Traditionally focussed on insurance, AMP's online banking offerings form a key part of its banking services, so it is clearly in their interests to get it right.
"We are basically focussing on the type of customer who is happy to do everything online, for those people who don't need, or want, face-to-face contact," explains Michael Conner, e-commerce Manager at AMP.
AMP's BankNet is backed up with card services, phone based support, four AMP ATMs (although many other ATM's accept AMP cards), and some over-the-counter service via a relationship with Australia Post. Drawing on its extensive presence in the finance sector, AMP also uses the site to provide information covering everything from superannuation to the housing market.
While Conner shied away from revealing service levels, he pointed out that e-mail queries can be answered in a number of ways. He also explained that although the financial institution was interested in expanding services to include SMS alerts and secure messaging, AMP's BankNet will act cautiously in 2002, erring on the side of security.
"We have to protect the interests of our customers, first and foremost, so before we implement anything new we have to make sure it is totally secure and fully tested," Conner says.
Technology:
A browser-based offering, which uses both Java and Java script, as well as 128 bit encryption
Compatibility:
Web site is both Mac and PC compatible.
Consumer Services:
- view account information
- view transaction histories (excluding credit card)
- obtain a tax and interest summary (excluding credit card)
- transfer funds between your AMP banking accounts
- transfer funds from your AMP banking account to an account with another institution (after pre registering the account)
- pay bills using BPAY
- create and maintain periodic payments
- transfers and bill payments
- stop personal cheques that have not been presented
- change your personal details (e.g. address, phone numbers and your BankNet password)
- re-order cheque and deposit books
- send secure messages to AMP Banking
- order bank cheques
- download transactions to personal accounting software
- online account opening for deposit accounts
Company Services:
As per consumer services
Extras:
- online home loan information and applications
- online credit card, savings and investment account applications and advice
- loans calculators
- ASX investment services.
Web site:
Why didn't you include Adelaide Bank (http://www.adelaidebank.com.au)? It provides a good range of services with the exception of not being able to credit someone else's account quickly.