วันศุกร์ที่ 7 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2551

Are You Looking for an Online Banking Services Without Fees Attached? Try ING Direct

Are You Looking for an Online Banking Services Without Fees Attached? Try ING Direct

ING Direct is an online banking web site that is very convenient for people. Since it is not the kind of bank with branches, but rather an online bank, ING Direct offers services without fees attached.

One kind of service that ING Direct provides is savings accounts. Savings accounts on ING Direct typically have higher interest rates than other banks, simply because they don't have the overhead fees of banks with local branches. There are no fees, no minimum deposits, no withdrawal charges, and you can have multiple accounts with different names for saving for different purposes. ING Direct savings accounts are linked to a checking account at your local bank for the purposes of making transfers back and forth. They do not use snail mail.

ING Direct does not offer checking accounts. They do, however, offer mortgages, home equity loans, mutual funds and also CDs of varying lengths. There are very low closing costs and no application fees for mortgages. Home equity loans have a large amount you can borrow, at a low rate, and have no application fees, no annual fees and no prepayment penalties. You can purchase a certificate of deposit (CD) from ING Direct for as short as a 6-month period and get a very good interest percentage on your money. CDs also have no minimums, so anyone can afford them. If you can keep money in for as short as 6 months, ING Direct offers one of the best interest rates around.

ING Direct allows you to schedule direct-deposit transfers to your savings accounts which will automatically be taken from your checking account. It is very easy to use, and easy for anyone to find a way to save money at a decent interest rate.

There are even rewards for referring friends to ING Direct. If you refer a friend and they sign up for a new account, ING will deposit $25 into your account. It's a good way to make extra money, and a legitimate way to save money.

ING Direct is FDIC insured, and has strong security measures in place to keep your information private and confidential. The web address is www.ingdirect.com .

By Expert Author: Muna wa Wanjiru
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Beware of 'Bait and Switch'

Beware of 'Bait and Switch'

Be cautious with GFE's (Good Faith Estimates) handed out by banks, loan officers, and other lenders. Some are written in "less than" Good Faith.

Borrowing money to buy a home or refinancing a home involves fees. There is a surprising difference in fees between various lenders. To quickly try to win your business, some lenders will present you attractive GFE's, with very low fees. But weeks later, when you're approaching closing time, they pull the "bait and switch," sneaking in hidden fees and extras. By then of course, you've invested lots of time and energy into the process.

Based on two drastically different experiences I've been through in the past 4 years, I've learned there are at least a few ways to increase your chances of finding a reputable lender from the get-go.

Three years ago when I sought a home loan, I went to the internet and typed in "compare lenders" into Google. Among the results, I clicked a large, well-known lender we've all seen on TV, which took me to a page where I entered my loan requirements, etc. Within an hour, I was besieged with phone calls and emails, and I went with a lender who emailed me a very attractive-looking (low) GFE. Long-story-short, it kept coming back to me with more and more lines and fees on it. A month later (close to closing time) my original GFE was inflated with 70% more "fees." It was a nightmare.

Six months ago, however, when I refinanced my home, I tightened down my search criteria, entering "compare lenders, IDAHO," which brought me to a similar form as before (at compareidaholenders.com), but the lenders presented were all local. I ended up meeting face to face with one who lived in my town, whose GFE appeared complete, but reasonable. She even told me the GFE is an estimate and it may change, but only slightly. About three weeks later I closed on the refinance, and the GFE was $12 off -- in my favor!

So, lessoned learned:

1. Get at least 3 GFE's, from various lenders.
2. Remember what dad always said: "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is."
3. Go local.

By Expert Author: Michael Little
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Banking: The Power-House Of Economy

Banking: The Power-House Of Economy

With the change in the Indian economy from a manufacturing one, which never really started off, to the service sector, banking as an institution is undergoing a sea change. A larger and larger part of the consumers is increasing on its demand for financial and economic products.

Periodic customization of services and financial products is fast turning in to a norm than a mere hypothesis of financial economy. The Retail banking sector in India is expected to rise at a rate of 30 percent. The major players in the banking industry are concentrating more and more on the Retail in banking.

Most of the banks are accepting the potential of this segment of banking. Further, the banking industry as a whole is witnessing structural upheavals in the regulatory frameworks, securitisation and other aspects of the trade. In fact, more and more stringent NPA norms are expected to be in place by 2004 in order to enable the banking entities successfully adapt to the changing dynamics of modern banking; because the faster one takes on the latest developments, the better he is expected to get the advantages in the present and future.

The Indian banking players are a bit bullish on the Retail front and this thing is not completely unfounded. There are two major reasons behind all this. First, it is now almost undeniable that the attitude of the Indian consumer is changing a lot. It is reflected in a positive deviation in the urban household earnings. The direct consequence of such a change are the consumption patterns, which in turn affects the banking habits of the people. The banking psyche of the Indians is expected be tilted towards the Retail products.

Yet at the same time, India compares very poorly with other global economies which are now going speedily ahead in terms of the spending patterns and trends with the opening up of the world economy under globalisation. For example, while the sum total of all the outstanding Retail loans in Taiwan is around 41 percent of GDP, the same thing in India is hopelessly less than 5 percent.

The comparison with the Western economies is even more staggering and disappointing. Another type of comparison which is quite natural when comparing the global Retail sectors is the use of credit cards across various economies. In this matter also, the potential which still lies to be tapped is proved by the fact that of the total consumer expenditure in the country in 2001, not even 1% was through plastic transactions. While in the US the figure stands at a very promising18 percent mark.

By Expert Author: Addi Vardhaman
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Banking: The Cradle Of Capitalism

Banking: The Cradle Of Capitalism

Indian banking system stands on a very sound footing, tracing its roots to the last decades of the 19th century during the British period.

In India the commercial banking includes the scheduled commercial banks and the unscheduled banks. As per the conditions of Banking Regulation Act of India, the banking is “accepting, for the purpose of lending or investment of deposits of money from the public, repayable on demand or otherwise and withdrawable by cheques, draft, order or otherwise."

Moving on the path of modernity, the Indian banking system has now computerised its operations to meet the ever burgeoning requirements of the masses. In fact it was during the mid-eighties that 'software packages' for banking related applications were started. These steps were taken on the recommendations of a committee formed by the RBI to study the future of Indian banking industry.

The Indian banking sector got a push to move ahead on the path of technology-enabled services by the entry of private and foreign banks in the market. So most of the banks are now using the latest technology in order to stay afloat in the market. Outsourcing of IT services has enabled the banks to avail the status of 'Facilities Management'. Many banking institutions are now taking the help of Business Process Management in order to gain their profits on the front of investment. Services like Customer Relationship Management are being proactively used to increase the quotient of employee productivity.

In India, in addition to their conventional work areas, the banks are allowed to engage in certain ancillary activities. The banks' relationship with the masses is mainly regarding receiving deposits and lending funds. Transfer of money in the domestic and foreign domains is the new area of growth. In the banking spheres it is called 'remittance business'. In fact the foreign exchange business is a part and parcel of this remittance system.

