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Online banks exposed

Posted on 9 Apr 2008 at 14:39

Discover if your bank lacks tight security or cutting-edge features in our round-up of 12 leading services

Is your bank taking you for granted? Here, we expose the shocking state of Britain's online banking. We're not just talking security systems that are easier to beat than England's back four, we're talking about the paucity of features on offer by some of the biggest names in the business. If you haven't already, you need to seriously think about switching.

We know PC Pro readers will be more demanding than the average banking customer, so we'll be highlighting which banks offer advanced services such as integration with home-finance software, mobile text and internet banking, and portable security devices.

Of course, for most people it isn't a flashy front-end and a plethora of features that will influence their choice of bank. Security remains the prime concern. PC Pro's online security expert and Real World Contributing Editor, Davey Winder, scrutinises the safeguards provided by our online banking services. He talks to banking security experts who offer alarming insights into the authentication methods used by certain high-street giants and reveals flaws in seemingly bullet-proof solutions.

But even if our report does expose worrying holes in your bank's security setup or a dearth of features you wish your bank offered, isn't switching an infernal headache? Not necessarily. Banks might like to give the impression that switching is a tedious process, but strict guidelines insist your old bank has three working days to pass all relevant information to your new bank. Most also have teams dedicated to ensuring your switch goes smoothly.

So there's no good reason not to defect if your bank fails to meet your expectations. Read on to find out whether your bank is providing a strong enough case to retain your custom.

How secure is your bank? Click here to find out

BANK REVIEWS
Abbey
Alliance & Leicester
Barclays
Cahoot
First Direct
Halifax
HSBC
Lloyds TSB
Nationwide
Natwest
RBS
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Author: PC Pro staff