Barclays, they're online!!! (barclays.co.uk)

Member Name: bailey_kipper_uk

Product:	barclays.co.uk
Date:	11/06/08 (115 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Open all year round

Disadvantages: Not personal service, can't pay cheques in.

I love internet banking! I work 9-5 and like sleeping in on Saturday's so getting to a bank is a bit of a nightmare. Luckily Barclays allow customers to use their internet banking site for free as part of having an account with them. As I write this I'm going to stick in a few warnings about using internet banking and trying to keep your details safe.

**Warning 1 - Never click on a link in an email to access your banking site, always either type the address in or save it as a favourite.

When you go on to the Barclays main site there is loads of information about different products Barclays offer such as Loans, Mortgages, Savings, Insurance etc. There is also a lot of info covering subjects that you would normally phone up your branch about, pick up a leaflet in store or have to write a letter to them about.

You can use the site to manage your accounts if you have a business account, premier account or just an ordinary bank account (current or savings account). On the first page there is a login button which opens a new window for you to key your details into. If you haven't already got internet banking then you will need to sign up first, you can do this by clicking the register button and following the instructions. Your details arrive fairly quickly and come separately in discrete packaging.

You get a 12 digit member number which in addition to your surname becomes your user name. You have the option to save this for future reference.

**Warning 2 - Don't save your banking details on a shared PC.

If you forget anything or lose your ID you can get it resent or reset. Next you need to input the last 4 digits of your card number and your Code... The code is a new thing on this site, and it obtained from a little calculator type thing you are sent in the post. The idea is it works like an ATM in that it is able to read your pin number and match it against what you have typed in. It then provides you with a code which you must key in reasonably soon after it is provided otherwise it times out for security (as has just happened to me). You will also find your card is locked if you key your pin wrong 3 times in a row, this is again for safety in case your card falls into the wrong hands.

Once in you have the option to view your accounts and carry out various other tasks. Again don't leave it too long in between actions as you get automatically signed out after about 10 minutes (for security obviously). You have the ability to name each account which is quite handy as it makes it easier to know which account you are looking at if you have a few in your own name.

At first glance you see your current balances and by clicking on any account you can see your recent transactions (last 30 days normally, but it can be changed). You then have the ability to pay bills, transfer money between your accounts, set up/amend standing orders/direct debits, and a few other bits. You can also set up an e-savings account currently which pays about 4% gross. You can set up as many of these as you like for different purposes such as saving for a specific purchase, holiday, wedding etc, and as I said earlier you can name each one individually. Transferring money between your own accounts is instantaneous and between other Barclays accounts I think is overnight or 1 day. Between other banks is still the usual 3 days though.

I like this site as it enables me to do all my banking easily online. It can occasionally be quite slow, even at times you might not expect. However it is very easy to set up new transactions and to manage your accounts. Everything is very clear and there is a confirmation before anything involving money is actioned. Again there is lots more useful info and again this saves going into a branch.

Warning 3 - Always log out when you are finished.

There's been a lot of bad press about online banking as people keep getting tricked into giving out their details to dodgy folks who send them emails.

Warning 4 - Your bank will never ever ever ever send you an email saying that they've lost your personal logon details. So if you receive one then delete it. If you feel the need to then you can log on to your banking site using the correct address and see if you have any messages.

You can usually tell a fraudulent email from the fact that most time it's from the wrong bank (one you don't have an account with), or it's sent out with bad spelling or from a personal email account. Also, it's sent to lots of people with really similar email addresses to you.

If you feel the need for a loan or other product then there are links to many of these over the site and you are able to apply for a lot online (if you are logged in). You can also get a rough idea about mortgages, and get them to call you. You can also open savings accounts and Cash ISA's online.

All in all it's a good site that is like a branch that's open 24/7. I've used it for probably about 5 years now and will continue for many more.

Summary: Great way to manage your accounts.