While the internet has given rise to a huge number of life-improving services, online banking is one of these services which has its complications. Yes, it eliminates the need for frustrating phone calls, and more importantly actual physical movement, but the security implications are huge.
To log into Barclays Online Banking, you must enter your personal number. Not your PIN number, just your Online Banking ID number, allocated to you when you sign up. Then it gets complicated.
Recently, Barclays sent me a device called a PINsentry. It measures approximately 3"x2" and is half an inch thick. It looks rather like a calculator. To log into online banking, you are supposed to slide your card into the top of this machine, enter your PIN and press "Identify". The machine then gives you a number which you must type into the Barclays website when you log in. There are other, mysterious buttons on the PINsentry, but these, we are assured, are for things yet to be introduced.
So you type this in and log into your account, in a secure way. Effectively Barclays have added an extra barrier, so that nobody can touch your money without having your details AND the card reader. There is an option to log in without the PINsentry, but this gives you limited functionality - only balances and similar. This is the part I don't like.
Online banking is supposed to free up your time. When traveling, abroad or at home, I'd like to be able to use my online bank account. But I would like to be able to do so without having to lug a bulky calculator-shaped device around with me. If I stay at a friend's for a few days, or if I go on holiday, I'd rather not have yet another piece of electronic equipment to carry, worry about and look after.
So, while Barclays is a good bank, and their system is designed to be secure, I can only be less-than-thrilled that there is another hurdle to clear before fully using their services. Ungrateful as it may seem, I am going to have to - in full knowledge that they are acting in their customers' best interests - give Barclays Bank Online a "satisfactory" rating.
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Advantages: It is so easy to use Barclays Online Bank and it is very secure! Disadvantages: It takes it's security very serious, but a little too serious! If you click twice instead of once in your account area you are logged off!
Advantages: Easy to set-up, easy to use, security like fort knox Disadvantages: you have to wait for passcodes to come in post, you can't pay in money (obviously!!)
Katie-Jane 25.10.2002 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Barclays Bank Online
Advantages: Efficient, Good Variety of products, Best offered Cash ISA 2 years running Disadvantages: Try and sell you products that are not always beneficial to you.
BTreyo 18.04.2008 (18.04.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
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