PHNjcmlwdCB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2phdmFzY3JpcHQiIHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly9zdGF0aWMubXlmaW5hbmNlLmNvbS93aWRnZXQvbXlGaW5hbmNlX3ZpZXdwb3J0X2RldGVjdGlvbi5qcyI+PC9zY3JpcHQ+PHNjcmlwdCBhc3luYyB0eXBlPeKAnHRleHQvamF2YXNjcmlwdCI+bXlmaVdhdGNoV2lkZ2V0KCdteWZpV2lkZ2V0XzAnKTs8L3NjcmlwdD4=Sarah Li-Cain is a finance writer, podcast producer and an Accredited Financial Counsellor® specializing in banking, loans, investment and insurance topics. Her work has appeared in major outlets such as US News. CNBC Select, Fortune, and Business Insider.Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This may influence which products we write about and where those products appear on the site, but it does not affect our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in research.Mobile app users, click here for the best viewing experience.Online banking can be a convenient way to access and manage your money. Plus, it may offer other perks, such as low-to-no fees as well as the potential to earn higher interest rates on your deposits. However, some people are hesitant to open an account with an online bank. Maybe it feels too abstract since an online bank doesn맥스카지노�t typically have any physical branches. Or perhaps you맥스카지노�re worried about security. Fear not: We맥스카지노�ve got the facts to counter some common myths about online banking so you can make an informed decision.Myth: Online banks aren맥스카지노�t safeFact: Yes, the fear of identity theft is real, and hackers are getting better at stealing online credentials. However, the idea that online banking is unsafe is just plain false. 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All you need is a computer, smartphone, or tablet and access to the internet. Most financial institutions make it easy by having you fill out a simple form with your personal information and providing details on how you맥스카지노�ll make your initial deposit. It usually takes a few minutes and if your application is successful, you should be able to get access to your account right away.Myth: Online banks don맥스카지노�t offer good customer serviceFact: Just because a bank doesn맥스카지노�t have physical locations, doesn맥스카지노�t mean you won맥스카지노�t be able to receive excellent customer service. Many online banks allow you to easily speak with a customer service representative who can walk you through questions such as setting up bill pay, regaining access to your account, or getting a new debit card. In addition, online banks generally offer 24/7 customer service via secure messaging and live chat on the website or in some cases even on an app (yes, it맥스카지노�s usually a human on the other side of the screen). Other features make it easy to access your information 맥스카지노� you can get your tax forms online, as well as other documents needed to organize your financial life (no need to wait for a delivery in the mail). Bottom lineOnline banking offers a wide range of features to rival traditional banks with brick and mortar locations. It may feel strange to not talk face to face with a human, but the convenient features and potential to earn more in interest at an online bank may make it worth it. Editorial Disclosure: All articles are prepared by editorial staff and contributors. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the editorial team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in this article is accurate as of the date of the publish. Check the lender맥스카지노�s website for the most current information.This article was originally published on SFGate.com and reviewed by Lauren Williamson, who serves as Financial and Home Services Editor for the Hearst E-Commerce team. Email her at lauren.williamson@hearst.com.