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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

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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

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

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.

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...

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.

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

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

cupcake1 Tue 20-Apr-21 12:16:15

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.

Notright Tue 20-Apr-21 12:17:45

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

leeds22 Tue 20-Apr-21 12:27:25

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.

Newatthis Tue 20-Apr-21 12:28:58

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)

ToadsMum Tue 20-Apr-21 12:30:33

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.

Cp43 Tue 20-Apr-21 12:48:35

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

Greciangirl Tue 20-Apr-21 12:49:14

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.

Cycorax Tue 20-Apr-21 12:51:03

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

Silvertwigs Tue 20-Apr-21 12:51:46

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.

Silvertwigs Tue 20-Apr-21 12:52:13

That was most not OST!?