Northern Bank has become the first local bank to offer a full range of accounts which can be opened online in a matter of minutes.
A new current account Northern 24/7 and a new online savings product, Northern eSaver, are available exclusively to order online. In addition, five personal current accounts are available exactly as they are in a branch but can now be opened online using a simple application process through the Northern Bank website. This application process, unique to Northern Bank, saves time as customers can apply for a full range of products including a current account, a MasterCard and an overdraft through just one application.
Gerry McSorley, Head of Channels at Northern Bank, believes it’s about offering a convenient alternative for busy customers who like the fact they don’t need to make an appointment or visit a branch. He explained:
"This is a new modern way of banking which complements our existing state of the art online banking system. For many customers it’s a more flexible way to do their banking as they can do it at a time and place that suits them.
The launch follows recent research* which shows that in the first half of 2009, 22 million UK adults used online banking on their main current account, meaning that for the first time ever more than 50 per cent of regular internet users are banking online.
Mr McSorley continued:
"Some customers still prefer to do all their banking face to face and they can do this through our extensive branch network. But for those customers who also do their banking online they now have another convenient option. Ultimately it will be more valuable for customers if we spend more time with them when they really need our assistance or expert advice – while simple transactions and applying for an account are things they could actually do faster themselves, when and where it suits them."
For those customers with less confidence in using the internet or banking online, every Northern Bank branch has a member of staff dedicated to helping existing and new customers learn about how to register for and use Northern’s online banking system.
//ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- *Data taken from the Consumer Payments Survey (CPS), a continuous quantitative market research survey commissioned since 2007 by the Payments Council.
- Northern Bank products available to apply for online include Northern 24/7, Northern Freedom, Northern Personal Access, Northern Choice, Northern Choice Plus, Northern Prestige and Northern e-Saver
- Account access to Northern 24/7 and Northern eSaver are only available via Northern eBanking and Telephone Banking
- Northern Bank has 83 branches across Northern Ireland.
- Features of Northern eBanking include ability to check your accounts 24/7, transfer money between accounts, pay your bills and credit cards, buy and sell shares, get statements electronically, and save money by avoiding certain fees and charges.