They are attractive to banks as they allow them to efficiently utilise their resources and more importantly make efficient use of staff. Banks are keen to reduce queues during peak hours and reduce their operating costs.
Customers also benefit as it facilitates banking.
The advantage of these services is that you can access your bank account from wherever you choose at the time you choose. The services are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Banks do not currently charge for these services but may do so when the services are more widely used. This is the trend with Internet banking, with banks choosing not to charge until a sufficient number of users are on board. A number of Irish based financial institutions have either set up stand-alone Internet banking services or are planning to do so.