Internet banking has revolutionised the way many people manage their money and savings. Online banking is available 24/7, and with mobile banking, you can manage your money just about everywhere you can get an internet connection.
Sign up from the comfort of your sofa
The first thing you need to do is register for internet banking. It’s usually free to do this with most bank accounts and it only takes a few minutes in front of a computer.
Advantages
There are lots of advantages to managing your current account online. You can log in at any time, in your lunch hour, or in the middle of the night.
You’ll see all your most recent transactions and an up-to-the-minute balance every time you log in.
You won’t have to wait for paper statements to arrive in the post each month to check your incomings and outgoings.
Plus, you can manage all your Direct Debits and Standing Orders straight from your computer screen.
Banking on your phone
You can also manage your money from your smartphone. Banks have mobile apps and optimised mobile websites that give you many features of online banking when you’re on the move. Visit your app store and download the bank app that’s right for you.
While your bank may not charge you for mobile services, your mobile operator might so it’s worth checking with them before you use them.
You don’t need to register specially for mobile banking, but you may need to be registered for your bank’s online services. With most banks, you’ll use the same logins as you do for your online banking.
You should be able to see your account details on your phone, including your current account and savings and credit card accounts if you have them.
Set up savings and credit card accounts
Once you have an online bank account, some banks will also let you set up savings accounts and apply for credit cards and overdrafts, too. Just follow the links and the instructions on screen.
If you have savings accounts like ISAs with the same bank, you should be able to link these to your online current account and track your longer-term savings too.
Online tools
You’ll find plenty of tools online to help you set monthly budgets and savings. Some track your spending, others even give breakdowns into categories such as food, travel and entertainment.
It all helps to manage your money from the comfort of your own home without having to venture out into the cold.
