In my opinion, online banking is the best. Yes, the best. I guess by now you can already guess that I use online banking. Fact of the matter is, I do not have a car, so making it to the bank is often not easy (or when I do go out, it is not on the way). Because of this, I do all of my banking online.
Online banking is fast, convenient, you name it. Even with these advantages of online banking, many people still avoid it, simply because of a few stereotypes. What stereotypes? Well, the main one would be that online banking is not safe. Is there any validity in that statement? Coming from someone who has been using online banking for two years (somewhere around there), I can confidently say there is no validity in that statement.
2008 statistics from the Identity Fraud Survey report (from the BBB, or Better Business Bureau), clearly show exactly how identity fraud occurs. What’s my point? Point is, the internet is quite a lot safer than many people nowadays think.
Based on the statistics, 90 percent of data is transferred offline, meaning that hackers/identity fraudsters can’t pick up your information. From the statistics, one could even say that if you do fall victim to identity theft, it is best it happens through online banking. Why? Because it is much easier to detect fraud online, than is through other methods.
Online banking makes it extremely easy to monitor your finances. I try to log into my bank account online once every two days (at least) just to make sure things are intact. One who banks traditionally, on the other hand, will only see their statement once a month (unless they want to go through the trouble of getting up and visiting the bank).
Alright, let me think of some more advantages. Oh, of course, how could I forget – online banking means going green! With online banking, you’re not using paper (or at least not as much as is associated with traditional banking). Based on statistics currently, and in the past, the majority of theft occurs as a result of offline information (statements, receipts, credit card, etc..).
Majority of people who bank online are very satisfied, but this is never shown on TV. We only hear one side of the story – the one side that has fallen victim to identity fraud/theft. Majority of these people probably did not take the proper precautions, which is why they fell victim.
Sorry, I feel like I ranted too much. I just like online banking – I’d hate to get up, go to the bank, just to make a small transaction. Online banking has saved my butt many times.
