Online Current Accounts

By Rachael Lloyd
Published on 7 Nov 2007
AddThis Social Bookmark Button
Current Accounts Guide

Convenience and better rates - why you should have an online current account.

Online current accounts offer many of the same standard features as you would find with a branch based account, however their unique functionality allows you to access your money and view your transactions whenever it suits you. Additionally, because pf a reduction in administration costs, internet based current accounts tend to attract higher rates of interest and better bonuses than their branch counterparts.

By choosing an online current account you will not only have the facility to check your balance and view statements detailing your recent transactions on your computer, but you will also be able to transfer funds between your accounts, pay bills, set up standing orders and amend direct debits whenever you need to.

Online current accounts will also offer means by which you can communicate with your bank to notify them of changes relating to your account (i.e. change of address) and also request account amendments such as an increase in your authorised overdraft facility. If you have any queries or problems you want to discuss in person, most accounts will have a telephone based service in place to supplement the online communication function.

Many individuals are hesitant about opening an online current account, however banks use the latest in encryption technology to ensure that no one but you can access the details relating to your account. However, as a precaution you should always log out after you have finished viewing your account details especially if you are using a computer at work or in an internet cafe where someone is likely to use the computer after you.

Most online current accounts are available with debit cards and even cheque books so you can transact and access your money easily. Before committing to an account it is advisable to check that you are happy with the terms and conditions. Account features to look for are the rate of interest paid on balances, whether overdraft facilities are available on the account and whether there is a charge for this, whether a debit card is available and whether there are any restrictions on its usage (such as ATM charges). By comparing the details of several online current accounts, you should be able to find one that lets you access your money in the way you need to.

Compare current accounts via money.co.uk

Latest Current Accounts Articles & News

Current Accounts Articles

ALIL Highlights Expat Current Account Concerns
ALIL Highlights Expat Current Account Concerns

New analysis from the financial firm covers current accounts for UK workers planning to live overseas.

Lloyds TSB Slammed for Handling Fees
Lloyds TSB Slammed for Handling Fees

Converting two £20s and a £10 into a £50 note costs an extra £5 - if you are not a customer at the bank.

Current Account Customer has '£100bn Overdraft' Shock
Current Account Customer has '£100bn Overdraft' Shock

Barclays later blamed the astonishing current account statement on a computer error.

UK Bank Credit Plan Gets EU Support
UK Bank Credit Plan Gets EU Support

The European Commission has welcomed the Treasury's bank plan amendments.

Poland Money Transfer System Launched by Bank
Polish Money Transfer System Launched by Bank

The service is the first to be hosted by a "donor" country for direct mobile phone money transfers.

Banks 'Could Pay Out £1bn' if Charges Case is Lost
Banks 'Could Pay Out £1bn' if Charges Case is Lost

There will be pressure on financial firms - particularly those part-nationalised by the government - to pay out quickly if they fail in the High Court case.

Careworker Offered £84 million Overdraft
Careworker Offered £84 million Overdraft

"I thought it was funny with the credit crunch," Kaylie Coomber said of the astonishing mistake.

HBOS Continues to Shrink Balance Sheet
HBOS Continues to Shrink Balance Sheet

Big HBOS PFI schemes are now held in a seperate fund, ahead of this week's vote on the £12 billion HBOS/Lloyds TSB merger.

Popular Related Articles

NS&I Forecasts Rise in Savings
NS&I Forecasts Rise in SavingsFalling inflation rates could have an impact elsewhere in the economy, the savings firm claim.

Latest Related Headlines

ALIL Highlights Expat Current Account Concerns
ALIL Highlights Expat Current Account ConcernsNew analysis from the financial firm covers current accounts for UK workers planning to live overseas.

Other Money Headlines

Fine China Firm Waterford Wedgwood Go into Administration
Fine China Firm Waterford Wedgwood Go into AdministrationOut with the old, as time is called on luxury crystal and ceramics firm Waterford Wedgwood.
RSS FeedCurrent Accounts News
RSS FeedLatest Headlines
Free Services Money Saving Newsletter
The best money saving deals, freebies, rate alerts and advice emailed to you every week.
Enter your email:
Find Companies Related Guides RSS Feeds - Subscribe!
The "advice" given in our money saving tips is for information purposes only and should not be construed as "financial advice".
money.co.uk recommends you seek professional advice before proceeding with any investment or financial decision.
Site Map | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us
money.co.uk is a trading name of Dot Zinc Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. FSA Registration Number: 415689.
Copyright © www.money.co.uk / Dot Zinc Limited 2002-2009. All rights reserved.
Home | Login | Sign Up