TrialPay allows smarties (like you and I) to pay for programs (and some other stuff) by trying out offers or buying other products from certain advertising partners. Everyone benefits from this type of payment system; you receive two products for the price of one, the software developer gets paid by the advertising partner and the advertisers get new users or at least some leads. With TrialPay it is very possible for you to get your choice of high quality software for free.

How it works

You pick out a program that you want or need, such as AVG Anti-Virus 8.0. You then select an offer to complete or sign up for, like FreeCreditReport.com. Once you signed up with the Free Credit Report people – they will pay the AVG people some money for referring you to their service and then you’ll receive a free, working copy of AVG Anti-Virus 8.0 with license + a free credit report. =]

Merchants

At the time that I wrote this, there were approximately six-thousand companies that were offering a service/product for free through TrialPay. These merchants consist of reputable businesses such as AVG, Siber Systems, Corel, The Wall Street Journal, WeatherBug, Plaxo, Skype, McAfee and so on. In addition, TrialPay had approximately two-thousand companies to match customers with in order to pay their merchants. Premium advertisers such as Blockbuster, American Express, eBay and FTD.com are just a few of companies in the TrialPay network that offer special deals to shoppers. Once again, when I wrote this article, TrialPay had well over twelve million shoppers.

Amazing Deals

There are some great applications to be had as well as some credible offers to try – such as, GoDaddy.com and BLOCKBUSTER Total Access. Below is a giant list of programs that you’re able to receive (for free) by participating in the TrialPay process. I hope that you’re able to find something to your liking.

It is important to note that not every available merchant is listed here. Some merchants prefer to keep the TrialPay method hush hush and only offer it as a last resort. For example: If you download a free trial of some software, then the trial period expires and you decide to uninstall that software – you might see a dialog box that pops up to explain how you can get their product for free using TrialPay.

