Hints and Tips
Page 14
Banking
In the last few years, doing your banking has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when we all had no choice but to fill in forms and queue at the bank on Friday to get money for the weekend.
The introduction of ATMs and banking by telephone and internet has made managing your money much more accessible and convenient because there's much less writing and form-filling involved than there used to be. Here are a few hints to help you with whichever banking method you prefer:
Cheques/banking at the branch: Cheque guides - a cardboard template that fits over a blank cheque and helps you fill in each part of the cheque neatly - are available from Equipment Services. Also, you might want to consider setting up automatic payments with your bank to reduce the number of cheques you have to write.
ATMs: Most ATMs now have braille on the keys so you can find your way around the machine. The BNZ has installed 80 audio-capable ATMs, but the software enabling the audio programme is yet to be fitted. We will let you know when they are fully operational.
Internet banking: If you have internet access, banking online lets you take care of all your everyday banking without having to visit a branch. Members of the Accessible Technology Interest Group (ATIG) use Westpac, ANZ, National Bank and ASB accessible online banking services. Some members find online banking easier for checking accounts and setting up payments, and use telephone banking for transactions. Others recommend taking the time to work through your bank's site to make the most of the AT equipment you are using.
Telephone banking: Like internet banking, telephone banking lets customers do their own banking from home, or from a mobile telephone, when it suits them and without having to fill in deposit and withdrawal slips at the branch. Its main advantage is that you can listen to your information, compared with trying to read an ATM receipt or a bank statement.
Each of these banking methods has its advantages and disadvantages, but if you have a variety of them available to you, then you can use the best one for whichever situation you have. If you would like to set up new banking methods for yourself, contact your local bank and ask them how they can help you.
Write your own tips (up to 50 words only please) and email or post them to the Comms/PR Department: Private Bag 99941 Newmarket, Auckland or email: comms