Twenty years ago, if you wanted to pay a bill or check your bank balance, there was little option but to physically go to your bank. Nowadays, the World Wide Web allows almost anything that would traditionally require a bank visit to be done from anywhere in the world, and at any time of day or night. What's more, increasing numbers of people are cottoning on to the uses of online banking, causing the number of people who use online banking to soar.

A recent study has revealed that more than a third of bank customers use the internet to manage their bank account. The trend towards online banking - started by Nationwide bank - now sees 18 million people using the web to access and manage their accounts online. When Nationwide first launched its online service on May 27th 1997, it had 13,000 registered customers for the service; now the number of registered customers is more than three million. HSBC bank recently reported a 55 percent increase in its online business with HSBC websites handling 1.8 billion visits in 2006.

For many bank customers, it has become increasingly difficult to imagine managing their financial affairs without the use of online facilities. In fact, of those customers who regularly use internet banking, 66 percent said they log on to their bank account at least once per week, with 12 percent saying they exclusively use internet banking to manage all their financial affairs.

Despite the 'faceless' nature of online banking, the range of services available to users rivals those of its high street counterparts. By accessing your , you'll be able to check your current balance and statements. Furthermore, you'll be able to easily set up regular outgoing payments without the need to fill in forms.

If you have more than one account with your bank, you'll be able to easily transfer money between them, as well as transfer money to bank accounts held at other banks through the BACS (Bankers Automated Clearing Services) payment system. You'll also be able to pay bills, including your credit card and utility bills, such as gas, electricity and telephone bills.

Most banks offer facilities which allow you to access your current account online, as well as by phone, and these services are perfect for those with busy lifestyles that may need to access their accounts outside of banking hours.