Choosing an Online Banker
When selecting a bank for your online account, look for thefollowing:
* How long has the bank been doing business? Is it insured bythe Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the statethey’re in, or another legitimate insurer?
* If you already use a particular financial-management program,do the bank’s computer programs match yours? If you needsoftware, will the institution provide it?
* What services does the bank provide? What is the monthly fee?How many free transactions are you allowed each month?
* How many checks will the bank write before passing on asurcharge? Will the bank issue paper checks for those creditorsthat don’t accept electronic payments?
* How do you deposit or withdraw cash? Does the bank include anATM card or debit card? How much will it cost you?
* Does the bank also provide other services, such as investmentand financial services?
* Reliable banks provide reliable customer service. Before yousign up, contact the bank by telephone and e-mail. Can you talk toa real person on the phone? When you send an e-mail message, do youget a prompt reply?
* Study the bank’s Web site. Is it well-designed and easy touse? Does it load quickly? Does it provide a demonstration of itsonline-banking program? Does it provide links to sites that coveryour other interests, such as stock-market quotes or businessnews?
If you decide to do your banking online, you may eventuallyobtain loans, trade stocks and bonds and get business advice–allat your own online branch office.
When selecting a bank for your online account, look for thefollowing:
* How long has the bank been doing business? Is it insured bythe Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the statethey’re in, or another legitimate insurer?
* If you already use a particular financial-management program,do the bank’s computer programs match yours? If you needsoftware, will the institution provide it?
* What services does the bank provide? What is the monthly fee?How many free transactions are you allowed each month?
* How many checks will the bank write before passing on asurcharge? Will the bank issue paper checks for those creditorsthat don’t accept electronic payments?
* How do you deposit or withdraw cash? Does the bank include anATM card or debit card? How much will it cost you?
* Does the bank also provide other services, such as investmentand financial services?
* Reliable banks provide reliable customer service. Before yousign up, contact the bank by telephone and e-mail. Can you talk toa real person on the phone? When you send an e-mail message, do youget a prompt reply?
* Study the bank’s Web site. Is it well-designed and easy touse? Does it load quickly? Does it provide a demonstration of itsonline-banking program? Does it provide links to sites that coveryour other interests, such as stock-market quotes or businessnews?
If you decide to do your banking online, you may eventuallyobtain loans, trade stocks and bonds and get business advice–allat your own online branch office.
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