This hidden setting stops fraud in its tracks

June 20, 2025

By Kim Komando

Here’s something you probably don’t know. Your banking app is packed with credit card tools that can help you fight fraud, track every dollar and even shop safer online.

Yep, your boring old banking app is secretly a money-smart ninja. You just haven’t poked around enough.

Let’s activate some life-upgrade-level settings right now.  

Figure out where all your money’s going

Most major banking apps (Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Wells Fargo, you name it) have a built-in spending breakdown feature. No more wondering where your money went. You can literally see that $73 you spent on food delivery last week in one sad, colorful chart. 

For example, I didn’t realize I was personally funding Nordstrom’s entire Q1 earnings. Here’s how to find it:

• Open your app and go to your credit card.
• Look for words like “Spending Summary,” “Insights,” or “Trends.”
• Boom, there’s your pie chart. (Mine always looks like a pizza with “Tech Gadgets” and “Clothes” as toppings.)

Try changing the date range to see your habits over time. Want to get really scared? Look at a full year.

Next, set up alerts

This one’s a no-brainer. You can set up alerts for every time your card is used. Whether it’s $5 at a gas station or $500 on mystery electronics in a country you’ve never visited.

Here’s how to turn them on in banks’ mobile apps. I gave you steps, but if you need extra help, hit the links:

• Bank of America: Press Inbox > Bank of America inbox > Quick Setup or Custom Setup > Allow > Account Activity.
• Capital One: Tap your card > Instant Purchase Notification.
• Chase: Select the person icon > Manage alerts.
• Wells Fargo: Go to your card > Manage > Manage alerts.

Turn on:

• Alerts for charges over $1 (yes, that gas station test charge)
• Due date reminders (late fees = wasted money)
• International purchases (if you didn’t book a trip, uh-oh)

Use virtual cards

This is the hidden gem. Some banks let you create virtual credit card numbers for online purchases. That way, you can cancel the number without messing up your real card.

Great for signing up for free trials you actually plan to cancel before they turn into $20/month regrets.

• Capital One’s tool is called Eno (desktop and app).
• Citi has Virtual Account Numbers.
• Bank of America has ShopSafe, though it’s only available on desktop.

You can also set a spending limit or expiration date. Think of it as a burner phone but for your credit card.