Online Banking

[carolyorkie2010]

It seems that the best savings interest rates (and that's not saying much!) are now offered if you do online banking. Just wondered how safe it is, being a cautious person.

[mustard-tree]

I think it depends on which bank you use.

I have used online banking with NW for years with no problem.

If anyone did manage to access my account, all they could do was see my balances and statements, and move money from one of my accounts to another,  say from my current account to my savings account etc.

They would not be able to pay themselves anything, as to do that, a debit card and card reader is needed, but not all banks use these.

Check with your bank that they use card readers as a security measure.

Online banking is a blessing for me, as I am virtually housebound and cant get to the bank easily.

[chickengrandma-2008]

My hubby does our banking online with HSBC and he's had no problems.  He's very cautious when it comes to giving information on line, but he seems happy enough with the security.  He has a card reader and special bits and pieces for security, I don't understand it at all...........that's why HE does it!

[rsjlew]

I find online banking a total godsend as I don't get out and about easily. The only times I've had problems it hasn't been down to the bank, but other online retailers getting hacked and my details taken that way. When this has happened my bank (Nationwide) have been very helpful in sorting things out. In some cases they realised there was a problem before I did and stopped it in it's tracks.

[saasher2012]

I also do online Banking& have had no problems, I certainly find it a godsend. It just pays to do some research& also which bank you use.

[ed_blackadder_1]

I also do online banking and find it brilliant. I have a card reader and have had it for over 10 years now, no problems at all, my security is ramped up anyway.  It saves all those blessed paper statements cluttering up the house as well, you can even pay a cheque in using the downloaded form, post it off and wait for it to clear.  No more paying carparking fees just to pay in a cheque or transfer money. We have 2 different accounts and they both have card readers and are easy to use.

If you don't leave near to a town, are housebound or work the same hours as the banks do they are ideal.

[alisonsvintagechicboutique]

I have banked with Smile for many years.  They are the online bank of the Co-op.

They are an ethical bank and their website is so supremely easy to use - in fact its the best website I have ever used in terms of layout and clarity.  It should win awards its that user friendly!!

They don't bombard you with emails - one a month to tell you your statement is ready.  They don't send you mail through the post or any associated junk.

They don't try and sell you anything.  And if you do ever need to talk to them they have lovely UK call centre staff.  Just click a button online to order more paying in envelopes etc. 

I've never had any problems with them and am always recommending them to people.  I've banked with others and they just dont come anywhere close (HSBC, NW, Santander etc).

Oh and you can deposit cash and cheques into your Smile account at any post office. 

Lovely bank. 

[stroppy*cow]

I also am a HUGE fan of online banking - have used it for years and have never had a problem. I have never tried to access it through a mobile phone though.

The key-pad thingie from HSBC is very small, but if you ask they will swap it for a larger one that "speaks" to you - it is meant for folks with impaired vision.

I just wish that ALL banks would do online banking!

[cookiecookuk]

we have banked online with halifax for years and never had a problem

[chips-and-brown-gravy]

I'm sorry but if you think the Co-Op is an ethical bank you are sadly mistaken.  Even before the scandal about their chairman Paul Flowers, there were problems not only with their supposedly ethical stance and the fact that they were in financial difficulties - a £1.5 billion capital shortfall and their credit rating being downgraded to zero, and this was before the scandal, which I doubt has done them much good.

Many of the features you mentioned are offer are available from other banks, for business I use Lloyds wh have been excellent, but that is mainy because I have an excellent relationship with my business manager.  Personal banking I use Nationwide, and have done for 20 years, they are simply the best for me, UK call centre, excellent service, no spam or junk mail (you can opt out of postal communication on the website) I get a monthly email telling me my statement is ready and that's it.  They also provide a anti-hacking programme free of charge for your computer.

[cat-knitter]

I'm with Carol ....... I don't think I could do it, I'd scared & would be checking it every day in case someone accessed it 

[leoleoleo123]

I am with Nationwide.. on my laptop and my mobile.. easy and secure for years!

I also have a barclays account but have never managed to use their online banking app.. just too much going on, and so i dont use that!

[guardpig]

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@cat-knitter wrote:

I'm with Carol ....... I don't think I could do it, I'd scared & would be checking it every day in case someone accessed it 

---

Exactly - everything is more immediate, especially with the phone apps.  Invoiced a customer yesterday late afternoon by email, checked bank to see what had been happening and he'd paid me!.Prefer the phone app for using the account but more details are available on the computer.

Son has used internet banking for years but is currently waiting for a statement to wend it way to him by post because he needs proof of address and hasn't got anything that will be accepted. Taking their time too.

[alisonsvintagechicboutique]

Just glad I could access my cash via ATM at the weekend when millions couldn't 

I hope those who were affected will be credited in some way.  

[leoleoleo123]

GP.. can son not just print off his statement from banking website?

[chips-and-brown-gravy]

You don't get your address printed on a statement that you download and print. I'm guessing it's needed for proof of ID and address.

[leoleoleo123]

ah, yes, never thought of that!

[mustard-tree]

chips, with natwest you can print a proper statement with your name and address on it.

You can see just a list of transactions on the screen, but can also download a pdf statement with all details.

Not sure how other sites work, but look for download statement link

I printed a couple for the same reason a few days ago, as proof of private pension.

[guardpig]

Yes, he wants to join the local library.  He needs proof of residence - they don't seem to care about ID so long as you can prove you live here - and he has nothing they will accept and the only one he can get is a bank statement, has to be posted.  Similarly we are held up on his blue badge application - he can prove who he is but not where he lives!.  Being on the electoral role, which he is, used to be sufficient proof of residence.

[guardpig]

Mustard - thanks, didn't realise..  That will do for the blue badge, even if it means plugging printer out and in but library insist on "posted" to your address. Stupid really since daughter's mail mostly comes here because it "saves her taking it to the bins"!