Some banks still don’t offer online banking but even if yours does, you may not have used it. If you haven’t availed yourself your banks’ online services, take a look at some of the advantages.

You can access account information, see what transactions have cleared your account, pay bills or transfer money 24/7. Online banks never close. Because you access from a computer, you can check your account online from anywhere in the world. And those transactions that you complete over the Internet are effective immediately.

If you have several types of accounts all with the same bank, you can manage them all with one visit to the bank’s online banking site. Transfer money between checking and savings or money market accounts and the balances are instantly adjusted.

Paying bills online may take some getting used to but in the end is worth it. Some banks charge a monthly fee for this service, others provide it free for certain types of accounts. In the long run you will save money by using fewer paper checks, envelopes and stamps. You can also set up checks to issue on specific dates in the future.

If your bank offers online banking, log into the site and familiarize yourself with the services available. Many sites offer a tutorial. Remember to figure into the balance any financial transactions such debit card purchases that may not go through until the merchant posts them. Keeping an eye on your money can be easier when you look at it through a computer screen.