Be accountable for your money (natwest.co.uk)

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	natwest.co.uk
Date:	28/11/08 (81 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ease of use - no need to go to the bank

Disadvantages: None

I've been a Natwest account holder since I was a wee boy, and have just never changed banks. Around 12 months ago I set up my online account, and I have to say it is one of the best moves I could make.

First off, it allows me to check my account every single day. That means I can be totally accountable for my money. The days where I would only know the state of my cash when I got my statement or went to a cash machine are gone. I check my account details at least 3 times a week, and have saved money by recognising the odd mistake and getting it sorted (I once gave money as a one off to a charity that started taking the same amount every month, and was able to sort this out). Checking your account online gives you that ownership over your money.

Secondly, I pay a lot of my outgoings through the site, like my rent. Call me old fashioned, but I didn't want to set up a Direct Debit, so I go on each month and make a single online payment to my landlord. Before, I would have to go into town to do this, now I just do it from the comfort of me leather chair.

Thirdly, I manage both of my Natwest accounts online (more about them in another review to come!) and so can easily transfer money between the two as neccessary.

The site allows users to do more than that, like download statements to a spreadsheet etc etc, but that's just my use of it.

The login is very secure. They ask for random numbers and letters from your password, meaning random hackers or over the shoulder viewers can't work it out. For example, if your password is 'dooyoo' and they ask for letters 1,3 and 5, you type in DOO, meaning your actual password is safe.

The site has never crashed on me, and is very secure - if you click the back button after being on the site it takes you back to the login page.

In conclusion, it makes life a lot easier, and gives me more control over my money.

Summary: take control of your cash