As I use my bank account at very regular intervals (I’m always visiting the ‘hole in the wall’), I’ve recently noticed that my postal statements have no chance whatsoever of keeping up with my out of control spending habits.
Now, being a particularly idle so and so, I decided that rather than trecking to the nearest cash machine to check my balance, I decided to give the Halifax Telephone Banking Service a try (the number of which was on my bank card).
Well, what a great choice it turned out to be! Give ‘em a bell, do the usual security checks (one of which requests a six digit PIN number) and hey presto – you’re in!
Using your telephone keypad and the automated menu system, you can access whatever personal account information need – all at the push of a button. Also, should you need further assistance, then you can talk directly to a Halifax member of staff.
Jobs a good ‘un!
Anyway, after a few months (when I’d finally got around to getting online at home) I decided to check out the range of online services available at www.halifax.co.uk.
Well, what can I say? Very impressed!
Although the site can be a little slow at times (Macromedia Flash 3.0 is recommended for optimum viewing), the site is very easy to navigate and it also contains each of the services that are available over the phone (except for the verbal ‘direct to staff’ option of course).
Now I can actually see my banking statements on screen and choose to view them either by withdrawals, debits or all transactions. Also, I can set up standing orders and allsorts of other useful stuff.
There is a section that deals specifically with shareholders and one for mortgage lenders too!
Signing in to the place is a doddle but I noticed that, as your six digit PIN number from the Telephone Service is requested, then you probably need to be enrolled with this service too.
Anyway, not only can I access my information whenever the hell I like, it’s also a cheaper alternative to the phone service.
That address again www.halifax.co.uk .
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Plenty of articles, has some messageboards, excellant quotes facilities Disadvantages: They've just ditched their Shares portfolio service, which was light years better than any similar service on the 'net
very helpful by (100%):