My Top Picks

General Software

mIRC – mIRC Co. Ltd
WinZip – Corel
McAfee VirusScan Plus (with SiteAdvisor) – McAfee, Inc.
Trillian Pro – Cerulean Studios
250 4×6 Photo Prints (good for 365 days) – dotPhoto
Cheats, Bots & Macros – 2bit programmers
Registry Repair Pro – 3B Software, Inc.
DTV4PC – 3B Software, Inc.
FreeMem Professional – 3B Software, Inc.
Abee Mp3 Duplicates Finder – AbeeTech
Abee CHM Maker – AbeeTech
Tracks Eraser Pro – Acesoft
Tracks Eraser – Acesoft
Internet History Eraser – Acesoft
ActMask ALL2PDF PDF Creator – ActMask
ActMask Document Converter CE – ActMask
Drive Encryption – ActMask
ActMask Document Converter Pro – ActMask
Actual Transparent Window – Actual Tools
Actual Window Minimizer – Actual Tools
Actual Title Buttons – Actual Tools
AmiPic ShareMaster – Alexandre Tolmatchev
Hide My Windows – ALSEDI Group
Desktop Adviser – ALSEDI Group
AquaSoft SlideShow XP five – AquaSoft GmbH
Ease Audio Converter – Audiotool.NET
Mobile PhoneTools – Avanquest Software
Ringtone Media Studio 3 – Avanquest Software
Motorola mobile PhoneTools Deluxe – Avanquest Software
PDF-to-Word – Avanquest Software
Tuning Car Studio – Avanquest Software
Web Easy Professional 7 – Avanquest Software
Connection Manager Professional – Avanquest Software
Classic PhoneTools 9 – Avanquest Software
Mobile PhoneTools 4 – Bluetooth Version – Avanquest Software
Fully Licensed Version of Fix-It Utilities 8 Professional – Avanquest Software
System Suite 8 Professional – 3 Licenses Included – Avanquest Software
Book A Page of Baipatra – Baipatra
Text Advertising with Baipatra – Baipatra
Advanced Robots.txt Generator – Basileios Drolias
Online Radio Tuner – Bassic Technologies
BayGenie eBay Auction Sniper Pro – New Registration – BayGenie.com
BayGenie eBay Auction Sniper Pro – Registration Renewal – BayGenie.com
SyncCell Software License – BIDCOM Technologies
2,000 Flash Website Templates – Big Bang Templates
BitZipper – Bitberry Software
BitDefender Antivirus 2009 – BitDefender GmbH
BrainTrading System Unlimited License – BrainTrading Solutions
CreditWin Home 2009 – Credit Repair Software – Buffalo Creek Ent.,L.L.C.
ARC433 Scanner Software – BuTel Software
ARC500 Scanner Software – BuTel Software
ARC246 Scanner Software – BuTel Software
SystemAI, 1-year license – Celceo
ChrisTV Online! – Basic Subscription – Chris P.C. srl
Chris PC-Lock – Chris P.C. srl
ChrisTWEAK – Chris P.C. srl
Chrysanth Mail Manager – Chrysanth Software
Clip Extractor PRO – ClipExtractor LLC
Smileycons – Cloudeight Internet
CalendarPal 2.0 – Cloudeight Internet
FolderMagic – Cloudeight Internet
CrossOver Mac Standard – CodeWeavers
CrossOver Games Mac – CodeWeavers
NoteZilla – Conceptworld Corporation
Credit-Aid PLUS: Home Credit-Repair Software (Download) – Credit-Aid Software
Narrator Household License – Dejal
Dekart Private Disk – Dekart SRL
Desktop Dolphin Coloring Book – Delfyn Software
DvdReMake Pro v3 license – DimadSoft
DvdReMake v3 license – DimadSoft
Biorhythms Plus! 2008 Premium – Diplodock
Hex Editor II, Base Converter Plug-in and Hex Calculator Plug-in – Diplodock
EASEUS Data Recovery Wizard – EASEUS
EasyHideIP.com Hide IP and Anonymously – EasyHideIP.com
Software Submit BASIC – EasyHideIP.com
EasyHideIP.com Website Submit EXPANDER – EasyHideIP.com
EasyHideIP Virtual Private Network (VPN) 3 Month Subscription – EasyHideIP.com
WxCheck – Aviation Weather Organizer – Edgemont Systems LLC
inSim – Flight Instrument Simulator – Edgemont Systems LLC
SWF Video Converter – Eltima Software
SWF & FLV Toolbox – Eltima Software
MemoryUp Pro Mobile Memory & RAM Booster (Symbian / Windows / J2ME) – eMobistudio
MemoryUp Professional-BlackBerry Memory & RAM Booster – eMobistudio
PhotoMix – fCoder Group, Inc.
TurboBackup DVD (Personal Edition) – FileStream, Inc.
WinSettings – FileStream, Inc.
Photo TurboBackup – FileStream, Inc.
iPod Access for Windows v4 (Vista/XP) FULL VERSION – Findley Designs, Inc.
MailWasher Pro – Firetrust Limited
Focus Mp3 Recorder Pro – focusmp3recorder.com
Foxit Reader Pro Pack – Foxit Software Company
Foxit Reader for Windows Mobile – Foxit Software Company
GConvert 5.0 – G.D.G. Software SARL
Able Batch Converter – Graphic-Region Development
DVD Snapshot – Graphic-Region Development
Able Graphic Manager – Graphic-Region Development
Able Video Snapshot – Graphic-Region Development
AVI Slide Show – Graphic-Region Development
Able Photo Slide Show – Graphic-Region Development
