I think that people want to monitor their finances more regularly than before. With more people investing in the stock market than 10 years ago, it's heightened their observation of their financial resources. Most banks offer a range of services, including bill payment, balance reports, transfers between accounts, viewing current financial history, downloading credit applications and setting up regular payment schedules. A new technology now being offered by some banks is captured check images, which allows customers to actually see the back and front of a canceled check on the day it clears, a service that can be printed for proof of payment or to check for fraud. Customers can even download financial programs like Quicken and Microsoft Money with some banks.
Special services are available for business owners.
For instance, Bank of America offers a small business center online that allows businesses to place personnel files and payroll information online and even has tips for improving sales. And with the new legislation passed that allows digital signatures, many financial documents are more easily executed online. Overworked small business owners can check on their financial picture at 3 a.m., while someone in the military can transfer funds from one account to another while stationed in a foreign country. Gone, or at least reduced, are the days of time wasted driving to a branch and standing in line during the bank's limited hours. Technology has really spoiled the customer.