Arab Bank
Service: Arab Bank Australia
Technology: Browser based offering, compatible with any version 5 browser or later on any platform. Service is secured through a firewall and offers 128-bit SSL encryption.
Balances/transaction updates: All transactions and balances are reflected online in real time.
Average downtime for 2002: Minimal-- ISP maintenance outages only.
Average transaction time: Transaction is completed in less time than it takes browser software to finish rendering the page.
Account integration: Not provided.
Consumer services:
- View account information and transaction histories
- Transfer funds between your Arab Bank Australia accounts
- Transfer funds from your Arab Bank Australia account to an account with another Australian financial institution
- Scheduled payments to other accounts
- Pay bills using BPAY
- Establish home loan repayments
- Manage investment accounts
- Order replacement statements
- Apply for a deposit account with Arab Bank Australia
- Change contact details
- Download transaction history to personal financial management, software such as Microsoft Money and Quicken
Company services: Arab bank's services are focused on consumer services, although some services overlap.
Extras: Loan and Investment calculators, Secure Mail direct to Internet Banking help desk and "Smart Alerts" (Proactive notification service that alerts you when limits that you set on your accounts have been reached).
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.