alerts," "Notifications" or "Settings."
- Select the types of alerts you want and the delivery channel (email, SMS, push).
- Set thresholds (e.g., $1000+ transactions) and save your preferences.
- Use any test or preview offered by your provider, or check delivery during an ordinary transaction you already intended to make.
Institution Alert Features
| Institution | Alert Channels | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| RBC | Email, SMS, Push | Sign‑in notifications and spending insights. |
| TD | Email, Push | Personalized spend category alerts. |
| Scotiabank | Email, SMS | Balance and security alerts plus credit score updates. |
| Tangerine | Email, Push | Transaction and payment reminders. |
| Meridian CU | Email, SMS | Real‑time fraud alerts and monthly statements. |
Availability of alert types may vary; check your bank's settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do alerts cost money?
Check your account and mobile plan. Provider charges and SMS or data charges can differ.
How soon after an event will I be notified?
Timing depends on the provider, connection and delivery channel. Do not rely on an alert as a real-time guarantee or proof a payment completed.
Can I customize alert thresholds?
Yes. Most institutions allow you to set dollar thresholds and choose which accounts to monitor.
What if I receive an alert I didn't trigger?
Contact your bank immediately; it may indicate fraudulent activity.
Can I turn off alerts later?
Yes. You can modify or disable alerts in your account settings at any time.
Security and two-step verification
Alerts and a second sign-in step serve different jobs: an alert tells you something happened; verification helps control access. Enable the protections offered by your provider and keep recovery information current.
- Use the provider’s official address or app and a strong, unique password.
- Do not share a PIN, password, security answer or one-time sign-in code with another person.
- Check a suspicious alert by opening the bank’s app yourself, rather than following the message’s link.
- If you see activity you do not recognize, contact the institution promptly through a verified channel.
Security features do not guarantee that a transaction is legitimate or that a loss will be reimbursed. Follow your account agreement. Read FCAC’s online-banking guidance and Interac’s payment-safety guidance.