Negotiable Instruments act 1881 is the law which governs the banking process in India. Deriving from the contents of this act, the banking activities may be summarised as:

1. Receiving deposit from the common public

2. Lending out funds to the public

3. Transferring funds from place to place in the form of remittances

4. Perform the tasks of trustees and intermediaries

5. Safe-keepers of valuables

6. Collection activities

7. Helpers in the government business

By Expert Author: Addi Vardhaman
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

It Is All About The Savings Bank Accounts

It Is All About The Savings Bank Accounts

The saving bank account is opened by an individual and is maintained by the credit unions, banks, as well as other financial institutions. The saving accounts reimburse interests on the money which is deposited into the account by its holder. The investment is held into the savings accounts and cannot be spent openly.

The savings bank accounts mainly focus at permitting the account holders set aside one portion of liquid assets like a fraction of the savings method. The savings accounts, which offer better rate of interests to the account owners are preferred, as they allow the savings to accumulate faster. Thus, people should compare the rate of interests that are offered by assorted financial institutions, banks and so on in order to find appropriate savings accounts providing best interest rates.

The exclusive objective of establishing savings accounts is to put aside one portion of income which will be proven quite useful at the time of emergencies. Thriving savings accounts reflects positively on the credit score of account holders since it establishes their advanced money management expertise to the lenders.

There are many types of plans in saving accounts out of which one can choose the best one as per his or her basic convenience and requirements.

* The Offshore Savings Accounts: Such type of saving account is available for people who are staying as well as working abroad. In India, such loans are also knowns as the NRI Saving Bank Accounts. These accounts facilitate the account holders in protecting their hard-earned assets and wealth in both private and commercial manner.

* The Health Savings Accounts: This type of savings accounts is designed in order to help the individuals to make savings for upcoming expenses related to medical expenses without acquiring any taxes and surcharges. In such accounts, the money can only be accessed for medical causes. The health savings account also works as a retirement plan where you earn a good amount of interest over the period of time which can be utilised during the medical requirements.

* The Standard Savings Accounts: This kind of savings account facilitates the holders to have access to his or her money as many time as he or she wants to utilise them. As with this type of account one gets little amount of interest, it is a good start for those who are searching for the perfect savings accounts for them.

Nonetheless, there are few factors that are necessary to consider while choosing an appropriate savings account.

By Expert Author: Addi Vardhaman
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

On The Way Of Playing On The Same Level

On The Way Of Playing On The Same Level

For years, cooperative banks have been the poor cousins of Indian mainstream banking. But now, with RBI making access to third-party ATMs free to customers of cooperative banks as well, the playing field may have been a bit more leveled the ground.

Recently, RBI issued a circular extending to cooperative banks, the same free access to ATM directive that it issued to commercial banks earlier . Now, customers of Indian cooperative banks, too, can access their bank statement free of charge from third-party banks from April 1, 2008. A year later, they will be able to withdraw cash from ATMs across the country without incurring any transaction cost.

Large cooperative banks such as Saraswat Cooperative Bank and Cosmos Cooperative Bank are already members of shared payment network BANCs, which provides their customers access to thousands of ATMs across India. Osmos Cooperative feels that the directive of the apex bank will remove inhibitions among customers from using third-party ATMs. “It has been a one-way street so far, as customers of other banks have also been using our ATMs,” says Cosmos Cooperative chairman ML Abhyankar.

A large number of cooperative banks that are a part of the National Financial Switch — promoted by an RBI arm. However, the country’s largest bank SBI had refrained from sharing its ATMs with cooperative Banks and NBFC customers on the grounds that it has made large capital investments and now needed to recover these investments by charging appropriately for use of ATMs. RBI’s move might now force SBI to join the fray.

In just over a year from 2008 , bank customers can freely use their ATM cards to withdraw cash from any ATM installed by various commercial banks across the country. For now, they can access any of the 32,000-odd ATMs of various banks free of transaction charge for balance enquiry and transaction. Also with immediate effect, the central bank of Indian banking system has barred banks from charging any fees for customers using their own banks' ATMs and cut charges on withdrawal from third-party ATMs to Rs 20 per transaction.

With RBI issuing a diktat that the cost of using third-party ATMs can't be passed on to consumers, commercial banks will now have to work out some kind of a transfer-pricing structure to defray the costs of those banks that have made huge capital expenditure. ATM service providers say that banks will have to work out the cost of each ATM transaction and net out the charges they have to pay each other based on their mutual network usage.

By Expert Author: Addi Vardhaman
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

The 10 Movers and Shakers in Turkey's Banking Sector

The 10 Movers and Shakers in Turkey's Banking Sector

In Turkey there are many sectors active and dynamic and the banking sector is one of them. The dynamism of the banking sector is a result of the lifting of certain restrictions that regulate it in the 1980s, as well as the liberalization of interest and foreign exchange and the entry of more foreign banks into the foray.

Around 80% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is contributed by the banking sector.

There are 51 banks in Turkey, both private and state, which are the ten biggest players in the country’s banking industry? In no particular order, they are:

Akbank TAS

One of the most profitable banks of Turkey is Akbank TAS. Founded in 1948 and based in Istanbul, Akbank posted revenues of YTL2.525 million in 2007. Alone, it has 658 branches in Turkey which are managed by 13 regional directorates. The bank has a presence in Germany, in Malta and in the Netherlands. It works in close partnership with Citigroup.

Denizbank AS

In the past, Denizbank AS was once a state-owned bank that was established to support Turkey’s maritime industries. In 1997 Zorlu Holdings has acquired Denizbank and under the umbrella of Zorlu Holdings, it became one of the largest banks in Turkey, with 244 local branches and an international presence. Dexia bought Denizbank from Zorlu Holdings in 2006, and it has a total asset of USD18.647 billion as of 2007.

Finansbank AS

A bank that is mostly owned by the Finansbank is one of the banks in Turkey that has the biggest network of branches locally and internationally. Finansbank has approximately 400 branches in Turkey and in many countries it has offices such as Ireland, Switzerland, Belgium, Romania, Bahrain, Russia, the Netherlands, Germany and France. Outside of Turkey, Finansbank is known as the Credit Europe Bank.

Oyak Bank

Oyak Bank started out as the Turkish branch of the First National Bank of Boston in 1984. Shareholders has changed variously in the time, it eventually became the Oyak Bank sometime in 1994. Later Oyak Bank later merged with Sumerbank, and in 2007 ING Group bought Oyakbank. Oyakbank is another one of the big banks in Turkey and owns assets up to USD2.2 billion and has branches all over the world in addition to the 300 local branches in Turkey.

Sekerbank TAS

Sekerbank was founded for a different service: being a cooperative bank for sugar beet growers in Turkey before becoming a fully commercialized bank. In the sugar industry Sekerbank is still active and has expanded its interests to tourism, trade and mining. The 500 branches of the bank extend all over Turkey and the bank has a representative office in Germany.