Able Photo Resizer – Graphic-Region Development
SQL Pretty Printer – Gudu Software
GuitarFX 3.04 – GuitarFX
HSLAB Force Down Personal – Handy Software Lab
HSLAB Prefetch Manager Personal – Handy Software Lab
HSLAB Tex2SMS – Handy Software Lab
HSLAB Modem Monitor – Handy Software Lab
HSLAB Print Logger 4 WE – Handy Software Lab
Agendus for Palm OS Professional Edition – iambic, Inc.
YourCall for Palm OS Professional Edition – iambic, Inc.
Agendus for Windows Mobile Pocket PC Professional Edition – iambic, Inc.
Agendus for Windows Outlook Edition – iambic, Inc.
Agendus for Windows Mobile Smartphone Professional Edition – iambic, Inc.
Agendus for Windows Palm Desktop Edition – iambic, Inc.
Agendus Mail for Palm OS SSL Edition – iambic, Inc.
Propel for Palm OS Professional – iambic, Inc.
Vehicle Manager for Windows – iambic, Inc.
Agendus for BlackBerry – iambic, Inc.
TweakMASTER Standard – InfiniSource, Inc. – Hagel Technologies, Ltd.
EasyLearnPC 2.6 – Ing. Pavel Kotala
PCShowBuzz FREE! Watch TV On Your PC In 2 Minutes – inKline Global, Inc.
PC Booster 2008 – inKline Global, Inc.
Helium Music Manager 2007 – Intermedia Software GBG HB
FlashWebKit and Flash4D Home Edition Software – IntroWizard Technologies
LogoWizard Flash Logo Builder – IntroWizard Technologies
Advanced WindowsCare Professional – IObit
Sandra Professional Home Edition – Jagged Online Limited
WinXAR – JimiSoft, Inc.
KVideoPod Pro – Kandalu Ltd.
Home Bookkeeping – Keepsoft
Kinoma Play for Windows Mobile – Kinoma, Inc
Kinoma Player 4 EX for Palm OS 5 – Kinoma, Inc
Kinoma Producer 4 for Windows – Kinoma, Inc
Citra FX Photo Effects – Kiyut
Sketsa SVG Editor – Kiyut
Fire Heart Desktop Gadget – Laconic Software
STGThumb 2 Single License – Luiz A D R Marques
STG FolderPrint Plus 3 Single License – Luiz A D R Marques
Dupe Eliminator 6.1 for iTunes – MarkelSoft, Inc.
Visualizer 3.0 for iTunes – MarkelSoft, Inc.
LibZIP 2.7 for iTunes – MarkelSoft, Inc.
iPlayAnywhere 5.0 for iTunes – MarkelSoft, Inc.
ezList 2.2 for eBay – MarkelSoft, Inc.
Speed Bid 2.5 for eBay – MarkelSoft, Inc.
ezShare 1.0 – MarkelSoft, Inc.
BugDoctor Personal – Maximum Software
PC Registry Cleaner – Maximum Software
FaceDub Elite – MaxSlag LLC
Registry Technician – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
Undelete for Windows – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
MSN Messenger Remover – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
System Restore/Control Panel Fix – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
Product Key Viewer for Windows – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
Software Asset Manager – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
Product Key Viewer for Microsoft Office Products – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
Zip Password Recovery – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
Password Recovery for Excel – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
Password Recovery for Access Databases – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
Password Recovery for Dialup/VPN Connections – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
Password Recovery for Word Documents – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
Barcode Professional – MISCSOFTWARE.COM
MagiCall – Mobiion Software
Create Ringtone – Mobilityflow
Touch Commander – Mobilityflow
MoneyGreen Mortgage Calculator – MoneyGreen Software
SoftwareMuvAudio2 Single User License – MuvEnum
KittyXplorer – MyPlanet Software
Safe-n-Secure Privatize Platinum – nCode Software LLC
MB Tarot Suite – Net Always
WebBuild Express – Net Fulfillment Technologies, Inc.
Spy Emergency 2008 – 1 Year Subscription – NETGATE Technologies s.r.o.
U.R.celeb – oniton
CachemanXP – Outertech
Linkman – Outertech
Oxygen Phone Manager II for Nokia phones (Lite version) – Oxygen Software
Oxygen Express for Nokia mobile phones – Oxygen Software
Oxygen SimpleUp! – Oxygen Software
One Year of Pando Pro – Pando
PanoModules Base – PanoModules team
Paragon Partition Manager 9.0 Personal Edition – Paragon Software Group
Spyware Doctor – PC Tools Limited
ThreatFire – PC Tools Limited
Registry Mechanic – PC Tools Limited
PC Tools AntiVirus – PC Tools Limited
CD-Lock – PC-Magic Software
Magic Folders – PC-Magic Software
HistorySweep – Peacekeeper Enterprises, LLC.
SQL Converter for Excel – Peachtree Communication Systems, Inc.
GameBoost – PGWARE LLC
PCMedik – PGWARE LLC
GameGain – PGWARE LLC
