BankWest
Service: BankWest Online Banking
Technology: Browser based 128-bit SSL security, fully Windows compatible and also compatible with other platforms like Macintosh with minor issues.
Balances/transaction updates: Site data updated immediately via a real-time connection with branch, ATM & EFTPOS systems.
Average downtime for 2002: Typically less than 12 hours per month, including maintenance and enhancements, we can do many changes progressively without disrupting customer service.
Average transaction time: Varies with time of day, numbers of customers logged on and so forth, however, BankWest aims for no more than five seconds for any transaction and can keep it to less than one second.
Account integration: Not provided
Consumer services:
- Account balances and transactions
- Transaction searching by type of transaction
- View Cheque images (front & back) for presented cheques
- Funds transfers
- Pay-anybody transfers to any Australian bank account (single & multiple at once)
- BPay bill payment services
- Secure e-mail facility for confidential customer service enquiries
- E-mail alerts for scheduled transactions advising processing status
- Automated service requests for stop cheques
- Statement reissue
- Change of address, tax statements, periodic payments, order cheque books and others
- Access share trading
- Apply online for credit cards
- General insurance and other finance products.
Company services: Internet banking service--Online Business Banking (OBB)--specifically designed for medium-sized to large business as well as small businesses with more complex needs. The service, launched in 2002, offers latest generation features for banking online, such as multiple levels of access and funds transfer authorisation from any Internet access point globally. It is real-time and operates 24x7. It has all the features of BOB with many areas being richer in functionality, for example, accounts can be grouped for different company offices and staff provided with access to just applicable groups.
Extras: Web site offers comprehensive financial information and tools to customers so they can manage their affairs.
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.