Internet banking is the latest development that has added a new dimension to banking transactions by making it more convenient, which has eliminated the long wearisome waiting-lines. But, there are some serious problems that you may encounter while banking through the Internet, due to which many still prefer to go directly to the banks instead of availing this facility.

Internet Banking Problems

For carrying out Internet banking properly, a basic knowledge of computers and the Internet is required, which limits the number of people willing to avail this facility. Many people who are not comfortable with computers and the Internet, often find it difficult to use Internet banking. Therefore, for beginners, Internet banking is really time-consuming. In addition to this, people also find a difficulty in trusting a completely mechanized system like Internet banking, in case of financial matters. In many instances, a simple mistake, like clicking a wrong button, may create a big problem. And so, many individuals often keep wondering if they have properly executed the transaction. However, this uneasiness can be avoided by printing the transaction receipt and keeping it with oneself, until the bank statement is received.

While banking through the Internet, you have to be careful about the security of your Internet bank account. The security of your Internet bank account depends to a great extent on the security of your computer, password and pin number. Any leakage of information regarding your password or pin number and banking transactions can allow computer hackers to gain access to your bank account, which is the most common Internet banking problem. This can lead to unauthorized and criminal transactions being conducted without your knowledge. By the time you get your bank statement and detect such transactions, it may be too late.

In Internet banking, you have to make sure that the banking session is secure, as in many instances you may encounter proxy websites. These proxy websites can easily access your bank account, if they can crack your user name, password or pin number. Due to such security problems, many people are apprehensive about Internet banking.

Sometimes, Internet banking can be time-consuming and tedious, as many websites take quite a long time to get started. Besides this, your Internet bank account may also take considerable time to get started. You may also encounter technical difficulties and connectivity problems while conducting Internet banking transactions. Of course, there is a customer care department in almost every bank to look into such matters, but often you may not be able to get the necessary assistance due to the congestion in the computer and telephone network. On the other hand, in normal banking, you can simply converse with the bank officials to sort out any problem.

However, with the advances in technology, many banks have taken the adequate measures to ward off any problems related to the security of Internet banking. Customers can also follow some simple precautionary measures, like not disclosing the password and pin number to anyone, changing the password at regular intervals and installing antivirus software to ensure security and safety of their Internet banking transactions. Online banking tutorials are also provided by many banks to help familiarize people with Internet banking. So, you can avail this facility to use Internet effectively, for making your day-to-day financial transactions

 

With the advent of the Internet, online banking has gained immense popularity. The ease and the convenience of banking from anywhere in the world, without having to physically visit the local bank, has made online banking an indispensable facility for many people. The following are the pros and cons of online banking.

Pros and Cons of Online Banking

The pros and cons of online banking can be summarized as follows:

Advantages of Online Banking: Online banking or Internet banking, offers the convenience of banking from anywhere, at any time of the day or night. It is a free facility provided by the banks to their customers. Expediting the payment of bills, helping people keep track of the balance in their account and transferring money between accounts are some of the advantages of Internet banking.

Paying Bills Online: Online banking provides people the facility of paying bills online from their checking account, money market account or credit card account or from their home equity line of credit. In order to avail this facility, people would have to set up payees or pay to accounts for which they would need a copy of their bills. Recurring payments can be made without delay, by making use of the facility of being able to set up pay to accounts, on completing a simple formality. One can schedule bill payments up to one year in advance. Online banking helps people keep their bill payment history in an electronic format, thus eliminating the need for paperwork. Some companies also dispatch bills directly to the customer’s online banking service. However, not all companies offer e-bills. The customer can thus receive, view and pay e-bills or electronic versions of their paper bills.

Electronic Funds Transfer: Online banking allows the facility of electronic transfer of funds between a number of accounts maintained with the same bank. Generally, people can transfer money from their checking or their savings account to the following: credit cards, line of credit and investment account. People can also transfer money from their personal account to the personal account of others, assuming that the accounts are maintained with the same bank. Customers can also opt to transfer funds from their personal account, maintained with a bank, to the accounts maintained in other financial institutions. Withdrawals and deposits are thus facilitated by electronic fund transfers.

Other Facilities: One can access one’s account from anywhere in the world and view the current balance in the linked accounts. The system of linked accounts allows the bank to transfer funds from the customers savings account to cover the overdrawn checking and credit card account. Viewing the balances in linked accounts helps a person keep a check on spending habits. Stopping payments on checks, re-ordering checks, requesting copies of paid checks, savings and checking account statements are some of the other facilities of online banking.

Disadvantages of Online Banking: Although the advantages clearly outnumber the disadvantages of Internet banking, some people may prefer banking the old-fashioned way due to the following reasons:

Safety Concerns:In the article titled, “Is Online Banking Safe”, cyber scams that may target unsuspecting customers were explored in great detail. Phishing, the presence of malicious software, keylogger issues and security concerns due to weak wireless security networks deter people from opting for Internet banking.

Meant for Tech Savvy People: People belonging to the older generation may not be tech savvy and may find it difficult to adapt to online banking.

Online banking is a wonderful facility that can save us time and make our life simpler. However, one must take adequate measures to protect oneself from getting cyber scammed.

 

In this day and age, online banking is an absolute must. It is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid banking online, which means that you will eventually have to get used to doing some of your financial work online. Many concerns about security and identity theft have been addressed, which is great, but there are still so many options for banking outside your bank that it can be difficult to decide what method of banking is right for you and your family. This quick guide is designed to help you decipher between the options that are out there, and start taking virtual control over your financial future.
Security
Many concerns about online banking stem from security issues with banking from a device. While it is true that people can hack into computer systems and steal information, the same thing is true for filing paperwork. If someone stole the paperwork that was filed at your bank, they would have access to all kinds of information. Realistically, online banking is no less secure than working with a banker, and it is much more convenient. In fact, most online transactions are encrypted so your information does not get stolen. This is much safer than having paper copies of financial reports in a filing cabinet. If you are still unsure about whether or not online banking is safe, you should definitely talk to a professional at your bank who can explain the process to you and ease your fears. It’s a scary thought that, if someone wants our information, they can get it, but whether you bank online or with a banker, your information is out there somewhere. It is best to take proper measures to ensure you are safe, like not storing your passwords on your computer or online.

Internet Banking

Internet banking refers to using the website of your bank to process information. This can mean you use this site to manage loans, digital checks, savings and checking accounts, as well as pay bills and transfer funds. Most banking websites also allow you to download statements in PDF format that you can keep for your records if you want to. However, if you are interested in going green and saving the world from the printing of unnecessary paper, you can just view those statements and then delete them from your computer. With online banking, it is also possible for you to go completely paperless, which is extremely helpful for the environment.

SMS Banking

SMS banking is similar to online banking in that you can do some things without going to the bank. However, it is different in that you are using primarily text messages to perform certain actions. Therefore, the actions you can perform are sometimes limited. Depending on your bank, you may be able to use text messages, or SMS messages, to receive an account balance at a set time and get alerts when your account dips below a certain balance or when a large sum of money is withdrawn from your account. Some banks also allow you to transfer funds between linked accounts, stop payment on a check, and pay some bills through SMS.

Mobile Banking

Mobile banking is very similar to Internet banking, except you are using a smart phone to bank rather than the computer. Many smart phones have apps that connect you directly to your bank, and give you information about your accounts, allow you to pay bills or transfer money, and some banks even allow you to make deposits by taking a picture of the check.

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