Turkiye Cumhuriyeti Ziraat Bankasi

Ziraat Bankasi literally means Agriculture Bank in Turkish. Ziraat Bankasi is one of the oldest banks in Turkey established in the territory that is now the country of Serbia when it was still part of the Ottoman Empire in 1863 and it is a state-owned bank that was established to protect the interest of farmers against usurers who charge high interest for loans.

Turkiye Finans Katilim Bankasi AS

In 2005 Anadolu Finans Kurumu AS of the Boydak Group and the Family Finans Kurumu AS of the Ulker Group has merged and Turkiye Finans is the result of this merger. Both the Boydak Group and the Ulker Group are leading industrial companies in Turkey.

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi

One of the largest privately owned banks in Turkey is Turkiye Garanti Bankasi, or simply Garanti Bank. In 2006, Its assets amount to around USD36 billion. Garanti Bankasi specializes in foreign trade and financing, and has a network of 428 domestic branches as well as offices in Luxembourg, Geneva, Malta, Northern Cyprus, Dusseldorf, London and Moscow. Dogus Group owns Garanti Bankasi with General electric.

Turkish Bank

The Turkish Bank is one of oldest bank in Turkey. It began as a “savings box” in Nicosia, Cyprus at the turn of the 1900s before it became a full-fledged savings bank. In 1982, it first entered the banking sector of Turkey and soon became one of the most respected banks in Turkey.

Yapi Kredi Bankasi

The Yapi Kredi Bankasi is the one of the oldest private banks in Turkey. Before its merger with Kocbank AS in 2006, it was known as Yapi ve Kredi Bankasi AS and it was instrumental in the economic turnaround of Turkey in the early 2000s. In 2007, The Banker recognized the institution as the best bank in Turkey.

By Expert Author: Cane Williams
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Its Easy to Transfer Funds with Internet Banking

Its Easy to Transfer Funds with Internet Banking

Internet banking offers consumers the ability to transfer funds between their accounts. This is an important service as the world becomes a busier place. There are many places people want to transfer money and many reasons to do so.

People often want to transfer money from one account to another. For instance, they may want to transfer funds from their traditional account to their internet banking account. This could be a means of getting money into the account they normally use to pay bills.

Another use of internet banking to transfer funds is to move money from checking accounts to savings accounts. Money can be transferred from investment accounts as well. Any accounts you have can be accessed through internet banking to do this.

They also may want to transfer money from an account in one location to an account in another. This would be useful for someone who lives a bicoastal existence for example. When they are spending part of the year on the East Coast, they can have their money in an East Coast bank. Then, they put it in the West Coast bank while they live there.

This can be done through internet banking by using a traditional bank with internet banking capabilities. You can send the money to your other account almost instantly by using your keyboard and mouse. In fact, if you do it often and have it set up, you might only need your mouse once you get logged on.

Another reason to use internet banking accounts to transfer funds is to send money to someone else's account. This could be done to help someone in your family. For instance, you might get a call from your daughter, a young adult. She may need money to cover an emergency car repair so that she can get to work. With internet banking funds transfer, you can have the money in her account in no time.

Some people contract jobs from out-of-country workers. These people need some way to send payment to their workers. Internet banking funds transfers allow them to put the workers' paychecks into their accounts without hassle.

Overseas products are often imported by businesses or even, on a smaller scale, by individuals. Internet banking provides a means to carry out these purchases by means of funds transfers.

To transfer money to another of your accounts, you can log onto your internet banking website. There should be a tab for "funds transfer." Click on this and you will be given options. Usually, you will set up the different financial establishments where you have accounts. Then they will be ready if and when you want to transfer funds.

When you want to send money to another person's account, there is usually a different procedure to do this. You may have a different tab to select, such as "pay person." This will help you set up the funds transfer to another person's account through internet banking. In either case, you can set it up for one time only, or for recurring transfers. This is handy if you have an elderly relative on a fixed income that always needs help.

Using internet banking to accomplish funds transfers is an effective way to approach many problems. If you are ever wondering how to get money from one place to another, log on to your internet banking site and check out funds transfer details.

By Expert Author: Terry Detty
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

5 Tips To Make Your Online Banking Transaction Safe

5 Tips To Make Your Online Banking Transaction Safe

Banking is more sensitive business than the other. The online banking makes it more sensitive because all the information and financial transactions take place online.

Despite of SSL security and other security measures there are many frauds reported due to fault at the customer end by disclosing the personal details via e-mail or on the website so security of database or personal and banking details are most important. If you have opened an online account than you must have to see the bank website thoroughly because there will be a chances to have similar types of website. Please make sure that the website get secured with SSL security certification symbol.

There are some points for the customer to perform the safer transaction in online banking.

1. Once you open an online banking account either personal or current business account than you must get the details by mail like your account number, customer identification number, online access username and password as well as ATM card PIN number etc. You can get all the details in sealed enveloped by post so you must keep all the details in the safer place. Please do not disclosed to anybody

2. Online banking business is based on SSL security and Java Script. All transaction you made or all information you feed online will convert into an encryption so there are nil chances to get an access on the customer information.

3. Another most important consideration is do not disclose a your login details and password. It is most important to change your password every time. Please also make sure that un-tick login details and password remember request from the computer. If you are not able to perform such task on other PC than there may be a chances for someone to access your account.

4. You must have to monitor your online banking account carefully. If you find any unknown transaction to other account than you can immediately call to the customer care department for further scrutiny.

5. It is most important for you to put the login details at a safer place.
The online banking is safe till you cant disclosed or make sure to share your personal details to other or through e-mail or online. Once customer get smarter to manage online account, it makes all online banking transaction safer.

By Expert Author: Gary Zivkovich
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Advantages Of Banking

Advantages Of Banking

Bank is a financial institution whose primary activity is to act as a payment agents for customers, and to borrow, lend, and, in all modern banking systems, create money. The banking industry is a highly regulated industry with detailed and focused regulators.

Banks safeguards the money and valuables of the people. They also provide loans, credit and payment services like checking accounts, paying cheques drawn by customers on the bank, and collecting cheques deposited to customer’s current account. Banks also enable payments method like telegraphic transfer and ATM.

Banks provide a valuable service above and beyond just our basic banking accounts, and our economy would not be able to function correctly without them. Banks charge some nominal fee with the every service they provided to their customers. Banks are widely available at each and every place, and they are the first option that comes to mind when dealing with finances. But due to extensive use of internet the scenario is getting changed.

Now a day’s online banking is getting very popular. Online banking makes things extremely convenient for people and saves their precious time. It allows you to quickly manage your bank account and see where your balance is. Reputed banks have introduced their sites which are strictly devoted to explaining the measures they employ to protect you and your bank account from internet hackers.

A large number of national and statewide banks are offering online banking services to their customers. One can now enjoy the benefit of paying the bill online. Most banks offer online banking free of charge.

