Back On Line At Last! Why Do The Powers-That-Be Think It's A Good Idea For Everything To Be Online?

[jourdain2]

Seriously - my bank urges me to go online, everyone urges me to go online for everything. This means that I bear the printing ink and paper costs of statements etc.. (I won't so things get chaotic). Yet, for some reason, I've been told that I am offline for HOURS now and I have been completely incommunicado. This system is too easy to knockout and cause chaos. Online is OK, but we really need to keep the old systems functioning i.m.o. Anyone agree?

[tonyav]

but we really need to keep the old systems functioning i.m.o. Anyone agree?

Yes I agree, jourdain. I do online banking but I still make sure that I get a paper statement every month.

[Bazile]

Can't you print your own statement ?

[jourdain2]

Thanks, tony, I keep being told that I'm old-fashioned, but honestly I could chat away and do things at lunch-time - and no chance of connecting since. I feel very insecure because of this and, equally insecure at the idea of confiding anything important to t'internet.

[-SharonA-]

Jordan it is only recently I used online banking and it scares the hell out of me. I worry that I will be hacked and all my millions gone. :-)

[jourdain2]

Not if the internet isn't working, Bazile. This is my point.. As an aside, why should I - that is what banks are paid for.

[tonyav]

Bazile Can't you print your own statement ?

Yes you can, Bazille. However I still like to have a paper one from the bank.

[jourdain2]

My millions are quavering in their accounts, Sharon. :(

[Maydup]

I use the internet all the time for all manner of things, but have not switched to online banking. My bank does urge me to either. Dont be pushed into it, change banks if necessary.

I have direct debits and use the ATM when I need some cash, no need to go in the branch or online, and statements come by post. Call me old fashioned but it works for me.

[Cloverjo]

I've recently decided to go online with my own personal bank account. I've been dealing with the business one online for a while and it's easier to pay bills and transfer money to other accounts.

You don't need to print the statements out, you can look at them whenever you want on your computer.

[jno]

sort of, Cloverjo. It takes about 10 seconds to get a paper statement out of my filing drawer. Turning on a computer takes about 5 minutes, and going through the rigmarole of passwords and security questions another couple of minutes. Not even close unless my computer's already switched on, and even then walking to the drawer is noticeably quicker.

[david small]

I use a current account on line. But my savings account is not on line and with a different bank. I don't feel safe enough to trust their security.

[waterboatman]

I refuse to do internet banking. I like to go to the branch and do things face to face. Much nicer, and safer.

[Cloverjo]

Yes, actually you're right, Jno. It can be a bit of a faff.

Banks are closing all over the place. They say they're closing them because everyone's online now and no need for so many brick banks, but it seems like an ever-decreasing circle. No one is using them, so they'll shut them, but not everyone wants to go online, as Boaty says.

I realise I've just U-turned within a couple of posts.

[Islay]

I do everything online and very rarely print anything as most things they are happy just to see the confirmation on your phone.
Unfortunately business being the way it is they want more for their money therefore that means more computer access and less staff.

[jourdain2]

Thanks, everyone, I don't feel quite such a Luddite now.. The thing is that I can't rely on the computer to even work when I switch it on. BT are always around the villages here, so it is a risky business to do anything official on-line. No mobile-phone signal either in our house.

[hc4361]

I have a lot more control of my accounts by banking online. I can set up and cancel direct debits, transfer money and make sure standing orders have been cancelled in seconds. I check my accounts every day and it doesn't take long at all.
I get texts sent to my phone if cash over a certain limit is taken from account.
I never use cash machines - in the past I have received the wrong amount and not been able to get a refund from my bank. I don't feel safe using them because of the possibility of it swallowing my card, somebody snatching the cash and hidden cameras and skimming machines. As I very rarely use cash, £50 cash back when I do my shopping suits me.

I have no concerns about using online banking.

[Togo]

With HC here. I have been banking on line for a number of years, all utilities and Council Tax etc on line. I am happy with it especially when it is freezing cold and hissing down in the winter. My only reservation is using my mobile phone or installing the frequently offered mobile banking app. I do not trust, in any way, open Wifi zones to conduct such transactions. When on my jollies I take my lappie and make sure I have BT secure hook up.

[Togo]

I would think that Jordain's main beef is with her internet provider and the reliability of the facility. It is unusual these days to be off line for hours. Perhaps it is part of a planned maintenance or local upgrade. Did you have any notification Jordain? If not, I would be making a strong complaint and if it is a regular occurance keep a list of times and days and pester the hell out of them. You can do it on line.......... if you can get on. :))

[rosyposy]

I bank online and used to get a monthly statement thro' the post then one day someone put the statement thro' the door and it had obviously been opened so now I go into the bank and get them over the counter instead. Worried about it for quite a while tho' (because of my millions ;) of course )

[jourdain2]

No,no notifications of anything. :(

I just switch on some days(maybe I've already been on line in the morning)and get 'You are not connected and the Internet just isn't the same without you. Go to....whatever'. So I do all that and 'Windows is checking for problem' etc.. then..... nothing and it stays off. Frustrating, to say the least.