Online Banking: Advantages and Disadvantages
With the increasing popularity of the internet, more and more industries are seeking ways to utilize this popular medium in an effort to keep up with the changing technological preferences of their customers. These days you can do just about anything online from grocery shopping to making a free phone call to a friend in Tokyo through your PC. The possibilities of the internet are seemingly endless and the banking industry has decided that it will not be left behind. While most people have at least heard of online banking, the majority of them have probably not tried it yet. Maybe it's because we find more comfort in working with real people and real paper when it comes to money matters rather than performing transactions in the seemingly impersonal universe of the World Wide Web. Whatever the case may be, there are both advantages and disadvantages to online banking. This article will outline these advantages and disadvantages so you can either feel justified in your fears or see online banking as a safe way to quickly and efficiently manage your finances.
Let's begin with the advantages of online banking.
First, online banking is convenient. It allows you to perform transactions, pay bills and check balances 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The bank virtually never closes because it is as accessible as your PC or laptop computer. No matter where you are in the country or in the world, you can visit your online bank and handle money matters. You can even schedule to pay several payees ahead of time rather than keeping up with paper bills or trying to remember when to visit a payee's web site to make an online payment. Your bank will automatically send the payments on your behalf in the amounts and on the dates you specify.
Second, online banking is fast, efficient and effective. Through the internet, transactions are typically performed and executed at a faster rate than ATM's. In addition, online banks give you the ability to handle several bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs, IRAs, etc.) from one site. The majority of banking sites are also compatible with programs like Quicken and Microsoft Money, so as to allow for more effective management of assets.
Just as with anything else, there are disadvantages to online banking.
The main issue for most people is that of trust. They may wonder if their transaction went through successfully or if they clicked on the correct button. The best way to overcome this uneasiness is to make a habit of printing the transaction receipt. Keep this receipt until your bank statement or online account view confirms that you have successfully executed the transaction.
Online banking sites can also take a while to start up and can be difficult to learn at first. Some banks require customers to provide some form of photo identification in addition to signing a form at one of their branches. Spouses may also have to sign a power of attorney if you both plan to access and handle your accounts together online. In addition to all of this, it may take a while to learn how to use your banking site. Most if not all banks will offer an online banking tutorial. Some even offer live customer support for online banking via chat, email, or phone.
Clearly, online banking has both advantages and disadvantages. It simplifies life for some people and for them it is frankly a better way to bank. For others it may be a little more complex and downright intimidating. In light of these two perceptions, more and more banks are offering online banking as a viable option for their customers.
The advantages of online banking
Going to a bank can take a lot of your time, considering the fact that banks have a fixed timetable and the most of the times you have to queue up because everybody seems to go there at the same time with you.
And this happened because with online banking:
A lot of your time will be saved because you don't have to visit a bank and wait in a long queue;
Online banking is more accessible because it gives you the opportunity to check your bank account at a time and a place that is favorable to you;
No matter the place where you are, as long if you have Internet access, you can take care of your finances through online banking service;
Online banking involves no difficulties in carrying out financial transactions, which are safe and secure;
Almost every financial institution offers you the possibility to see your latest transactions, transfer money to people or institutions, pay checks, apply for loans and arrange or change standing orders and direct debits.
Some Reasons to Avoid Online Bank Accounts, Technical difficulties. Sometimes online banking Websites go down. When this happens, there's no backup branch that you can go to -- and the phone lines will be clogged. To protect yourself, always keep a local bank or credit union account open with some emergency cash so you won't be penniless while they fix the problem.
3 Reasons Not to Use Online Bank Accounts
Online bank accounts are great. They typically offer high rates for web-savvy saver. However, the high returns come at a cost. You need to know what the tradeoffs are to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are a few reasons NOT to use online bank accounts.
1. Customer Service With Online Bank Accounts
One reason to avoid online banks is that you may run into bad customer service. With a brick-and-mortar bank, you’ll likely have some familiarity with the staff. At a small credit union, the staff might know you well.
Why does this matter? It’s easier to get good service if you know the staff and they know you. You can pick and choose who you deal with. However, if your online bank account offers any phone service, you have to take your chances with the “1-800 Lottery”. You might get somebody helpful and knowledgeable, or you might not.
2. Online Bank Accounts and Speed of Clearing
The internet is supposed to make things faster. However, you might have to wait a long time for checks to clear. You certainly can’t ask for a cashier’s check if you’re in the middle of a crisis and you need settled money yesterday.
Likewise, deposits to your online bank account can be really slow. If you get a big check and want to start earning interest, you can expect to wait. Now, the higher APY you earn may still make it worth your while, but it’s just no fun to wait.
3. You Can’t Spend It From Your Online Bank Account
You can’t take it with you when you go, so why not use some of that money? Online bank accounts make it hard to spend your money. You really have to plan on keeping your money in the account.
