With 31 banks offering Internet banking and with nearly 19 million Internet banking subscribers conducting more than 210 million banking transactions with a value of 2.33 billion Ringgit, as on June 2015 / first half of 2015, Online or Internet banking has become a very popular means of conducting banking in Malaysia.
And, when queried most online banking customers swear by the convenience and satisfaction that online banking affords. Here, we will try and take a look at what makes online banking so convenient and satisfactory for customers:
Anytime, anywhere access
As an online banking user, you get 24 hours * 7 days a week * round the year access to a wide range of banking services. And, you get this access from wherever you are – whether in Malaysia or overseas and at whatever time that feels convenient for you. And, this access is immediate depending only upon the speed of your Internet connection!
Real-time
Online banking is real-time! You can track and monitor your transactions as and when they happen. And, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, you can immediately flag it up to your bank.
Wide range of banking services
As an online banking user, you can conduct a whole range of banking transactions. These include opening or closing term deposits, transferring funds, paying bills, managing cheques, trading, investing, changing your account limits, applying for credit cards or loans – the list is virtually endless.
Online Banking also provides you with the facility to link all your accounts – savings, current, term deposits, loans, credit cards under the same account name. With all your banking accounts under one roof you can better manage your spending and saving. You can set standing instructions for regular bill payments and since you know your spending patterns well you can also set instructions for sweeping account surplus to term deposits thus enhancing your savings. Financial management becomes so much more easier.
Online banking – security
Banks take utmost pains to ensure a safe and pleasant banking experience when you visit them online. In fact, almost all banks use a 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL), which is one of the strongest encryption technologies used by large-scale online merchants, global banks, and brokerages worldwide.
In addition, various banks have different authentication procedures in place that enhance the security of your banking. Finally, you can also opt to receive real-time alerts and reminders through SMS and/or email whenever transactions (financial or non-financial) occur on your account. You can get on top of possible frauds as soon as they occur.
Free
Accessing and using online and mobile banking is free. Of course, your Internet or mobile provider will charge your for your Internet usage. And, certain services used through online banking may be charged. These could include interbank transfers, telegraphic transfers, cheque book requisitions etc.