80% of Internet-Ready Households Bank Online

A recent survey sponsored by Fiserv found that 4 out of 5 households with Internet access do at least some banking online.

A  majority of these users pay at least one bill online, while the remainder just view balances and transfer money among bank accounts.

There are plenty of reasons to bank online.  The survey respondents highlighted (from Fiserv's press release):

• Speed - 79 percent of consumers said that they preferred to pay bills online because it was faster than other payment methods.
• Ease of Use - 72 percent of consumers said paying online was easier than paying by check.
• Cost Savings - 71 percent of consumers said they liked saving money on stamps.
• Control - 71 percent of consumers said that paying bills online gave them more control over the timing of their payments.

Some said the environment is an important part of why they pay bills online.  However, keep in mind that only electronic payments (ACH payments) are paperless.  Sometimes when you pay a bill from your bank's website they print a check and mail it to the payee (using paper, fuel to ship the payment, and ink).

Do you bank online?  Tell us why or why not in the comments.