| Only a few years ago the concept of online banking | | | | Safe and secure |
| seemed like a dubious one - concerns about security | | | | Some experts consider internet banking to be even |
| and computer glitches were enough to put most | | | | more secure than traditional methods - you won't |
| people off. But with the continuing success of | | | | have pieces of paper with sensitive information lying |
| flagship companies like Cahoot, Egg and Smile, more | | | | around, and there's no danger of your business being |
| and more of us are choosing to do business over the | | | | overheard by other bank customers. Check that the |
| net. Sophisticated technology means that your | | | | site is secure whenever conducting business online, |
| information is well protected, and an online account | | | | never send passwords or account information in |
| offers several advantages over traditional banking. | | | | emails, and be sure to log out when you've finished |
| Anytime, anywhere | | | | your session |
| The convenience of being able to log on and carry | | | | The downside? |
| out transactions at any hour of the day or night | | | | In the past there have been a few cases of |
| could be a welcome alternative to visiting the bank | | | | computer glitches revealing customers' personal |
| on your lunch hour. No queues and no bank holidays | | | | information, but these have been relatively minor and |
| mean the customer has even more control over their | | | | as internet banking becomes more popular, systems |
| finances. Plus, your account information is displayed | | | | are likely to become more secure than ever. |
| as a clear overview - no more riffling through | | | | Technophobes probably won't enjoy banking online. |
| mountains of old bank statements to find the info | | | | You do need to make sure your computer's security |
| you're looking for. | | | | system is sound, and that you have privacy for your |
| Get higher | | | | session. Some people may miss the face-to-face |
| Because online banks don't have the overheads of | | | | contact of their local branch, and most will choose a |
| running branches, they can pass on the savings to | | | | combination of online banking, phone banking and |
| the customer, and offer better rates of interest on | | | | branch visits. As internet banking becomes more |
| your money. Not only do they offer substantially | | | | established, it's likely most of us will end up |
| more interest on your current account but there are | | | | conducting at least a proportion of our business |
| also loans available with very low APRs that will save | | | | online, and you could find switching on to the new |
| you money in the long run. | | | | banks well worthwhile. |