Do you use Internet banking?

I am with smile, the internet branch of the Co-Op Bank, have been since it started. It's ok most of the time - I access it on my laptop. Getting in touch with them can be a trial.

Nationwide internet banking is great! Don’t hesitate.

Yes, but, on my own (passworded non cloud using) laptop only - never on a phone. Not sure why - I just don't understand enough about who can access what. Ironic really as daughter has high flying job with an online only bank - she tells me it's all fine...

I have done internet banking for years but only on my laptop. We have very good internet security on our laptops. My partner used to work in IT. I also have a Paypal account and transfer money from my main bank account to another with another bank to which my paypal account is attached. I only keep the minimum in this second account so if anyone tried to hack my paypal there wouldn't be anything to steal! As others have said never ever open emails that say they are from your bank. If I have any queries I go direct to my bank online. I do not want to do online banking on m mobile as I am more likely to lose it!

I use online banking for several accounts, but try to use them in as safe a way as possible, here are some of my personal practices to keep safe:
Only use secure trusted internet connections especially when out and about
Use firewall technology on devices
Use complex passwords and different ones for each account
Don’t have all your money in one account - I move money from my main current account into a monthly budget account a savings account and then just keep the minimum amount to keep the account in the black
Use a credit (not debit) card for online purchases which is safer
If you have the facility on your accounts set up notifications to notify you when there has been a transaction on your account
Don’t click on any links sent by someone claiming to be your bank
Hope you find these helpful? ?

I've been doing internet banking for a few years now. I use it to switch money between accounts and pay bills. I do still get paper statements but I like to check it online as well. I only do it on my tablet which has security on it. I also pay money into my account at the post office which is in my local shop so it saves me going into town especially the way things have been over the last year. I think it's really handy.

Annaram1

I don't do internet banking because I am afraid of being hacked and my small amount taken.

Feel the same. Do phone banking and have paper monthly statements.

In the 1960s I banked with what was then the Midland Bank now HSBC. Thirty years ago when I moved to a village where the nearest bank was twenty miles away I joined the phone bank First Direct part of HSBC. I have had no problems whatsoever all the years. All bills paid by Direct debit including the credit card. Paper statement monthly.
One occasion I was buying something on line when I put in the card number wrongly then corrected it. I had a phone call from the bankto ask if it was me who was making the transaction. I trust them.

I do online banking from my laptop - my only designated device, and my phone is used as a safety check.
The bank is checking more often now, and I'm happy to confirm it really is me by entering the passcodes they send to my phone.
They say they'll be doing extra checks for online shopping soon. I'm pleased about that.
Be alert and careful.

Been using it ever since it became available. It gives me a much tighter grip on finances as I can log on at anytime. I get alerts when money is withdrawn so would know if there was any fraud going on. Seems to me that over the years it has become more and more safe as they up their security. No need for paper statements and when necessary to is much easier to search for transactions on line. Now that you can deposit cheques online, there is no need for me to visit the bank.

Since the start of Covid I have become converted to using a card rather than cash. I don't see myself returning to using cash any time soon. I'd be lost without Internet banking and my Monzo card. Interestingly though, I cannot quite get around to paying for things using my phone. I guess we all have our little quirks.

You can (with most banking apps) set up alerts so if money comes in or out you'll be alerted. For those of you who are more security anxious this may help you?
I have been Internet banking for years. Much prefer not having to deal with copius amounts of bank statements that need shredding/burning at some point!
I have only had one real issue and I'm not sure that was Internet related actually ?
My bank earmarked money for a transaction I definitely hadn't made. Took 10 days to resolve.

I've banked online for years, though I did resist it at first because I didn't think it would be safe. I do it on my mobile and my computer. I think that, provided you don't save your password anywhere, it is pretty safe. However if you save your password on Google and lose your phone you're just asking for trouble.
I very rarely use cash for anything now and they are threatening to close the only local cashpoint so I really don't see how anyone can avoid using internet banking in future - though I do understand how anyone who doesn't use computers must be very nervous about doing it.
My mother (sadly no longer alive) had terrible trouble remembering her PIN in her 80's and always had to go inside the branch as her card was swallowed every time. The cashiers were lovely and knew her by sight so there was no problem.

wildswan16

I'm OK using online banking on my laptop but I can't get myself to install the app on my mobile. Not sure why, but I feel much less confident going online on my phone.

Me too. Never on my phone as I think it’s easier to lose your phone or have it stolen.

I wouldn’t be telling people which banks I have online accounts with on an open forum. There will be crawlers harvesting the data on Gransnet and many other sites ?.

I have banked online for years, never had a problem. I have recently switched to Touch ID (fingerprint) to log in which is so much easier.

That was most not OST!?

I love internet banking, safe secure and fairly easy with OST stuff, I couldn’t imagine life without it. I hate carrying cash, where I live I’d be an easy target. I feel for the bank staff who inevitably will be made redundant at some point though.

Have used internet banking for years. I only use it from my laptop though. Phones seem to be basically insecure

Yes, it’s so much more convenient than queuing up in the bank to pay bills etc.
I can’t believe I used to do that.

I can transfer money to my grandsons accounts for birthday and Christmas presents etc.
I used to be wary of it, but once you get used to it. It’s easy Peasy.

Gosh efficient phoning would be a luxury, after ages getting passed from pillar to post ive never ever found phoning a bank straightforward.

I have been with First Direct since it started as a telephone bank, then through ISDN and now online and app. Touchwood no problems. Similarly with other banks and cards as they have developed same.

Cheques (and cards). have your bank details on anyway so prefer to pay to bank accounts directly and receive the same way.

Also can keep a daily/hourly look at what’s going on. See if expected money coming in. And there’s always someone available should things look dodgy or need explaining.

Before they closed all bank branches near me I could do as much if not more online (I am treasurer of various things too) as they could in branch.

I think the banks will refund up to £85,000.00 if your account is hacked and it WASN"T your fault (i.e. you didn't give your pin or personal details to anyone)

Resisted for years thinking I would be helping keep the local branch open. Bank teller told me it doesn’t work like that. So I now use internet banking on my PC but not iPad or mobile. I use it for paying all the bills and now rarely write a cheque or go in the bank. Still hope the branch doesn’t close as it’s the only bank for 10 miles so it would be hard for those without internet skills.

I'm just wondering how you managed during the lockdown when all the banks were closed. Just curious.

I use internet banking all the time and have done for years. Wouldn’t be without it. As others have said so many payments are by bacs now which is so much easier and instantaneous. I check my account most days. I have resisted putting it on my phone in case I ever lose it just use my iPad and desktop computer.