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Legal, pensions and money

Do you use Internet banking?

(116 Posts)
Shinamae Mon 19-Apr-21 10:35:38

A couple of years ago I left my High Street bank and opened an account with First direct which is purely online. I am quite happy with it but I’m getting a bit worried about all the stories about hacking.The rate they are closing High Street banks as well looks like in the not too distant future online banking may be the only option....Thoughts please

Cabbie21 Tue 20-Apr-21 12:15:03

Yes, I use online banking. I have several accounts and check them frequently though not every day. I only do banking on my laptop, which never leaves the house, not on my iPad or phone.
The only time I go to a bank is when a Building society account matures. They give me a cheque which I take across the road to the bank to pay in, using the machine inside. I must admit I have never paid in a cheque using my phone.

Shandy57 Tue 20-Apr-21 12:13:47

I've just had to log in three times to the TSB, I agree GreenGran78 their IT still isn't up to it. Like you, there is a local branch within two miles, so I'll stay with them because of this.

Grandmabeach Tue 20-Apr-21 12:12:59

Have been using online banking for years. Last time I went into a bank was over 10 years ago when we moved to a new area and I needed to pay in odd cheques from time to time and wanted a branch closer to home. That has closed now anyway. Between myself and DH we have various accounts but use a different password for each one.
I only use it on my laptop though and never reply direct to emails or texts supposedly from the bank. I would be afraid of loosing my phone if I kept the details on there.
While abroad I have used a friends laptop in an emergency to transfer funds. Before allowing the transfer I had to answer security questions so feel it is quite secure.

jenwren Tue 20-Apr-21 12:12:55

Shinamae

A couple of years ago I left my High Street bank and opened an account with First direct which is purely online. I am quite happy with it but I’m getting a bit worried about all the stories about hacking.The rate they are closing High Street banks as well looks like in the not too distant future online banking may be the only option....Thoughts please

M&S are closing their current banking accounts, so I have had to Switch and chose First Direct. Good to read your post Shinamae that they are ok. Phew

Thanks for posting

GreenGran78 Tue 20-Apr-21 12:11:16

I’m with TSB, and have had various problems with accessing their internet banking since they split from Lloyds and installed a new system. It has been a real nuisance, at times, and I’m tempted to change banks, but they do have a local branch which is still open, so I am putting up with them for now. They have also brought in a new guarantee to cover any fraudulent activity and refund lost cash, which is heartening.
I only use my desktop or IPad for banking, as I also don’t feel safe using a phone app.

Lesley60 Tue 20-Apr-21 12:05:51

I use on line banking and would be lost without it, Ive been doing it since it started and I look at my accounts everyday to make sure payments etc have gone through and that there’s nothing untoward

Jillybird Tue 20-Apr-21 11:51:58

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AmberSpyglass Tue 20-Apr-21 11:44:41

I find online banking much easier - I have ADHD and if I had to go to the bank in person or even make a phone call, I’d never end up getting around to it. This is much simpler.

maryelizabethsadler Tue 20-Apr-21 11:42:49

I've been with First Direct since they first opened telephone banking as it was, and have nothing but praise for them! Their security and customer service are excellent, and I couldn't think of a single reason to change.
I go online every day to check my accounts...

greenlady102 Tue 20-Apr-21 11:42:43

I have internet banked ever since it was a thing...but I would want to be sure there was another way of contacting the bank if necessary, like a phone number.

Ladyleftfieldlover Tue 20-Apr-21 11:41:42

Absolutely. I check our accounts every morning so know what is going on.

rowyn Tue 20-Apr-21 11:41:18

Been using online banking for years on my desktop computer. Would never do it on my phone. It would worry me that if I lost my phone, or had it stolen then there are people out there who could hack into it with little effort.
I operate 2 banks online and am happy for them to make as many checks and balances as they like. However, a few months ago some small amounts went missing from one of my current accounts. Luckily the bank spotted it, and alerted me, as I probably wouldn't have noticed for quite some time. The money was refunded and I was never given a real explanation of how it had happened but I suspect it was some fault by the bank. I guess that the scammers were starting with small payments and working up to taking a larger amount if it wasn't spotted.
Lesson to be learned - check accounts regularly!!!

Pammie1 Tue 20-Apr-21 11:39:55

I’m with NatWest and have mobility issues which make visiting the bank difficult, so internet banking is a godsend. I think if you’re vigilant, change your passwords regularly and follow basic principles like not responding to emails asking for account details/moving money, it’s safe. I have to say I feel better since I started using an iPad rather than a laptop because security is updated automatically and it’s less prone to viruses.

SueEH Tue 20-Apr-21 11:38:51

Yes have banked online (and then on mobile) since the late 1990s - as soon as was possible to do so. We lived on fairly isolated farm and it was often impossible to get to a bank during opening hours. I’ve never had any problems and can’t imagine now being tied to a physical bank.

Georgesgran Tue 20-Apr-21 11:30:53

I'm a bit like EV - however I'm registered to do telephone banking, but still like to see a paper statement to check all my transactions, as I have 24 direct debits and standing orders every month! I'm also keen to see Banks being there and open for those who have no confidence in internet banking or have no access to it.

Elvis58 Tue 20-Apr-21 11:30:33

Never had an issue with online banking.Have with using my debit card was cloned at a petrol station and £3.500.00p took out.But bank was excellent and monies were returned.

Dearknees1 Tue 20-Apr-21 11:28:06

I'm also a fan of online banking. I use a desk top rather than mobile apps. However I did install apps for my credit cards after one of my cards was used fraudulently. I ignored my bank's calls because I thought they were scams so they stopped my card and I was forced to ring them. It was suggested I install the app so I can easily check on my credit card use and quickly spot misuse. Good advice.

OldHag Tue 20-Apr-21 11:28:04

I've been banking with First Direct since they first started up, with telephone banking, therefore it seemed like a natural progression to go online when it started. I've never had a problem, and found out the other day from my daughter, that it's even possible now to scan and pay in a cheque without ever leaving the house, which to me, is progress indeed! Not that I get many cheques these days, but it has been a pain having to go 8 miles into town just to pay one in, so I'm over the moon with this facility.

Arty2 Tue 20-Apr-21 11:27:46

I use Co-operative Bank and they have an excellent fraud team. I get the odd phonecall because an ODD purchase was made and they quickly get proof of who I am and get it sorted. Cannot praise them enough. Paying in is at the PO as we do not have a Co op bank nearby.

vickymeldrew Tue 20-Apr-21 11:24:12

I cannot imagine how I would run my life without internet banking! Everything so straight forward and instant.
Imagine how you would explain the use of cheques to someone and how old fashioned it is. And as for carrying cash around, why would you want to be a target !

Annaram1 Tue 20-Apr-21 11:19:36

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

Galaxy Tue 20-Apr-21 11:18:41

I havent been in a branch for I would guess 20 years. I love online banking.

Aepgirl Tue 20-Apr-21 11:16:02

I bank online with Nationwide, and (so far) all is well. Just make sure you don’t press ‘agree’ or ‘continue’ without double and triple checking that all is well

Grammaretto Mon 19-Apr-21 19:13:20

I miss the High Street Bank!
Our last one is closing in June and it's hardly ever open now.
One bank has become a food bank. (clever idea)
When DH died, the bank staff were super helpful and kind, whereas the online so called "bereavement line" was a joke!

I now pay my bills online and it is useful to watch my money disappearing but I am not happy about it.
As for the street- even the charity shops have closed down.

SueDonim Mon 19-Apr-21 18:18:50

I’ve been using online banking for years and never had a problem.