Italian Bank Association stated that one in three bank accounts in Italy is an “internet, phone or mobile” account, i.e. a bank account in which is possible to order transactions via web or via phone. Data show that in Italy there are 10.5 million online bank accounts.
A little note: it isnt’ clear if in this figures are calculated only cecking/current accounts or also saving accounts (such as ING Direct‘s or Santander Consumer‘s ones). Would this be the case, it’s reasonable to think it’s likely that who owns an online saving account also owns an online checking account, therefore 10.5 million bank accounts would correspond to much less than 10.5 million people.
Anyway, these are indeed interesting figures, that show a increasing diffusion of online services, although we have to say that most people use the Internet only to see bank statements. Italian Bank Association says that only 25% of transactions are ordered via web, while they estimate a potential 33%. Personally, I encourage an intensive use of online services, but I agree that if one hasn’t clear the secirity issues or how to operate, it’s better to play it safe and go at the bank counter – but have to strive to understand more, this must not be just an excuse.
In conclusion, I believe that this can be considered a positive scenario, also because it shows an increasing competitive pressure against “traditional” banks, that will have to offer more favorable conditions to their own customers.
Original post (in Italian): Un conto corrente su tre è online
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