Internet Banking

Fee Rebates - how they work

Bank fees are a fact of life these days but taking a little time to understand how they are applied can help customers compare different accounts and keep fees to a minimum.

Unfortunately, the task has become a little a harder recently with a number of institutions implementing fee rebate schemes which have changed the way they charge fees on transaction accounts.

Online transactions are cheaper

Pay bills, check balances and transfer money between accounts using online banking. These transactions are significantly cheaper over the internet than over the counter - and far more convenient.

Online transactions are convenient

Online banking allows you to do your banking whenever you want, not when the bank wants to open for business. Internet banking websites offer 24-hour, 7 days a week access to pay bills, check balances and transfer money between accounts, even apply for a new account. Best of all there are no queues.

Ten internet security tips

There are 10 ways you can protect your card if you transact online:

• keep your computer secure and access to it;
• don't send card details by e-mail;
• deal only with reputable online merchants;
• read a company's privacy policy;
• if using a new site, do business first in a small way;
• don't go to sites that may embarrass you - hackers love porn sites;
• check your accounts and report discrepancies immediately;
• ignore the "remember my password option" on banking and shopping sites
• change your password regularly;
• cancel any card that has been used fraudulently;
• be just as cautious with your cards in the real world.

Use Online Savings accounts

Consider options such as online savings accounts. These offer consumers cheaper banking alternatives and better returns than traditional branch based accounts as they are less costly to maintain online with no branch access.