PCBoost – PGWARE LLC
SuperRam – PGWARE LLC
Throttle – PGWARE LLC
Direct MP3 Recorder – Pianosoft
AACoder Plus – Pianosoft
MP3 Converter Pro – Pianosoft
Snap ‘n Burn – Pianosoft
DJ Mix Master – Pianosoft
Snap ‘n Grab – Pianosoft
MP3 Ringtone Extractor – Pianosoft
YouTubeIt Pro – Pianosoft
Prevx CSI Cleanup License – Prevx
Prevx CSI Cleanup License – Prevx
Prevx CSI Cleanup License – Prevx
Privacy Monkey – Privacy Monkey.com
Say the Time – Provenio Software Corporation
Network Magic Essentials 5.0 – Pure Networks, Inc.
ToneThis Pro Edition – Rajan Singh Mobile Computing LLC dba ToneThis
Small Business Management For Success – Real Coaching Radio
Effective Time Management Strategies – Real Coaching Radio
NoClone – Reasonable Software House Limited
REFOG Keylogger – REFOG
Regex Match Tracer – Personal License – RegExLab.com
Jar2Exe Enterprise Edition – Personal License – RegExLab.com
Portable Bookmarks – Resort Labs
Link Commander – Resort Labs
Handy Folders – Resort Labs
Rising Antivirus & Firewall 2008 – 1 Year 1 User(s) – Rising Antivirus International Pty Ltd
Rising Antivirus & Firewall 2008 – 1 Year 2 User(s) – Rising Antivirus International Pty Ltd
RESTrick Control Panel – RTSECURITY
WinDefender – RTSECURITY
RSHUT PRO Personal – RTSECURITY
FolderMatch – Salty Brine Software
MemTurbo – Sammsoft
Advanced Registry Optimizer – Sammsoft
SBMAV Disk Cleaner – SBMAV Software
Easy Shred Extreme – Search Visible
LingoLessons for Windows – Sekai Learning Systems
Ad Notifier 2.2 Full Version (for Craiglist) – Skootle Corporation
MySpace Friend Accepter & Commenter – Skootle Corporation
MySpace Birthday Commenter – Skootle Corporation
DebtCalc Plus! Edition V2.0 – Download – Slateboard Software Inc.
WebData Extractor – SmElis Technologies
SmElis Web Previewer – SmElis Technologies
novaPDF Standard Desktop – Softland SRL
Backup4all Standard – Softland SRL
WinReminder – SoftLogica
Flashpaste Professional – Softvoile
G-Force Platinum – SoundSpectrum, Inc.
Save Our Planet – South Beach Software
Business Growth Expert Software – South Beach Software
Business Growth Expert For Corporate Managers – South Beach Software
Build A Business Plan – South Beach Software
Small Business Internal Audit Software – South Beach Software
Small Business Consultant – South Beach Software
Business Startup Expert – South Beach Software
Business Turnaround Expert – South Beach Software
Business Restructuring Expert – South Beach Software
Date Doctor For Men – South Beach Software
Date Doctor For Women – South Beach Software
Fantasy Football Expert – South Beach Software
Transition HD High Definition Conversion Software – South Beach Software
Smart Kid – Learning My ABCs – South Beach Software
Smart Kid – Learning My Numbers – South Beach Software
Smart Kid – Learning Addition – South Beach Software
Smart Kid – Learning Subtraction – South Beach Software
Smart Kid – Beginners Multiplication – South Beach Software
Smart Kid – Learning Multiplication – South Beach Software
Smart Kid – Beginners Division – South Beach Software
Smart Kid – Learning Division – South Beach Software
Advanced Time Synchronizer – Southsoftware.com
HiDownload Pro – StreamingStar Technology Inc
PPRecorder – StreamingStar Technology Inc
GameHike – SwiftDog
GameThrust – SwiftDog
NetScream – SwiftDog
PCHeal – SwiftDog
PCThrust – SwiftDog
RamSmash – SwiftDog
Advanced System Protector – Systweak Inc.
ColorCache – Technology Lighthouse
PTFB Pro – Technology Lighthouse
PromptPal – Technology Lighthouse
SpyCatcher – Tenebril
GhostSurf Platinum (1-year license) – Tenebril
Mask Surf Standard – ThankSoft
PCSnapShot Ultimate Keylogger – theComputerPitstop
theSpywareShield AntiSpyware Software – theComputerPitstop
ClipMate 7 – Thornsoft Development, Inc
BeadCreatorPro 3.0 – ThoughtFish Media
TrendStuffer System TrialPay Package – TrendStuffer
NetInfo – Tsarfin Computing Ltd
NetGong – Tsarfin Computing Ltd
ToolbarToggle – TTBar Inc
Zigzag Cleaner Plus – UNIPHIZ Lab
Digital Physiognomy – UNIPHIZ Lab
NetDuster™ Pro, Single Computer Licence – UpClick Inc.
Vistanita Twin2Die – Vistanita
Acquisition Pro – Watanabe Consulting Ltd.
ScholarWord PRO – Xumbrus, LLC.
Safe Chat Universal Messenger with Parental Controls – Zihtec Company LLP
Internet Control for Business – Zihtec Company LLP
ZAPaSPAM for Outlook or Outlook Express – Zihtec Company LLP
Zortam Mp3 Media Studio Pro – Lifetime License – Zortam Corporation
Zortam Mp3 Player – Zortam Corporation

