investments and financial advice

On-line accounts allow you to conduct all of your banking from your PC without ever needing to enter your local branch. This is available 24 hours a day. The more advanced providers allow you to manage a range of accounts over the Internet including mortgages, credit cards, current and savings accounts.

On-line accounts usually cost the provider less to operate allowing them to offer higher rates of interest to customers. Some will offer better deals if you hold more than one type of account.

Points to Watch: The Internet makes it easier for new organisations to enter the banking market place. New entrants may be more susceptible to bankruptcy and you should think carefully before placing large sums of money with any one provider. The Internet also makes it easier for offshore providers to offer their services to UK residents. Before investing with an on-line provider, check whether the provider is authorised to accept deposits in the UK. Only if the answer is yes will you be protected by the "deposit protection scheme" which guarantees 90% of the first £20,000 you invest with any particular provider. You can make sure your provider is authorised to take deposits in the UK at www.fsa.gov.uk/register

General

Instant Access Accounts

Savings Accounts

On-line Banking