Online Banking

Photo by Pickawood on Unsplash

Banking these days has become a lot easier, thanks to the digital revolution. You no longer need to physically visit the bank to make simple transactions such as fund transfers and checking your bank balance. These services can now easily be accessed at your fingertips, online or on your phone. The added benefit of mobile banking is the ability to instantly block your card in the event that it is lost or stolen.  

Mainstream banks, such as Barclays, Santander, Lloyds and Nationwide, offer apps that can be downloaded from the Appstore or Play Store to access their services. Alternatively, newer banking methods include apps like Monzo and Revolut that exclusively operate online. Monzo requires you to load money onto the card, usually by a fund transfer to be able to make payments as you would with your usual bank card. This is an excellent way for you to budget, as a limited amount of money loaded onto your card enables you to restrict your payments to essential spending. These newer alternative banking methods also allow purchases in several countries abroad without worrying about paying a charge for these transactions. Therefore, these app-based online banking services provide a secure and hassle-free method of making payments.

Nevertheless, it is important to be always aware of scams and use your money with caution. If in doubt about the services being offered or the service provider, investigate and report any suspected scams immediately!  

Please see the articles (with links) below for more information on banking:

  1. How can I open a bank account? 
  1. Opening a UK bank account as an international student 
  1. Cryptocurrency: The basics, and where to find out more  
  1. A guide to money-related apps  
  1. Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)  
  1. MoneySavingExpert: Banking & Savings  

Rhea Lopes
King’s Student Money Mentor
Part of Money & Housing Advice

The King’s Student Money Mentors blog shares our students’ personal experiences and thoughts on money-related topics. Any reference, opinions or recommendations on a particular company/brand are only the views of the student(s) who wrote the blog post. King’s College London, the Money & Housing Advice service and the Money Mentor project do not share the views in the blogs nor endorse any of the companies mentioned. Readers should conduct their own research before using any companies mentioned in our blog posts. 

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