Future Directions
During the study, we also had access to a new pilot site containing many enhancements to the current service. While no date has been set, the new functions include pay anyone, scheduled payments for future dated transactions and recurring transactions, and batched transfers.
Usability
Netbank has a very simple and straightforward interface, with many shortcuts. Most of what you want is just one click away, and it's also a very fast service with download times being among the fastest of all the banks.
When selecting an account for a transaction, the current balance is included in the list so you know where your money is.
The BPay area requires that you set up a Biller first, making it a multiple step process to make an ad-hoc payment or paying Billers that change their billing code and CRN frequently. You do, however, have quick access to recent bills paid to make sure you're on top of things.
Viewing and editing accounts is a simultaneous process, making maintenance of your Internet banking very easy.
NetBank provides support for Macintosh customers.
Conclusion
Overall a very simple, yet strong interface. This one is well suited to the novice, but has many shortcuts for the expert. However, it's not quite as well rounded as ANZ's offering.
Rating 3.75 / 5
ZDNet's e-banking special report compares the online offerings of Australia' s leading banks.
The Commbank netbank application is annoying in that it is a seperate application which doesn't work well behind a firewall!