What Is Online Banking? Definition, Pros and Cons
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Definition: What is online banking?
Online banking means managing your bank accounts using a computer or mobile device, and internet connection. Online banking allows you to make the same transactions as you would at a brick-and-mortar bank — including transferring funds, depositing checks and paying bills — but using your computer or mobile device instead of doing them in person. Online banking can sometimes be referred to as digital banking, electronic banking, internet banking or web banking, or even mobile banking (though mobile banking specifically refers to banking done on a mobile device, rather than a computer).
Traditional banks and credit unions with branches typically let customers access their accounts through the internet, too. But online banks and providers offer primarily mobile access. You won’t meet a banker face to face, but with a mobile device or computer, you can reach your account anytime. Here's a closer look at online banks.
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Pros of online banks
To better understand how online banking works, consider the advantages of online banks.
Lower fees
Because online banks don’t have to spend money on branch maintenance, they tend to have low or no fees. Many online accounts don’t charge monthly service fees, for example, and some don’t charge overdraft fees, either.
To compare, accounts at large brick-and-mortar banks often charge a monthly service fee of around $10, though they may waive it if you meet certain requirements, such as having a $1,500 minimum daily balance. In addition,an overdraft fee at a large bank can cost $30-$35.
» Tend to overdraw your account? See our picks for the best banks for overdrafts
Better interest rates
At online banks, deposit accounts tend to have higher annual percentage yields. The best online savings accounts, for example, have APYs around 5%. Compare that with the national average savings rate of 0.43%, and some of the largest brick-and-mortar banks, which have savings accounts that earn only 0.01% APY.
A few percentage points' difference might not sound like much, but the larger your balance, the more it matters. A balance of $10,000 deposited for a year at 0.01% will earn a dollar; at 5%, it earns just over $500.
» Use our tool: Calculate your earnings with NerdWallet’s savings calculator
Online cash management accounts are another option for earning interest. These financial products are offered by nonbank service providers, such as brokerages. They typically combine the features of checking, savings and investment accounts, and can also have good yields.
» Cash management accounts: See our top picks for these APY-earning online hybrids
Cons of online banks
Before you jump into online banking, learn more about the disadvantages of online banks.
No branches
With an online bank, prepare to have limited access to in-person help. Instead of face-to-face meetings, many banks offer phone-based customer service. Some banks offer assistance through social media and online chat, as well.
» Learn more: Is today a bank holiday?
Cash can be hard to deposit
Online banks often have cumbersome cash deposit processes. You might have to find a deposit-accepting ATM. Or you may need to put money into a traditional bank account and transfer it to your online account. You could also use cash to buy a money order, and then deposit it electronically using your online bank’s mobile app.
Some providers also partner with a third-party service, such as Green Dot, to let retailers and convenience stores accept cash deposits. But these services typically charge fees of around $5 for deposits.
Fewer one-stop-shop options
Some online banks have outstanding savings accounts but don’t offer checking or certificates of deposit, so you might have to open one type of account at one institution and a separate type of account at another.
Online banks' standard bank services
Though online banks typically offer higher rates and lower fees, many still have basic banking features you can expect to find at traditional banks, including:
Security. Online banks with standard security measures are just as safe as traditional banks. Look for features such as encryption and fraud monitoring, and before you open a bank account, make sure the money is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. There are also measures you can take to ensure secure online banking, including avoiding public Wi-Fi networks and keeping anti-virus software up to date.
Accessibility. You can access your bank accounts and bank services wherever there’s internet — on your computer or mobile device — around the clock. You can also reach customer service by phone — in some cases, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Frequently asked questions about online banking
Here are answers to common questions about online banking.
What is the meaning of online banking and how do you use online banking?
To bank online means to manage your bank accounts using your computer or mobile device. You can bank online — transfer money and pay bills electronically — through bank websites or by using a bank’s mobile app. Banks often also offer check deposits via their mobile apps.
Most standard or traditional banks offer online account management, so you can handle your banking tasks via the bank website or app. With an online-only bank, all banking tasks are handled online via the bank website or app. Some banks are app-based, so account management is handled primarily through their mobile apps.
What are the types of online banking?
You can use online banking through bank websites on your computer or mobile device, or by using mobile banking apps.
Can you open a bank account online?
You can open a bank account online for both online and brick-and-mortar banks. Online-only banks require you to open a bank account online; there’s no option to go to a branch to open an account.
What about neobanks?
Financial technology companies that offer banking services are often called neobanks. They are not banks. With these providers, FDIC insurance is a little more complicated than with traditional institutions. But accounts often have the low monthly fees and strong rates that many online banks have. However, neobanks may lack traditional banking features, such as access to personal or cashier’s checks and wire transfers. They can be a solid option if you prefer online-only banking, but consider these factors and questions to ask before opening a neobank account.
Should you open an online bank account?
If you want higher rates and lower fees and don’t need frequent branch banking services, an online bank may be worth considering. Keep in mind, you can choose to open an online account without giving up an existing account at your local institution. In fact, having accounts at both a traditional bank and an online bank could give you the best of both worlds: the best savings rates and access to in-person help when you need it.
Or you could take a bigger action and move your accounts to an online-only institution (see our guide on how to switch banks). Either way, you can open a new online account in minutes, and have access at your fingertips at any time.