By Expert Author: William Black
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 9 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Offshore Banking: New Strategies for a New Century

Offshore Banking:
New Strategies for a New Century


The primary objective of any type of offshore banking strategy is to provide the investor with asset protection and financial privacy. Over the years, offshore banking has had many names and has been referred to as an "underground economy" privy only to unsavory types seeking to exploit loop holes in worldwide banking systems. In reality, offshore investing is your first step to securing your financial well being. No longer reserved for the super rich, you can establish overseas accounts with as little as $1000 dollars U.S.

With this availability of offshore banking to almost anyone, there are as many reasons one would participate in this type of asset allocation. One of the major opportunities that have presented itself in the early part of the century is foreign real estate ownership as an offshore banking strategy. With the flow of cheap dollars and an overheated real estate market in the United States, many have sought the relatively easy on the pocket prices and stable political climates of countries such as Spain, Poland, and Hungary.

Another offshore banking strategy that has always been popular is tax minimization. Can you think of anyone who thinks they pay too little taxes? As one might imagine, this is the primary reason investors seek offshore opportunities but come to find some real value in looking abroad.

While offshore banking still remains a confusing term for many as it is usually associated with rich people hiding their money in foreign countries, offshore banking is legal and is perhaps the most effective way to protect one's assets.

Offshore banking is an increasingly attractive alternative to the sometimes heavily regulated financial markets of one's home country and has become reality for many ordinary people. Due to its growing popularity, offshore banking is one of the most rapidly growing industries and can be obtained in the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia-Pacific Region and Europe.

Global Access - Offshore banking is structured to provide global access and transference of funds to any location you choose but take some time a do your due diligence as the wrong decision can be costly. You can learn more about offshore accounts by visiting offshorebankingreview.com, and request a copy of the 10 things you should know before you open an offshore account.

About the Author/Author Bio
Mr. Bahr is the publisher of http://www.offshorebankingreview.com and writes regularly for financial outlets worldwide.
By Expert Author: Robert Barr
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

8 Personal Banking Don'ts

8 Personal Banking Don'ts

Presumably the object of having a bank account is to save you money, or at least to help you more easily and properly manage it. But there are also several ways in which your use (or misuse, as the case may be) of your personal banking account could lose you money. Below you'll find out how to avoid the eight most common blunders when it comes to personal banking.

1. DON'T pay more than you have to: If you're like most people, you haven't really made the effort to comparison shop for the best personal banking terms you can find. Most bank accounts have some sort of fees or another associated with certain aspects of utilizing and/or maintaining your account, from annual fees to check-writing fees to fees for falling below a minimum balance to so-called "overdraft protection fees" to counter fees (to name just a few). These fees can slowly eat away at your savings. Banks change their policies all the time, so it's never a waste of time to look around and make sure that you really are getting the best deal for your money.

2. DON'T ignore your bank statements: When your bank statement arrives in the mail, do you simply toss it without even reading it? Many people do. But bank statements often contain errors, and the only way you'll know when one occurs is if you read through each statement carefully and compare it against what you know to be true (hopefully by way of a regularly balanced checkbook). Without reviewing your statements, you could wind up stuck with a fee for a payment you didn't make. You could find that someone has copied your ATM/debit card and made purchases against your account. The only way to catch this is to take it upon yourself to read your statements and check them for accuracy.

3. DON'T be careless with ATMs: Be conscious of other people around you when using an ATM. Do not write your PIN number anywhere near your ATM card and be sure to shield it as you type it in. If you make a mistake writing out a slip, don't just throw it away or leave it lying there - pocket it and dispose of it properly later. If you request a receipt make sure you take it. And many machines automatically spit out a receipt after a transaction is completed whether you request it or not. Be alert to this happening and make sure to grab that receipt before you walk away.

4. DON'T leave paper lying around: After you're finished reviewing your bank statements, don't just carelessly leave them lying out where anyone can see - or steal - them. Even simply throwing your statements away can lead to identity theft. Digging through trash is one of the primary ways identity thieves get the goods on their victims. Don't make yourself an open target. Lock away any bank statements or other related documents that you wish to hold on to. Invest in an expensive shredder - the confetti type are best - for the ones you don't. And then remember to use your locked file cabinet and shredder diligently whenever you are through with your bank statements. It's for your
protection.

5. DON'T bank online in a public place: Forget about people looking over your shoulder for a moment. An even bigger threat in banking online at a library or a cyber-caf?? or other WIFI hotspot is another computer user on the same internet connection being able to snoop on what you're doing. Wireless networks are not totally secure. People can use that opportunity to capture your personal information and sabotage whatever transaction you're making. No online banking emergency is so urgent that you need to make yourself that vulnerable.

6. DON'T be a loyalist: In other words, don't become so enamored with your bank, or so lazily accustomed to it, that you continue to bank there without consciousness of how comparatively good or bad a deal you are getting. If you've consistently borrowed money from the same bank, maybe it's time to start exploring your other options. Even if you shopped around long and hard to find this bank, time passes, deals change. It's worth reevaluating every now and again your decision on where to bank. And it's particularly easy to do this type of research online.

7. DON'T be a stranger: Establish a relationship with your bank and the people who work there. The best way to get the best possible deals from a bank is to let them get to know you. Set up a meeting with the manager of your local branch, just to introduce yourself and key them in to your financial goals. You may never actually need their assistance beyond the norm, but if you do - if a problem arises, an error or a financial emergency - you'll benefit greatly from having already established a rapport with the folks whom you're asking for help.

8. DON'T be afraid to ask: Banks are in the business of keeping their clients. This sometimes means they will go above and beyond their normal service offerings to keep your business. Whether you are looking for a more favorable rate on one of your accounts, free financial software, or even a toaster, don't be afraid to ask about specials. In the process don't forget to remind them how loyal a customer you have been. You'd be surprised how many promotion items that are available to you, but are not given to you. It's just taking up space in your bank's storage room.

In summary, taking care with your banking habits, being protective of your banking information, and remaining aware of how the deal you're getting compares with other deals available to you will help prevent you from making many of the most common and detrimental mistakes in personal banking.

About the Author/Author Bio
Kenneth C. Kelly is the President of Strativia, a financial management software development and services company specializing in applications for personal and business use. Strativia is the developer of Budget Forecaster, a sophisticated home budget and personal finance management software package.
Website: www.strativia.com , Contact: info@strativia.com
By Expert Author: Kenneth Kelly
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

US Bank Account as a Non-Resident - A Must to Make money Online?

US Bank Account as a Non-Resident
- A Must to Make money Online?


We all have Bank accounts in our respective home countries or residences. No problem with that - it is easy to get. We need this to run our lives, do our day to day activities off-line and so on. It is no big deal or a problem. So it is until I got online to make money two years ago.

When you get online and try to make money, then you realize that the rule of the game will change for you. Suddenly you will realize that you need a US Bank account with a Bank over there in the US. Why? Because 80%-90% of the Internet businesses is controlled by people in US / Canada. That is the way it is for now and in the foreseeable future. And I doubt if the equation is ever going to change at all.

When you want to make money online, in most cases the buyer will be a US native who is either using PayPal or a Credit card to pay for things online. You have got to hook up with PayPal by opening an account with them to receive your payments from other PayPal users. But PayPal only allows people from about 50 countries of the world to use her services. In other words, you can not open an account with them if you are not from these 48-50 countries. Then you realize you are stuck.

