chipTAN - what is it? Explained in a simple and understandable way

Some banks offer the chipTAN process for online banking, but many customers don't even know what that is. We show you what is behind chipTAN and how the technology works.

Online banking: This is how chipTAN works

The chipTAN process is also known under the names eTAN and smartTAN. Numerous German banks now offer the procedure. The procedure differs slightly depending on the bank:

• You need two things for the chipTAN process: your EC card and a TAN generator.
• Start the transfer on your computer or smartphone and request a chipTAN.
• Then insert the EC card into the TAN generator and use it to scan the image code on the computer.
• The TAN is then generated on the device, which you can transfer to online banking.
• Note: There are also chipTAN procedures in which the transfer data is entered directly on the TAN generator.

chipTAN: Is the procedure safe?

• The chipTAN is one of the safest TAN procedures in online banking: Two different transmission paths are used - Internet and TAN generator. Stiftung Warentest rated security as "very high" in the banking test.
• Even if your computer or smartphone is hacked, authorization is only possible via your EC card on the TAN generator. And you have them offline in your hands.
• Tip: Always check on the PC or smartphone, as well as on the TAN generator, whether the correct account data is involved. So you always stay on the safe side.
• If you also take care of your EC card, almost nothing can happen to you. The TAN generator is useless for thieves. No information is stored here.