When it comes to sharing financial information like bank details, email might seem like the quickest and most convenient option.
But is it safe?
The short answer is no — not without taking the right steps to protect your information.
As a writer and researcher in cybersecurity, I've seen first-hand how easily convenience can lead to oversights in email security.
"Email is a fantastic tool, but it was never designed with security as its primary focus."
— Paul Holland, Founder, Beyond Encryption
Email was never created with security in mind.
Modern email systems offer some safeguards, but the risk of exposing sensitive data is still high.
Let’s look at why you might need to email bank details, the risks involved, and how to stay protected.
There are times you may need to send your bank details by email.
Sending an email might feel convenient for both you and your recipient.
However, it also opens the door to serious digital risks.
These include:
If a cybercriminal accesses your email account or your recipient’s, they can gather all the information inside, including your bank details.
This often happens when emails aren’t protected by strong, unique passwords, or if someone physically steals your device.
When an email travels between you and your recipient, cybercriminals can intercept it.
They might use techniques like man-in-the-middle attacks to eavesdrop or even alter data in transit.
This is more likely if you’re using public Wi-Fi or an email service that’s not encrypted.
Scammers often pose as trusted organisations or people.
They’ll trick you into sharing personal details or banking information.
They might use emails that look almost identical to legitimate ones, or messages that create panic by claiming there’s a problem with your bank account.
Mistakes happen, especially if you’re sending lots of emails or if you’re in a hurry.
A small typo in the address could mean your bank details land in the wrong inbox.
If that unintended recipient decides to use your info, you could be at risk.
If someone gets your bank details without your permission, the consequences can be severe.
Fraudsters can:
Statistics show that £1.2 billion is stolen by fraud each year, which is more than £2,300 every minute.
Almost 43 million UK internet users have encountered suspected scams, with over 20% losing £1,000 or more.
While banks have fraud-detection measures in place, resolving fraud can be time-consuming and stressful.
Three in five fraud victims report anxiety and low confidence after the experience.
If you’ve sent bank details through unsecured email and think they might be compromised, act fast.
Contact your bank.
They can watch your transactions and freeze your account if needed.
Keep an eye on your statements, and if you see misuse, report it to the police or Action Fraud.
Criminals can exploit more than just bank details.
Avoid sending:
Standard email isn’t safe enough on its own.
But there are ways to make it more secure.
Two main tools help protect emails: encryption and recipient authentication.
Let’s break down what these are and how they help.
Email encryption scrambles your message content while it travels, making it hard for criminals to read or change.
There are two main types:
Transport Layer Encryption (TLS):
This protects your message from your device to the recipient’s email server.
But once it reaches their inbox, it’s decrypted.
End-to-End Encryption (E2EE):
This keeps your message encrypted from your device all the way to the recipient’s.
Nobody else can read it without the right decryption key, not even your email provider.
Popular E2EE standards include:
S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions): Uses cryptographic keys to encrypt emails, but both sender and recipient need digital certificates.
AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard): Encrypts emails on the sender’s device.
They stay encrypted until they reach the recipient, regardless of what email service they use.
Find out more about email encryption.
Most email providers, including Outlook, Gmail, and iOS, offer some level of encryption.
We’ve put together a full guide on how to set up encryption in each system.
However, many only use TLS or S/MIME.
While this is better than no encryption, it can leave gaps in your defences.
For stronger protection, look for advanced encryption protocols like AES-256.
Services such as Mailock use AES-256, which is military-grade encryption.
Email recipient authentication is about making sure the person who opens your email is the right one.
It helps stop others from reading your messages if you enter the wrong address by accident.
Methods include:
Password-protected documents:
If you attach your bank details rather than paste them, you can put a password on the file.
But you have to share that password separately, like by phone or text.
Digital certificates and signing:
Digital signatures, such as those used by S/MIME, let the recipient verify that the email is genuine and wasn’t changed in transit.
However, certificates can be costly and tricky to set up.
Secure email services:
Some platforms, like Mailock, let you authenticate the recipient before they can read the email.
This might include sending an SMS code to their phone or setting a shared security question.
Encryption and authentication are the most important parts of protecting your bank details.
But there are more ways to keep emails secure:
There are different ways to protect data you send online.
It’s vital to put safeguards in place and not just send sensitive information via unsecured email.
If you’re ever unsure—don’t send it.
Use a secure email service with end-to-end encryption and recipient authentication.
This helps make sure only the intended recipient can read your message.
It's best not to.
Emails can be intercepted or accessed by hackers.
Use a secure password manager or share passwords through phone or in person.
Yes, it’s possible.
Fraudsters can set up direct debits or standing orders.
Always watch your statements for suspicious activity and notify your bank if you see anything unusual.
Contact your bank right away.
They can watch for suspicious transactions and freeze your account to protect your funds.
Over £1.2 billion stolen through fraud in 2022, UK Finance, 2023
Scale and impact of online fraud revealed, Ofcom, 2023
Research reveals mental and physical impact of fraud on victims’ wellbeing, Independent, 2024
Top tips for staying secure online, National Cyber Security Centre, 2021
Sam Kendall, 09.01.25
Sabrina McClune, 09.01.25