What is the alternative if this is your situation? Get a Merchant account or a third party payment processor to take credit and debit cards payments for you. From our earlier equation, 80%-90% of the time, the guys will be in the US. When it is time for the card company to transfer your money to you less their charges, you are going to receive a check which might take 2-4 weeks to get to you, depending on your location. You get the check, assuming you are lucky it did not get lost in transit, and deposit the same with your Bank in your home country. Your bank sends the check for collection in US - another 2-4 weeks. In US, your funds get cleared in 2-3 business days. Then you get your credit. Now your Bank will charge you about $25 - $45 for the check: remember they have to pay DHL / Fedex to transport your check along with other documents, plus they are in business. Get it?

Now for all they care, your check may be for an amount of between $100 to $200, especially if you are just starting out. If you get 10 - 20 checks in a year (yes you can be getting many checks from various affiliate programs) you might find yourself paying $250 - $900 for the year.

Now compare yourself with someone with a US Bank account. He gets paid by what they call ACH (Automated Clearing House) system. This is just an electronic fund transfer system initiated by individual account owners in US to pay others within a network of some banks in US / Canada. This takes just 2-3 days and bang, your money is in your US bank account. It is mostly free to go. In some case you pay a token. I pay $3 to receive ACH into my US Bank account. I live in Africa and I have access to my funds by use of the Card issued to me by the US bank. I can withdraw money daily at the ATM in my country, no problem! My problem is to make the money go into my US bank account:-

Also I can use my Card to buy things online, a privildge not enjoyed by many especially in the developing and under-developed countries.

Now you can see that it is a must for you to have a US bank account if you want to make and retain money from the Internet. But getting one is one of your greatest nightmare as a non-resident.

A non-resident refers to the non-US citizens, having no residential base in the country. It is generally put in to the use by the country's banking sector.

The banking laws as it concerns a non-resident is very strict. It is almost imposible if you do not know how to go about it. The things is complex and complicated and most Banks will just avoid doing this for non-residents. For them it is a mine field which only a few have mastered. I spent 4 years researching this after I found myself in the above situation earlier mentioned. In my case I even had money trapped with PayPal, after opening my account in PayPal with a US mailing address (perfectly legal).

I found a way to do it and this is now documented in a Special Report. If you need a US Bank account - I think you should get one and start making money online. This is an amazingly lucrative thing to do if mastered rightly. I have opened my US Bank account and I now sell through PayPal, having satisfied all their requirements. You can now get a US Bank account as a non-resident. Details at: http://www.ewealthsuccess.com/us-bank.html

You need not to incorporate a US Company before you can get a US Bank account. That is an expensive approach. Follow the above link to get what you need.

I feel you have now realized the importance of a US account as a non-resident. So go ahead and get your own US Bank account now. Do not wait until tomorrow as the laws are constantly changing. What is possible today may not be possible tomorrow. ACT fast. Good Luck.

About the Author/Author Bio
Godspower Daniel is an Internet wealth Consultant / Writer. He has written a Special Report on How to get a US Bank Account as a Non-Resident. Get it at: http://www.ewealthsuccess.com/us-bank.html
By Expert Author: Godspower Daniel
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

US Bank Account as a Non-Resident - A Must to Make money Online?

US Bank Account as a Non-Resident - A Must to Make money Online?

We all have Bank accounts in our respective home countries or residences. No problem with that - it is easy to get. We need this to run our lives, do our day to day activities off-line and so on. It is no big deal or a problem. So it is until I got online to make money two years ago.

When you get online and try to make money, then you realize that the rule of the game will change for you. Suddenly you will realize that you need a US Bank account with a Bank over there in the US. Why? Because 80%-90% of the Internet businesses is controlled by people in US / Canada. That is the way it is for now and in the foreseeable future. And I doubt if the equation is ever going to change at all.

When you want to make money online, in most cases the buyer will be a US native who is either using PayPal or a Credit card to pay for things online. You have got to hook up with PayPal by opening an account with them to receive your payments from other PayPal users. But PayPal only allows people from about 50 countries of the world to use her services. In other words, you can not open an account with them if you are not from these 48-50 countries. Then you realize you are stuck.

What is the alternative if this is your situation? Get a Merchant account or a third party payment processor to take credit and debit cards payments for you. From our earlier equation, 80%-90% of the time, the guys will be in the US. When it is time for the card company to transfer your money to you less their charges, you are going to receive a check which might take 2-4 weeks to get to you, depending on your location. You get the check, assuming you are lucky it did not get lost in transit, and deposit the same with your Bank in your home country. Your bank sends the check for collection in US - another 2-4 weeks. In US, your funds get cleared in 2-3 business days. Then you get your credit. Now your Bank will charge you about $25 - $45 for the check: remember they have to pay DHL / Fedex to transport your check along with other documents, plus they are in business. Get it?

Now for all they care, your check may be for an amount of between $100 to $200, especially if you are just starting out. If you get 10 - 20 checks in a year (yes you can be getting many checks from various affiliate programs) you might find yourself paying $250 - $900 for the year.

Now compare yourself with someone with a US Bank account. He gets paid by what they call ACH (Automated Clearing House) system. This is just an electronic fund transfer system initiated by individual account owners in US to pay others within a network of some banks in US / Canada. This takes just 2-3 days and bang, your money is in your US bank account. It is mostly free to go. In some case you pay a token. I pay $3 to receive ACH into my US Bank account. I live in Africa and I have access to my funds by use of the Card issued to me by the US bank. I can withdraw money daily at the ATM in my country, no problem! My problem is to make the money go into my US bank account:-

Also I can use my Card to buy things online, a privildge not enjoyed by many especially in the developing and under-developed countries.

Now you can see that it is a must for you to have a US bank account if you want to make and retain money from the Internet. But getting one is one of your greatest nightmare as a non-resident.

A non-resident refers to the non-US citizens, having no residential base in the country. It is generally put in to the use by the country's banking sector.

The banking laws as it concerns a non-resident is very strict. It is almost imposible if you do not know how to go about it. The things is complex and complicated and most Banks will just avoid doing this for non-residents. For them it is a mine field which only a few have mastered. I spent 4 years researching this after I found myself in the above situation earlier mentioned. In my case I even had money trapped with PayPal, after opening my account in PayPal with a US mailing address (perfectly legal).

I found a way to do it and this is now documented in a Special Report. If you need a US Bank account - I think you should get one and start making money online. This is an amazingly lucrative thing to do if mastered rightly. I have opened my US Bank account and I now sell through PayPal, having satisfied all their requirements. You can now get a US Bank account as a non-resident. Details at: http://www.ewealthsuccess.com/us-bank.html

You need not to incorporate a US Company before you can get a US Bank account. That is an expensive approach. Follow the above link to get what you need.

I feel you have now realized the importance of a US account as a non-resident. So go ahead and get your own US Bank account now. Do not wait until tomorrow as the laws are constantly changing. What is possible today may not be possible tomorrow. ACT fast. Good Luck.

