Review rated by 11 Ciao members on average: helpful
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Having been using the online feature of Halifax's banking I have found the website incredibly easy to use, and much better than some of the other online bank's sites have been.
LOGGING ON
This is much easier and simpler than the other high street banks, which require the remembering of a long (upto 10-digit) number along with a 6 number PIN. Not the length that the average person can remember. The Halifax uses a simple username, password, and a question (which you answer at registration) with a choice of 3 changing each log-in session meaning your money is just as safe as at the other banks.
MULTIPLE ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
This feature of the halifax allows more than one account to be managed and viewed at the same time (of course these must be accounts with them!), having a current account to begin with I soon found the Websaver account which gives a much higher interest rate than any other current accounts- even after the recent rises in interest rates of the High street accounts.
TRANSFERS
Money can be transferred between accounts with ease and has immediate effect-i.e. If I had no funds in my current account initially but transferred some across, I would be able to go to a cash machine and take the money out. Money can also be transferred to other accounts at other banks, although these transactions take 5-7days to clear are still useful. The ability of the Halifax system to register details of other peoples accounts(from information you have input) means that after your have first set up a friends account you can transfer money across easily without the hassle or less secure method of snail mail, for example this can be used to surprise someone for their birthday.
Standing orders can also be set up and altered on the site. All this has resulted in me not going near a Halifax Bank for a long time, except when needing to pay in cheques and cash which can now usually be done at cashpoints.
If your thinking of going online with banking then Halifax is certainly a good option, although in the end I would base my money in an account due to its relative interest rates as opposed to its online banking facilities. Watchout though as some accounts can not be used online, I have also not found it possible to move money electronically into my A&L ISA, this must be done by visiting the branch, although I think this is more down to A&L's banking system as opposed to the Halifax's. Although if the interest rates are not relevant, or too close to choose between, then Halifax would definitely be my first choice due to its SIMPLICITY, RANGE OF FEATURES, and EASE OF USE.
by (82%):
23.03.2003 23:00
If u add a bit about the sites design I'll happily rerate. a good read. I've been thinking about joining halifax for a while