How to Bank Using the Internet & Intranet

by Emilio Corsetti

Overview

Your friends are doing it. Your brother in Texas is doing it. Seems like everyone is using online banking but you. Perhaps you have been putting it off because you think it would be too difficult. Or maybe you have concerns about the security of your personal financial information. What ever the reason, the fact that you have searched for more information about online banking is a good indication that you are ready to take the plunge.

Step 1

Sign up for online access. You can get help doing this by contacting your bank by phone, however, the process is fairly straight forward and can be accomplished within minutes online. First go to your bank's web site and look for a link to register for online access. You will find this link next to the login information. You will have to supply a user name and password. You will also need to provide your Social Security number and account information, such as the account number and amount of your last deposit.
Step 2

Sign up for online bill pay. This option will allow you to make electronic payments to any of your payees that accept online payments. You should sign up for this feature even if you are not sure whether or not you will use it.
Step 3

Spend some time getting comfortable with the website's navigational structure. There will be plenty of help files to guide you through specific tasks like transferring funds between accounts and checking account balances.
Step 4

Look for the FAQ page. This is a good starting place to quickly get up to speed on the advantages of online banking.

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Online access with your current bank
Online access with your current bank
If you are using a financial software program like Quicken or MS Money, you can greatly improve your online banking experience by integrating the software and your online bank account. In fact, you can accomplish most of your online banking functions within the software, including transferring funds and downloading balances. Plus you will have better control over your finances with investment planning, budgeting, and report generation.
If you are using a financial software program like Quicken or MS Money, you can greatly improve your online banking experience by integrating the software and your online bank account. In fact, you can accomplish most of your online banking functions within the software, including transferring funds and downloading balances. Plus you will have better control over your finances with investment planning, budgeting, and report generation.
While most payees will accept an electronic payment, there are times when a physical check needs to be sent. In most cases, your bank can handle these types of payments as well. Or you can sign up for an online bill paying service, such as Paytrust.
While most payees will accept an electronic payment, there are times when a physical check needs to be sent. In most cases, your bank can handle these types of payments as well. Or you can sign up for an online bill paying service, such as Paytrust.