About the Author/Author Bio
Godspower Daniel is an Internet wealth Consultant / Writer. He has written a Special Report on How to get a US Bank Account as a Non-Resident. Get it at: http://www.ewealthsuccess.com/us-bank.html
By Expert Author: Godspower Daniel
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

US Bank Accounts For Non-Residents: A Buyers Guide

US Bank Accounts For Non-Residents: A Buyers Guide

After spending much of June researching how to open a US bank account from outside of America I have created a guide of what you should look for to avoid frustrations, wasted time and to avoid putting your money at unnecessary risk.

If you see companies selling "US Bank Account Kits" online then realize that they are charging you money just to tell you of a bank account that accepts applicants. Their kits usually provides you with application forms and perhaps a quick guide as to what you should write in the application. There is nothing wrong with paying money as a kind of "finders fee" but understand that you will be able to get those application forms for free from the bank. I've provided a list of banks that do accept international applicants below and if you feel the need then you are welcome to contact them yourself.

Be careful about traders selling US Bank Account Packs on EBay. These people rarely have any experience opening these accounts themselves and they have no idea if their product actually works or not. Many of these people have bought the package from somebody else and they will just sell it online without even caring if you waste your money on it. A lot of loopholes have closed recently and often these packs are completely out of date and could get you into trouble.

There is a way to get a US Bank account through E*Trade which you'll see promoted. You'll be told that you can get a check book and, with a $1,000 deposit, you'll be able to get an ATM card too. You won't be told that this bank is E*Trade though but you'll see reference to it because they will mention a $1,000 requirement to apply for the "Platinum Visa Card". What these companies don't warn you about is that you are obligated to open a brokerage account with E*Trade and if you don't regularly trade in stocks then your account can be frozen. It can take MONTHS to get it unfrozen. Thee promoters also claim that you can pay checks into your account which is no longer true.

There are some companies advertising ATM cards that can be used with PayPal and E-Gold. Some of the merchants do not have strong links with any bank and there have been instances where suddenly the agent has been suspended and all his customers cards get stopped. These ATM cards operate as "direct deposit" accounts and although you'll be issued with a card, you will not have your money in your own account.

Be careful about how frequently websites are updated. Check to see if the website updates its bank fees regularly or not. If they don't then it is a sign that the website you are working with is out-of-date and the agent may not really understand the industry any more. Changes happen all the time with bank terms and conditions for international members so if you see fees that do not specify a date, check with the merchant to see if they are still current.

Don't trust websites that are not affiliated with the bank or card provider. Internet fraud is common and it is very easy for a thief to set up a website to collect your details for identity theft. Look for a direct link to and from the banks website. Also make contact with the merchant before ordering to get an idea of their response time and commitment to customer service.

If you make an application using a web form check that the website address for the orders page is secure. A secure website will begin with https:// and (depending on your web browser) should show a closed padlock to show that the site is secure.

Don't pay hundreds of dollars for administrative fees. I do believe that it might be necessary to pay extra to open business bank accounts but some companies charge over $500 just to process your application form. Often you'd be able to apply to these banks directly but the agents won't tell you which bank they will submit your application to so that they can profit from you.

Often Bank accounts for international clients come with additional fees. Make sure you investigate these before registering for any account.

Don't trust any company that doesn't require you to provide them with at least 2 forms of ID. One must have proof of your address, the other must have a photo ID. If a merchant does not request this then they are in breach of US banking laws.

Any bank or service that offers a Visa Debit card will be charged an "international usage fee" by Visa International. The charge is applied if you use your card in a country other than where it was issued. Visa's International Usage fee can be as crazy as 8% and because the fee is not charged directly by the bank many banks avoid mentioning this. Before you do anything you must ask whether you will be charged this fee or whether the bank will waive it. Nearly every bank will require that you pay this fee!

About the Author/Author Bio
Please visit us if you are interested in Opening a US Bank Account and would like more information. We highly recommend looking at the ACCENT Tomato Bank Account with Visa Debit Card that is available to nearly everybody worldwide.
By Expert Author: Martin Pavion
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

วันพุธที่ 1 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Offshore Merchant Accounts: Offer Multi-Currency Flexibility

Offshore Merchant Accounts,Offshore merchant accounts offers immense benefits tax benefits, better privacy- security, multi-currency trading enabling international trade,

Offshore Merchant Accounts:
Offer Multi-Currency Flexibility

Compared to onshore accounts offshore merchant accounts are much better as these have lot more advantages. Being offered only by offshore banks these accounts do not have account limitations or restrictions like onshore accounts.

With features such as multi-currency accounts and more tax benefits offshore merchant accounts facilitate international trading. This type of offshore bank account is a new addition to the offshore banking system and it allows you to trade 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

As these accounts are tax-free it allows offshore companies to offer products to clients at a much lower rate than competitors. High risk companies engaged in activities such as gaming, pharmaceuticals, phone card sales, timeshare rentals, multilevel marketing, credit card repair and counseling are best suited to have offshore merchant accounts.

Offshore merchant accounts offers immense benefits such as more tax benefits, better privacy and security, multi-currency trading enabling international trade, setting in currencies of choice, zero restrictions on transactions which means unlimited transactions, short set up time requiring just one week, international forgery/fraud protection cover etc.

All this however comes with a high price tag and expenses such as initial set up costs, discount rates and transaction fees are much higher in comparison to domestic banks. Almost anyone can open such an account and it is simple and easy. All you require is to own an offshore trading company and must have a bank account in its name.

There are however exceptions, with some offshore banks insisting on security in the form of either upfront cash deposit or ongoing cash reserve. Apart from offshore banks, offshore merchant accounts are also offered by certain international financial service providers.

You can also apply online to open such an account after you have decided on a particular offshore bank. Before opening such an offshore account you need to check out the background of the bank and services being offered by it such as privacy, security and tax benefits.

With offshore banking becoming more and more popular the need of the hour is offshore ecommerce merchant accounts and offshore destinations are going all out of their way to provide their clients with this facility. In offshore business it is no longer feasible to transact through onshore accounts and with offshore accounts giving clients so many benefits that they did not even think that they would get with their onshore accounts.

Tax and investor-friendly countries like Mauritius, Seychelles and BVI possess the most secure financial sectors in the world. Applying for offshore e-commerce merchant accounts in such countries will account for a single corporate structure. You get privileges such as the option to choose your settlement jurisdiction either within the Caribbean or Europe thereby giving you a dual acquiring presence.

This facility enables you to implement a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional and multi-currency acquiring services. Other benefits includes opportunity of presenting your customers secure payment alternatives, currency solutions, advantage of offshore and e-zone tax structures and channeled marketing which in turn reduces currency and location costs and also simplifies cross-border processing.