Online Services

Farm Frenzy 2 – Alawar Entertainment, Inc.
Babylon Annual Subscription – Babylon
Self Employment Club Membership – Baipatra
Christian Chat (1 Year Membership) – Developing Networks Limited
Drive Free Car Life Time Membership – Drive Free Car
Free DataEntryCompany Membership – eKnowledge Marketing
Sudo Sudoku – FnoWare
Megatyping – GMBDirect Inc.
Ignotius Associates Program – Ignotius
iFreeAuto Membership (6 Month Subscription) – Impasse Media
Kazazz Unlimited Top Search Rankings – Kazazz Search Engine
PuzzleJoy – MyPlanet Software
Fashion Story – Outrix Corp.
Horseville Premier Ad Upgrade – PaidRide.com
PocoMail – Poco Systems Inc
Bejeweled 2 – PopCap Games
Peggle – PopCap Games
Real Coaching Radio – Real Coaching Radio
Nerts High Speed Card Game – Ronnander Games
Sassy Pink Pepper (1 Year Membership) – Sassy Pink Peppers, Inc.
FPS Creator – The Game Creators Ltd
The Wedding Report Subscription – The Wedding Report, Inc.
TotSites Premium Account – TotSites
TurnkeyNation Website – TurnkeyNation
ProlinkHosting Unlimited WebHosting Account (1 Year) – TurnkeyNation
Virtual Mechanics SiteSpinner – Virtual Mechanics Inc.
VTJ Super Surfer – Virtual Profit Systems LLC
Play Diplomacy Online (1 Year Premium Membership) – Volo Media Ltd
Site Membership to Brian’s Site (1 Year of Full Access) – www.BriansDreams.com
$15 Coupon for TarotStars.com LLC

