Westpac Banking Corporation
Service: Westpac Banking Corporation
Technology: The customer's browser must support 128-bit encryption, and the recommended operating system is Windows from Win 95 forward, and Macintosh systems with Internet Explorer.
Balances/transaction updates: Transactions and balances are updated in real time.
Average downtime for 2002: Westpac schedules maintenance windows at times that will have minimal customer impact. Outside of these scheduled maintenance windows, Internet Banking operates 24x7 and Westpac aims to keep Internet Banking available during these times.
Average transaction time: Unable to be specific as it depends on the customers browser, modem speed and other factors.
Account integration: Other Accounts services allows aggregation of accounts from 110 online account providers (eg. financial institutions, air points etc), balances can be updated on any sign-in to Other Accounts.
Consumer services:
- Consolidated accounts
- Real-time account balances and transaction histories
- Statement information
- Inter and intra-bank transfers
- Home loan redraw
- Credit card cash advances
- BPay facility
- Telegraphic transfers
- Statement ordering
- Information regarding government and bank fees and charges
- Periodic payments
- Personal overdraft, loan and deposit interest calculating facilities
Company services: Tax payments, overseas payments, view and modification of 3rd party payments, access to other entity accounts, tailor level of access-persons, cash management account, equity access, business finance request, agri-business facilities, start-up business facilities, business seminars, financial planner and advisor services and EZY BAS.
Extras: Foreign exchange and stock quote facilities, car Buyers Guide, personal wealth management seminars, home finance managers--arrange meeting, check and redeem credit card reward points.
Unfortunately, the reviews only give the features of the banking sites. I have an HSBC, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ and UK based First Direct bank account.
I can say for a fact that the HSBC online banking facility is very poor in comparison to the others with possibly the worst most cryptic transaction list of all the institutions I know of! Looking at the transaction list is totally cryptic and users have to click on every transaction to see what it is - even an ATM withdrawal!!! Not only that but HSBC is extremely slow. However, their online savings account is excellent and offers me the most attractive interest rates.
My favourite is Commonwealth Bank Netbank for it's simplicity and speed. ANZ is also good but has far more clutter on the screen.