Navigating the World of Online Financial Services: Tips and Tricks for Making Informed Decisions
Technology is transforming how people handle their finances. As of 2022, 78 percent of US adults prefer banking through a mobile app or website. Meanwhile, a mere 20 percent favor traditional or in-person banking.
The accessibility of supporting technology almost everywhere contributes to the increased usage of digital banking among consumers. Digital financial services undeniably make banking more convenient than ever.
However, the numerous options available can be overwhelming, especially if you’re more comfortable banking in person. Many individuals may not even try online banking because bank sites are too complicated to explore.
This article highlights some tips and tricks for navigating the complexities of online financial services and making informed decisions.
Choosing the Right Online Bank
Banks have switched their services to online platforms. Now, you can open an account, pay in or withdraw money, and pay another person or organization online from anywhere.
While banks offer essentially the same features, they are not created equal. Hence, being more intentional about your choice of online bank is vital to avoid paying excessive fees and other unnecessary charges that can drain your finances.
The right option depends on your financial needs and banking goals, but here’s a list of factors to consider:
FDIC Insurance
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) offers security for the money you deposit in case of a bank failure. Since the US government backs this, FDIC insurance ensures you won’t lose your money if the bank fails.
However, the maximum amount insured in a qualified account is $250,000 per depositor and FDIC-insured bank and ownership category. Suppose you have a single account type exceeding $250,000. Consider spreading it among multiple FDIC-insured banks to ensure complete protection.
You can use the FDIC’s BankFind site and search for the bank’s name and location to see if they are FDIC-insured.
Account fees
Although online banks usually have lower fees, certain services will still have charges. However, you can find an account that doesn’t impose fees for basic account transactions. For instance, opening a free checking account online eliminates account fees and provides a seamless banking experience.
Minimum balance requirements
Some banks require a minimum deposit before allowing you to open different types of accounts. In other banks, you must maintain a specific balance. Ensure that you can comfortably afford the bank’s minimum balance requirement. Otherwise, you can incur a monthly maintenance fee.
Competitive rates
Online banking offers higher interest rates on savings accounts than traditional brick-and-mortar counterparts. When assessing an online bank, consider the interest rates they offer. It can directly affect your chance of increasing your savings in the long term.
An extensive ATM network
ATM access is crucial for easy cash withdrawals and deposits. Online banks often provide access to an extensive network of ATMs without fees. However, the size and scope of the ATM network may differ among institutions. Assess the bank’s ATM network to ensure convenient access.
User-friendly sites and apps
A user-friendly app interface is essential for an enjoyable online banking experience. It acts as the digital gateway for accessing and managing your accounts. Hence, considering ease of use and prioritizing intuitive navigation and layout is crucial when evaluating a bank’s site and app.
Customer support
Online banks operate solely online, making it more crucial to choose one with easily accessible customer support. You may find an online bank with 24/7 real-time assistance through phone or chat. Meanwhile, others enable messaging bank representatives within their apps.
Understanding the Accounts and Services Offered
It’s critical to understand the offerings of different online banks to make an informed decision that aligns with your banking needs.
Some of the accounts and services online financial institutions commonly offer include checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and investment accounts. However, you must seek financial institutions or services that provide comprehensive online banking capabilities.
Beyond basic accounts, look for additional features like bill payment, money transfers, mobile check deposits, real-time account alerts, and budgeting tools. Likewise, integration with third-party financial apps can also be a game-changer. It lets you link your banking with other monetary tools.
Ensuring the Security of Online Transactions
Since everything is accessible online, there’s always a risk that someone could get and misuse your data when you use digital financial services. However, as long as your bank adheres to strict security protocols, online banking is secure.
Find reputable financial institutions that implement advanced security measures to protect your information. Research their security policies and examine any data breaches in the past. Among the security features you must look for in online financial services include:
- Two-factor authentication
- Electronic signature verification
- Encrypted email messaging
- Continuous account monitoring
- 128-bit or 256-bit data encryption
- Automatic logout for inactivity
Make an Informed Financial Decision
When appropriately utilized, online financial services can empower you to control your finances better. Anyone taking the time to research before signing up for anything can make an informed decision when navigating online financial services.
Compare and evaluate the services offered by online financial institutions. As always, ensure to read the fine print regardless of what online bank services you choose. Equally essential is understanding the possible fees and staying secure when doing online financial transactions.
