The old can be sold on internet banking
Older consumers, although still the least likely age group to use the internet as their main method of banking, can be persuaded by the convenience of the web to use bank sites as a secondary means of controlling their finances, according to HSBC.A survey by Apacs last month revealed that over 18 million people in the UK utilise online banking services, yet people aged 65 and above were more likely to use telephone banking than the internet - the only age group to prefer this method.Elderly consumers are more wary of security issues surrounding online banking than younger bank customers and may require more support, an HBSC spokesperson said, but they like the convenience and probably use the services more carefully than younger users. Nick Staib, e-marketing manager at HSBC, said: "Evidence shows elderly people are primarily drawn to the internet so that they can contact their family, typically via email. As they become more familiar with using a PC they cannot help but notice the convenience of internet banking, although many will remain wary and unlikely to be early adopters of innovations. "Undoubtedly many still prefer dealing with a person at their branch, but equally many will opt to use the internet as a secondary channel and will appreciate checking balances, making payments and transferring money from safety of their own home. It is important that our older customers use us the way they most feel comfortable." Mr Staib concluded: "Initially elderly customers may need more support and phoned based service than youngsters, but there is nothing about internet banking that would be 'too difficult' for any one age group - we take every effort to make personal internet banking both intuitive and safe to use. We also find older customers more inclined to read important information and follow best practice."
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