Ramapati Singhania specializes in creating and managing web businesses. His latest website http://www.incorporation-offshore-saves-wealth.com focuses on helping you to incorporate offshore companies in Seychelles, Mauritius and BVI. You can also visit his blog, http://www.ramapatisinghania.com
by: ramapati
Article Source: http://www.articleink.com

Looking For Important Online Banking Information

Looking For Important
Online Banking Information

When people start searching for online banks to transact any type of banking business, they will find a large variety of financial institutions that are willing to provide a variety of financial services. Some of these online banking institutions offer only one type of service and it pays for consumers to shop for bargains in online banking needs just as aggressively as they would online shopping deals.

Many titles were assigned to online banking institutions and for good reason. On the surface, the lenders seem to offer the same services but after researching further, people can get the internet search engines to produce a complete list of banks under each title. Some people might consider the services of an internet bank to be sufficient, while others will find the list for top virtual banks to be very enlightening and they will also be more financially beneficial in many ways.

The services that some online banks offer are clearly centered on online checking accounts. No other financial transactions can take place through these online banking portals. Of course, there are no fees assigned to this type of online banking, nor should there be, since no real service is conducted. Some do establish checking accounts that are tied to the credit limits allowed on major credit cards, but fees are charged for every transaction. Most people would rely on this type of online banking service in emergency situations but never on a day to day spending need for shopping about town.

Some of the online banking information will divulge that the lending institution has ties to the military population, with exclusive benefits that are tailored to the needs of military families around the world. These lending institutions are branded banks that have extended their banking services to the virtual world of the internet because military people are often stationed in different locations throughout the world and must transfer money from hometown accounts to debit cards to have money while visiting a foreign port.

Some of the information that branded banking institutions provide will inform customers of which services are offered. Most online banking customers expect to get free checking accounts through online banks but are startled to find fees assigned to the regular checking account in the land-based bank that bears the same name. These courtesy fees are charged according to land-based banking policies to allow people working out of town, the option to use their online bill payment services at no charge, but the online banking balances must often remain above a certain level to continue to use these services, which can be inconvenient at times.

When customers take the time to reading online banking information found through search engines they begin to see how virtual banking pay off. When consumers find virtual banks that provide more friendly financial services at no charge, they have time then to consider all the savings possibilities available to them. Online banking customers can still perform traditional banking transactions but benefit more from the interest rates offered for the different transactions.

Virtual banks provide consumers with financial management opportunities, credit cards with reward programs assigned, free checking savings accounts with high yield interest rates on account balances and investment opportunities that are simply marvelous. These online banking institutions also promise to keep personal information private, which is hard to believe at times in this virtual world that is growing bigger everyday.
James Brown writes about eToro web code, Identity Checks coupon code and Deltastock coupon code

by: ergo_items
Article Source: http://www.articleink.com

Pros and Cons to Using a Check Cashing Store

Pros and Cons to Using a Check Cashing Store,What types of checks can be cashed?,What other services are available?,Why would you want to use a check cashing business?

Pros and Cons to Using a Check Cashing Store

Businesses that offer check cashing offer a quick and convenient way for people to access their personal finances. They serve millions of people all over the world with all levels of income, every day.

Recently, check cashing businesses have grown in both name and function. Many businesses now offer not only check cashing services but also other types of financial services to expand their customer base.
What types of checks can be cashed?
- Official checks
- Government checks
- Payroll checks
- Tax refund checks
- Welfare checks
- Unemployment checks
- Two party checks
- Business checks
- Social Security checks
- Personal checks
- Checks payable to your business
- Settlement checks
What other services are available?
Businesses that offer check cashing services usually offer other financial services like money transfers, money orders, payday loans, P.O. Boxes, notary public officers, currency exchange, EBT services, ATM machines, photocopying and faxing services, mailing supplies, and even some motor vehicle registration and renewals.

It would behoove you to find out what services are offered at your local check cashing store so that you may decide if you can use them for other things in the future.
Why would you want to use a check cashing business?
There are many advantages actually. They usually have more advantages than banks and other financial institutions such as.
- Multiple financial services
- No holds on your checks
- No lines
- Quick access to cash
- Convenient hours of operation
- Low fees
- No credit checks for loans
- High approval rate for bad credit applicants
Who goes to check cashing stores?
All kinds of people use these services. They use them for convenience and good customer service as well as to meet several financial needs at once. Sometimes you will find people who cash a check, pay their bills and buy mailing supplies all in one visit. Sometimes, for loyal customers, they offer benefits or discounts.

Small businesses also take advantage of the services offered by check cashing businesses. A lot of small businesses have issues with banks holding their funds. Also, banks have limitations on how much cash a customer can get in one day. These companies can be valuable assets to small businesses.
What is the cost to cash a check?
It is a competitive business so you will want to compare prices of local companies. The amount they charge will vary from company to company. There are regulated fees that check cashers are allowed to charge you when cashing or obtaining a loan. Make sure that you are fully aware of all fees upfront.

Michael New Jr. is an authority in the financial industry. He has written hundreds of articles relating to consumer services and Utah Check Cashing. Contact Info: Michael New Jr. (866)294-4672 miken@checkcity.com http://www.checkcity.com
by: michaelnew20
Article Source: http://www.articleink.com

Offshore Banks: Offering Low Tax Services With Confidentiality

Offshore Banks:Offering Low Tax Services With Confidentiality,Advantages of offshore banking,Disadvantages of offshore banking..

Offshore Banks:
Offering Low Tax Services With Confidentiality

An offshore bank is generally in a low tax jurisdiction (or a tax haven) that provides financial and legal advantages. These advantages typically include:

* greater privacy (see also bank secrecy, a principle born with the 1934 Swiss Banking Act)

* less restrictive legal regulation

* low or no taxation (i.e. tax havens)

* easy access to deposits (at least in terms of regulation)

* protection against local political or financial instability

While the term originates from the Channel Islands "offshore" from Britain, and most of them are located in island nations to this day, the term is used figuratively to refer to such banks regardless of location e.g. Switzerland, Luxembourg and Andorra in particular are landlocked.

Offshore banking has often been accused of helping the underground economy and organized crime, via tax evasion and money laundering; however, legally, offshore banking does not prevent assets from being subject to personal income tax on interest. Except for certain persons who meet fairly complex requirements, the personal income tax of many countries makes no distinction between interest earned in local banks and those earned abroad. Persons subject to US income tax, for example, are required to declare on penalty of perjury, any offshore bank accounts which they may have.

Following September 11, 2001, there have been many calls for more regulation on international finance, in particular concerning tax havens and their banks, and clearing houses. Defenders of offshore banking have criticized these attempts at regulation. They claim the process is prompted, not by security and financial concerns, but by the desire of domestic banks and tax agencies to access the money held in offshore accounts.

They cite the fact that offshore banking offers a competitive threat to the banking and taxation systems in developed countries, suggesting that Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries are trying to stamp out competition.
Advantages of offshore banking
* Such entities provide access to politically and economically stable jurisdictions. This may be an advantage for those resident in areas where there is a risk of political turmoil who fear their assets may be frozen, seized or disappear. However, developed countries with regulated banking systems offer the same advantages in terms of stability but not of taxation.

