ATMs revolutionized people’s relationships with banking when they started becoming commonplace in the 1980s. Being able to withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance whenever you wanted without waiting in line during branch business hours was a big upgrade.
But you still had to drive somewhere, use a machine, keep track of paper receipts, and balance your checkbook to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The quality-of-life improvements delivered by ATMs seem small compared to the features banking customers now enjoy with online and mobile banking.
For many banking customers, instant access to their balance and transaction history is the biggest quality-of-life upgrade. You no longer have to guess how much is in your account or wait for a monthly statement to:
That visibility helps banking customers make informed day-to-day decisions. Before swiping your card, you can double-check your balance. If a charge looks unfamiliar, you can spot it quickly instead of weeks later.
Online bill pay saves time and reduces stress. Instead of buying stamps, mailing checks, and hoping payments arrive on time, you can:
This makes it easier to avoid late fees and stay organized. Once recurring bills are set up, much of the work is done for you.
Moving money between your checking and savings accounts is simple with online access.
If your checking account is running low, you can transfer funds in minutes. If you want to set money aside in savings, you can do that just as easily.
Not having to wait in line or drive to the nearest ATM makes responding to everyday financial needs much easier.
Mobile check deposit is another major convenience.
Instead of making a special trip to a branch or ATM, you can deposit a check by taking a photo through the mobile app. For members with busy work schedules, long commutes, or limited time during the week, this can be a significant time saver.
It also means you can handle deposits as soon as you receive a check rather than letting it sit on a counter.
Alerts are one of the most helpful mobile banking tools available. You can often set up notifications for:
These phone alerts help you avoid overdraft fees and catch suspicious activity early. Instead of finding out days later, you know almost immediately.
E-statements give you digital access to your monthly statements. They arrive faster than paper copies and are stored securely in your account. This makes it easier to:
Online and mobile banking is designed to be secure, but scammers are out there. You can protect your online and mobile banking access by:
An OnPath Credit Union representative will never request your login credentials through a call or email. If someone claiming to be an OnPath employee contacts you and asks for your account information or passwords, contact us at (800) 749-6193 right away.
Online and mobile banking are not replacements for branches and ATMs, but they do give banking customers options that make life easier.
OnPath Credit Union is committed to making banking simpler, faster, and more predictable. If you want to become a member or you’re already a member but have questions about online or mobile banking, call us at (800) 749-6193.