It is possible to check your account balance through the Internet if you have enrolled for online banking. Nearly all modern banks provide this service now as it allows customers to make easy transactions and check their balance instantly over the internet. These financial transactions take place on a highly secure website and give customers the opportunity to carry out their typical bank activities at any time of day or night from anywhere in the world.
Most online banking providers have a number of features and capabilities in common. In some cases there will be some that are application specific. The common features can generally be placed into several categories including, but not limited to, transactional and non-transactional. Transactional features of online banking allow customers to perform a financial transaction such as an account to account transfer, wire transfer, applying for a loan, opening a new account or paying a bill. Payments to third parties, including bill payments and wire transfers can be organised online, as can setting up standing orders or Direct Debit payments. It is possible for users to make fund transfers between their own current account and savings account to make it easier to access their money at any time.
Investment purchases or sales can also be made via online banking, as can loan applications and transactions. The non-transactional functions of online banking are also extremely useful to customers. These allow users to view their bank statements online, either as they would appear on a paper bill or by choosing a specific period of days, weeks, months or years. These bank statements can then be downloaded and printed off in replacement of posted paper bills or as evidence for a specific transaction. Some online banking services provide the opportunity for customers to view images of their paid cheques. These images can then also be printed off as a receipt of the payment.