Published Offers

How to Run a Car on Water – Full Guide – Low Cost Solution LLC
Get Skinny Now! How To Lose Up To 20 Pounds This Month – Adam Tijerina
Your Very Own Article Directory – Black Diamonds
Ebay Stealth – your complete guide to a new eBay identity – Ebay Stealth
iPaidSurvey Impasse Media
How to Win Your Unemployment Claim… – Mindful Investments Inc
Paid Email Business Kit – PaidEmailBusiness.com
PaidRide.com Membership – PaidRide.com
Ebay Salvation Pro – PEG ESP
Extra 2 months membership – Pre Conceptions
Blogger Adsense Guide With Resell Rights – SC Enterprise
Free List of Non ChexSystems Banks – Square One Group LLC
PayDay Quest – Virtual Profit Systems LLC
Deserve What You Want – X & Y Communications LLC
Deserve What You Want (Men’s Edition) – X & Y Communications LLC
Cook For Your Date – X & Y Communications LLC
How To Manage Your Wildly Successful Dating Life – X & Y Communications LLC
Secrets To Success With Women For Shorter Men – X & Y Communications LLC
The Engineer’s Guide To Being Cooler Than The Salesguy – X & Y Communications LLC
Ebay Suspension Cure Ebook – C Publications

Retail Related

Jump Junkies – AirAboveWater.com
AuctionStealth – AuctionStealth
Live Anonymously and Privately – Create a New Identity – C Publications
Quick Slim – Natural Slimming Cream – Galapagos Collection,Inc.
General exterior spraying program 1200 sq ft – Help Pest Control
Personal Trainer One v4 – SLShareware Inc.
Xbox 360 Live 1600 Points – Sola Fide Inc.
Xbox 360 Live 1 Month Gold Subscription – Sola Fide Inc.
Xbox 360 Live 3 Month Gold Subscription – Sola Fide Inc.
Guyz Gr8erJeanz and Galz Gr8erJeanz – theComputerPitstop
$15 Coupon for Candle Buddies

Screensavers

StarMessage Moon Phases Screensaver – 24Hsoftware
!Easy Screensaver Station – DDSoft
Dolphin Dreams Screensaver – Delfyn Software
Coolscreams A Halloween Screensaver – Delfyn Software
A Christmas Tree Screensaver – Delfyn Software
Snowland Screensaver – Delfyn Software
Winter Dreams Screensaver – Delfyn Software
Woodland Dreams Screensaver – Delfyn Software
By Water Screensaver – Delfyn Software
4th of July Dreams Screensaver – Delfyn Software
Solar System 3D Screensaver – Dmitri Bukhman, d/b/a Astro Gemini Software
Fish Aquarium 3D Screensaver – Dmitri Bukhman, d/b/a Astro Gemini Software
3D Matrix Screensaver – Dmitri Bukhman, d/b/a Astro Gemini Software
Dolphin Aqua Life 3D Screensaver – FancyBytes Software
Shark Water World 3D Screensaver – FancyBytes Software
Fantastic Flame Screensaver – Laconic Software
Heart On Fire Screensaver – Laconic Software

Approximately 90% of my money dealing is conducted over the internet. I currently have a checking account with USAA, a savings account with ING Direct and some business accounts with Washington Mutual. Although I’m very anti-social, this isn’t the main reason that I engage in online banking. Basically, it all comes down to the fact that I am a big fan of anything that I can complete while wearing pajamas. I enjoy being able to check my balance, transfer funds, and review my banking documents at any time. Quite often, I can only remember to do all of these things when it’s one o’clock in the morning – so I’d kinda be screwed without some sort of internet banking option. I’ve grown up with computers my whole life, so I’m more comfortable typing and clicking than actually speaking to a bank teller. For those of you who are a little anxious about banking online, I’ll discuss the many benefits and a couple shortcomings related to home banking.

Online Banking

The common bank out there will usually have numerous branches that you can visit in person and might also provide you with the option of tending to your financial matters online. Such financial institutions provide their customers with a win/win situation. Unfortunately, most of these banks are despicable when it comes to caring about their customers.

Other banks primarily operate over the internet, rather than maintaining any physical “brick and mortar” establishments. These are the true “Online Banks” and I consider them to be a shimmer of hope in this dismal land of money grubbing financial institutions. These guys are a little more relaxed than most traditional banks usually.

As mentioned above, Online Banks don’t have to build or maintain local branches. No brick and mortar facilities translates into savings for the Online Bank and it’s customers. They sidestep having to shell out money for branch employees, maintaining ATMs, security escorts for money transfers, and yada yada yada. In return, the customers usually receive a higher interest rate and fewer fees than what they might find at their local banks.

