With approximately 63 million Americans banking online, according to a recent study, it’s getting harder to remember what life was like before it. As online banking gains widespread acceptance, more banks are offering web-based products and services to enhance communication and support with their clients.
One of the most popular features of online banking, electronic bill pay allows bank clients to complete their bill paying responsibilities with the ease and convenience of today’s technology from the comforts of their home.
While many Americans can hardly imagine not managing their accounts or paying bills online, some are still concerned about the safety of their identity and finances. The reality is that in many cases sending paper bills through the mail actually exposes individuals to identity theft more often than banking online. Thanks to high regulation standards, online banking is secure and offers privacy and protection of clients’ account information.
To ensure the identity of its online customers, Web sites use encryption software which scrambles private information to prevent unauthorized access. Passwords and personal identification numbers are used to access an online account, providing additional protection. Experts also suggest making the most of security provided by a personal computer such as virus protection. Physical access controls should also be used and updated regularly.
Before launching into online banking, it goes without saying that users should always make sure their bank is FDIC insured, and this can be verified with the familiar FDIC logo or the words “Member FDIC” or “FDIC Insured” on the Web site. Bank clients may also check the FDIC’s online database of FDIC-insured institutions for verification as well. Remember that a bank may operate under different names for its online and traditional services. Deposits at the parent bank are combined with those at the Web site and are insured for up to the maximum amount of coverage for one bank.
Managing one’s money from a home computer has never been easier as online banks offer their clients the ability to quickly review account information in one convenient location. Here, they can view payment histories, balances, and due dates on loans. Transferring money from one account to another takes seconds and some online banks offer clients the ability to move monies to other institutions where accounts are held.
Perhaps one of the most attractive services offered by online banks is the ability to pay bills electronically, such as utilities from a personal computer. Setting up electronic bill pay services is fairly straightforward. Using a service offered through a bank allows clients to direct money from a bank account to designated billers.
The service in some cases prints a check and mails to the recipient and in other cases, service providers are a part of the bank’s system (such as a phone or utility company), and the bank simply transfers money electronically when you use online bill pay.
Prior to setting up online bill pay, it’s a good idea to check with a service provider to see if they require specific instructions for receiving an online payment. There may be an alternate address or other instructions to make payments. In setting up an electronic payment through a bank, a copy of the bill sent by the service provider is needed.
On the Website, a new payee in the name of the company will need to be set up, as well as the address and account number. Each month as the bill comes due, a bank client simply enters the amount charged for the service and authorizes payments. From there, the bank prints and mails a check that will pull money from the client’s account.
Phone, cable and other utility companies also offer online bill pay. With this, the customer pays his or her bill at the company’s Web site. Setting online bill pay with a company typically requires a voided check and an authorization form. Similar to direct deposit, the system allows customers to pay their bill online without have to use paper checks or the mail.
There are also automatic online bill pay services which allow individuals to set up recurring payments. These services are ideal for those who would rather not think about having to pay bills each month. Services can be activated to make monthly payments for utilities or on a quarterly basis to pay the insurance bill.
+ There are no comments
Add yours