Some banks block or limit connections that pass through a virtual private network (VPN), mainly to detect unusual access and reduce the risk of fraud. A VPN can sometimes cause a banking app to stop working or prompt extra verification. This happens because a VPN changes the IP address, which can make the connection seem unusual to the bank. For example, if a login suddenly appears to come from the Netherlands after previously being from France, it may trigger a verification step. Banks do not automatically flag all VPNs as suspicious, but they use security systems that look at several factors together. However, IP addresses used by many people can draw more attention. Servers that many users share often have the same IP address, and some banks watch them more carefully when they notice a lot of unusual activity. This issue isn’t limited to one type of VPN—main services on the market can show shared IP addresses or change the apparent location of the connection, which can lead to checks from a banking app. Some of the major VPN services affected by these systems include NordVPN, ProtonVPN, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. These services let users pick from many servers, but the IP address assigned may be shared with other users, which could make the connection look unusual to the bank. The kinds of blocks that can happen include the app simply refusing the connection, asking for extra authentication, or limiting certain actions. In more extreme cases, the banking app might stop working entirely while the VPN is active. The message shown doesn’t always clearly say the VPN is the cause—it might just mention a connection error, a temporary problem, or a network issue. A simple test to find the cause is to turn off the VPN and restart the app using the regular connection. If the app works right away, the VPN is a likely cause. Extra verification might be needed, like an SMS code, app confirmation, or biometric check. These steps help confirm the connection really comes from the account holder. In this case, the VPN isn’t necessarily banned, but it has changed enough signals for the system to think the connection is less familiar. Some operations might be limited, with the app still working but certain features temporarily unavailable. More sensitive actions might face stricter checks. The exact behavior depends on the bank and its security setup. A VPN doesn’t conflict with banking apps, but how well they work together can vary. Many apps still function normally with a VPN. The issue is how each bank assesses risk. Some banks are more lenient, while others enforce stricter rules on IP addresses from VPN services. This behavior can change over time, as an IP address that was once accepted might become more monitored if its reputation shifts. A VPN mainly hides the public IP address and protects the connection path but doesn’t replace the security features of the banking app. Encryption, strong authentication, biometrics, or app validation remain separate from the VPN. It's also important to remember that a VPN doesn’t make a connection completely anonymous to the bank, as the institution still has information about the account and authentication. If a banking app refuses to connect, the first step is to temporarily disable the VPN and try to open the app again. If it works normally without the VPN, that helps identify the cause. If using the VPN is still needed, switching servers might help. Connecting through a server near the user’s actual location might be less unusual than connecting from another continent. However, it's not advisable to bypass a bank’s security measures. Some banks provide information on what conditions their apps need to function properly. It can also be helpful to contact their support if a block continues. A banking app that stops working shouldn’t automatically be blamed on the VPN—a recent update, a mobile network issue, maintenance, or software incompatibility can cause similar problems. Banks are cautious because their main goal is to detect unusual behavior. They monitor millions of connections and quickly spot those that seem risky. Their systems can look at several factors, such as the device used, connection habits, approximate location, IP address, and behavior during account use. None of these alone can confirm a connection is fraudulent, but together they might trigger an alert. Shared IP addresses are one of the main points of friction. Hundreds or even more users can be behind the same IP address, making it harder to determine its reputation. This situation can also make it more challenging to tell the difference between legitimate and suspicious activity. That’s one of the reasons why blocks aren’t always applied equally to all VPNs or servers. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to whether a VPN should be turned off to use a bank. If the banking app works fine with the VPN, there’s no general need to disable it. However, when access is denied or an important operation becomes impossible, connecting without a VPN is usually the first logical step. For sensitive operations, using a regular connection can also reduce extra checks related to a sudden IP address change. Good practices include testing the app without a VPN if it refuses to connect, avoiding frequent changes of virtual location while using a bank account, keeping the banking app updated, maintaining strong authentication, preferring a regular connection for sensitive actions, and contacting the bank if the block continues despite using a regular connection.