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The Banking Revolution in Recent Years
In recent times, the way in which people bank and use money has changed drastically. This is largely due to the rise of the internet and technology which has made what was previously the norm almost obsolete and it will be interesting to see what changes we will see in the coming years.
Online Banking
The biggest and most obvious change is the introduction of online banking. Banks have always been vital as somewhere to keep money safe as well as obtain loans, seek financial advice etc.
Not too long ago, a customer would have to visit their local branch in order to handle their account, but nowadays it can be done practically anywhere thanks to online banking and being able to use apps on smartphones to manage their finances, including peer-to-peer payments, organizing direct debits etc.
It can be quick and easy to set up an online account with banks like Think Money where you can then control every aspect of your account online.
Cards
Bank cards have also become the primary way to pay for goods and services with cash quickly becoming almost obsolete. This has been a very recent development due to the rise of contactless payment, which makes it incredibly quick and easy to make purchases up to the price of £30 without having to sign or enter your PIN.
It is rare for people to carry cash now and this has meant that businesses in all industries need to be able to accept card – in fact, many charities and local councils are trialing contactless card readers for homeless people so that people can easily make donations.
Cheques
In today’s digital age, cheques have become almost prehistoric and tend to only be used by the older generation and small businesses. There have been calls to phase them out, but instead, it seems that there may be an alternative on the horizon in the form of cheque imaging.
This will involve taking a photo of a cheque on a smartphone which is then sent to the bank where the payment will be processed. In addition to not having to visit the local branch to deposit the cheque, this can also speed up the process of clearing to a maximum of two working days.
Mobile Payments
With the rise of online banking, it was online a matter of time before mobile payments became a possibility. There are various services that enable you to store bank details on your phone which can then be scanned at certain point-of-sale (POS) terminals so that you only have to carry your smartphone with you.
It is clear that the rise of the internet and impressive technological advances have revolutionized the banking industry in recent times.
It is now easier than ever to manage your finances no matter where you are in the world, plus there have been new ways of making payments being introduced which have eliminated the need to carry cash. The future certainly looks bright for the banking industry and it is exciting to see what new technologies are on the horizon.