The Cons

Since the banks are online – you won’t be able to stop in for a face-to-face resolution to any problems. You will have phone calls, emails, faxes and snail mail at your disposal but if you enjoy causing a scene and getting into some employee’s face, then this isn’t the type of bank you’ll want.

Deposits can be difficult when you use an online only bank. Since they don’t own any ATMs or branches you’ll usually have to mail in your checks. This might not be a huge problem because you use a direct deposit or you transfer money from another account – but in certain situations this can be a real headache. Some online banks even allow you to deposit money into your account by sending them a scanned image of your check and then voiding it out.

Home Banking Security

A huge concern that is always floating around out there is security. You need to understand that every bank is going to be concerned with security. So whether you’re creating an online account with your long time brick and mortar bank or you’re signing up with a new internet only banking service – they are going to protect your information. All banks use sophisticated levels of encryption to transmit your personal information over the internet. I suggest that you remove any doubts about the bank from you head for now because the biggest risk to your security is probably going to be you.

The main security concern related to online banking is most likely the fact that customers become victims of online scams and fraudulent emails. This is something that your bank cannot protect you from. In fact, these scams are at no fault to your online bank – it would actually be your fault if you ever got duped. As an example, pretend that you are a member of “A1 Bank” and you get an email that looks like it’s from “A1 Bank” claiming that there is a problem with your account or asking for your personal information. If you fall for this trick and reply to the email with your personal information – you can’t blame your online bank. You can always contact “A1 Bank” to verify if they need something from you but make sure that you use the email address, contact form, or phone number from their website – not the ones in the email. Very similar to emails that look like they are from your bank, are websites that look exactly like your bank’s website. If you aren’t paying attention, you might type in your login information and the ‘bad guys’ with use that info to login to the real website. Make sure that you type in the web address for your bank or use a trusted bookmark each time. It’s best not to click on any of the links in emails that you receive, unless you know for sure who sent you the email. You could also have some malicious software on your home computer that compromises your personal information. These types of software steal your information or record your keystrokes and send it home to the ‘bad guy’ who created the software.

If you’re really worried about security, I suggest that you educate yourself on the threats. Some basic tips that I recommend for your security are (a) investing in an internet security suite and (b) using a different password for each online account that you have. If you need help remembering all of your passwords, check out Roboform. It’s also a good idea to protect yourself from identity theft with some sort of insurance policy. I recommend LifeLock but there are other programs around like ID Watchdog – it’s best to shop around.

What I like about Online Banking

The advantages are plentiful – convenience always creeps into my mind first. I do my budgeting and track my balances at random times and my banks are always ready when I am. Online Banks are available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week – unless they are performing some sort of site maintenance which is usually done in the wee hours of the morning. Your account information never closes and with wireless internet available practically everywhere, you will even be able to keep track of your finances while traveling.

You should experience less of a hassle with record keeping and paperwork. With my banks I can manage my checking, savings, auto insurance, life insurance, IRAs, CDs, and so on under one secure roof. I can print documents off whenever I need to or save them electronically and back them up. Most Online Banks also allow you to export your financial information to your favorite applications such as Quicken or what have you.

Every internet bank that I’ve ever looked at will refund your ATM fees each month. Since these guys don’t operate any ATMs of their own, they understand that you’ll get charged an arm and leg when you go to another bank to withdraw some money. At the end of each statement period, most Online Banks will automatically refund your ATM fees back into your account. You won’t have to track anything or even remind the bank to pay you back – it’ll just show up. Keep in mind that they do have dollar limits of how much they’ll pay back each month so make sure you know what that limit is.

Final Ramblings

Don’t be scared of internet banking – embrace this wonderful innovation. If you found my website then I’d say you’re capable enough to operate an online banking account. Once you’ve created your account, schedule a day to sit down and play with all of the cool functions on the website. Remember that if you have any questions you can always call or email the bank and someone will provide you with support.