* Some of them may operate with a lower cost base and can provide higher interest rates than the legal rate in the home country due to lower overheads and a lack of government intervention. Advocates of offshore banking often rightly characterize government regulation as a form of tax on domestic banks, reducing interest rates on deposits.

* Offshore finance is one of the few industries, along with tourism, in which geographically remote island nations can competitively engage. It helps developing countries source investment and create growth in their economies, and can help redistribute world finance from the developed to the developing world.

* Interest is generally paid by them without tax deducted. This is an advantage to individuals who do not pay tax on worldwide income, or who do not pay tax until the tax return is agreed, or who feel that they can illegally evade tax by hiding the interest income.

* Some offer banking services that may not be available from domestic banks such as anonymous bank accounts, higher or lower rate loans based on risk and investment opportunities not available elsewhere.

* Offshore banking is often linked to other structures, such as offshore companies, trusts or foundations, which may have specific tax advantages for some individuals.

* Many advocates of offshore banking also assert that the creation of tax and banking competition is an advantage of the industry, arguing that tax competition allows people to choose an appropriate balance of services and taxes.

Critics of the industry, however, claim this competition as a disadvantage, arguing that it encourages a "race to the bottom" in which governments in developed countries are pressured to deregulate their own banking systems in an attempt to prevent the offshoring of capital.
Disadvantages of offshore banking
* Offshore banking has been associated in the past with the underground economy and organized crime, through money laundering.

* Following September 11, 2001, tax havens and their banks, along with clearing houses, have been accused of helping various organized crime gangs, terrorist groups, and other state or non-state actors. However, offshore banking is a legitimate financial exercise undertaken by many expatriate and international workers.

* Offshore jurisdictions are often remote, so physical access and access to information can be difficult. Yet in a world with global telecommunications this is rarely a problem for customers. Accounts can be set up online, by phone or by mail.

* Offshore private banking is usually more beneficial to those on higher incomes, because of the costs of establishing and maintaining offshore accounts. However, simple savings accounts can be opened by anyone and maintained with scale fees equivalent to their onshore counterparts. The tax burden in developed countries thus falls disproportionately on middle-income groups. Historically, tax cuts have tended to result in a higher proportion of the tax take being paid by high-income groups, as previously sheltered income is brought back into the mainstream economy.

Banking services
It is possible to obtain the full spectrum of financial services from these banks, including:
* deposit taking
* credit
* wire and electronic funds transfers
* foreign exchange
* letters of credit and trade finance
* investment management and investment
Custody
* fund management
* trustee services
* corporate administration

Not every bank provides each service. Banks tend to specialize between retail services and private banking services. Retail services tend to be low cost and undifferentiated, whereas private banking services tend to bring a personalized suite of services to the client.
Ramapati Singhania specializes in creating and managing web businesses. His latest website http://www.incorporation-offshore-saves-wealth.com focuses on helping you to incorporate offshore companies in Seychelles, Mauritius and BVI. You can also visit his blog, http://www.ramapatisinghania.com
by: ramapati
Article Source: http://www.articleink.com

Basics Of Home And Commercial Mortgage

Basics Of Home And Commercial Mortgage
A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan. While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt.

It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed. In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower.

The term comes from the Old French "dead pledge," apparently meaning that the pledge ends (dies) either when the obligation is fulfilled or the property is taken through foreclosure.

In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans secured on real estate rather than other property (such as ships) and in some jurisdictions only land may be mortgaged. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property.

The measurement of a mortgage with regards to cost to the borrower can be measured by Annual Percentage Rate (APR) or many other formulas for true cost such as Lender Police Effective Annual Rate.

A home buyer or builder can obtain financing (a loan) either to purchase or secure against the property from a financial institution, such as a bank, either directly or indirectly through intermediaries.

Features of mortgage loans such as the size of the loan, maturity of the loan, interest rate, method of paying off the loan, and other characteristics can vary considerably.

A commercial mortgage is similar to a residential mortgage, except the collateral is a commercial building or other business real estate, not residential property.

In addition, commercial mortgages are typically taken on by businesses instead of individual borrowers. The borrower may be a partnership, incorporated business, or limited company, so assessment of the creditworthiness of the business can be more complicated than is the case with residential mortgages.

Some commercial mortgages are nonrecourse, that is, that in the event of default in repayment, the creditor can only seize the collateral, but has no further claim against the borrower for any remaining deficiency.

The general reason for this is twofold: many laws significantly prevent the creditor from going after the borrower for any deficiency, and mortgages structured for sale as bonds give a higher priority to constantly receiving some sort of income and therefore require a clause which allows the lender to take the property immediately, regardless of bankruptcy proceedings that the borrower might be going through.

Frequently, the mortgage is supplemented by a general obligation of the borrower or a personal guarantee from the owner(s), which makes the debt payable in full even if foreclosure on the mortgaged collateral does not satisfy the outstanding balance.
Get Reverse Mortgage Loan Use Benefits Of Reverse Mortgage
by: tmjaswani
Article Source: http://www.articleink.com

Why A Business Rather Than A Personal Account Is More Advisable

Why A Business Rather Than A Personal Account Is More Advisable
A business account is fundamentally different form a personal account. This is predominantly because it offers different services and features to meet your business needs. This is why it is important to consider your choice of account carefully, it may not always be the wisest choice to choose the bank who already control your personal finances; have a look to see what else the market has to offer. Part of your research should be enquiring what facilities each account comes with and the charges that will be applicable.

There are advantages however to opening a business account with a familiar bank. A bank that already has your personal finances under their control may be more willing to help you as a trusted and loyal customer. As part of this, a bank that you have a good record with, in terms of debt repayment and other financial transactions is likely to help more than a new bank that has no idea whether you are as good as your word.

That said there is always going to be advantages of shopping around for good deals when opening an account. By doing this it is possible to find an account package that caters for your needs precisely and ensures your business receives the financial services it deserves. As a new customer there are also often preferential rates available to you, at least for an interim period as banks often try to attract new business customers.

When choosing your business account there is a number of factors to take into consideration. It is not always the case that you will need a single business account, if your business needs it; it is possible multiple accounts will service your requirements more effectively.

Your first consideration should be whether your business will need to make frequent transactions. If it is the case that you will be carrying out a lot of transactions it is most advisable to go for a monthly fee rather than charges based upon individual transactions.

Merchant accounts are perfect if your business regularly undertakes transactions by way of credit and debit cards. Shop and retail businesses will benefit from this kind of account most as fees can be kept to a minimum.

If your transactions will be carried out abroad, a foreign currency account may well be ideal. Allowing the transfer of currencies without the charges that would be incurred if performing the task manually, this type of account can save you thousands.

If you happen to be considering taking more than one account it is worth remembering that as a multiple account holder you may be eligible for a wider number of offers and deals. The facilities you receive might also be more diverse with multiple accounts.

When in the process of opening a business account it is worth meeting with your financial advisor before signing anything, they are the experts and will be able to spot any discrepancies in the paperwork. Added to this you will need a number of documents such as proof of residence, age and income. It is also worthwhile to remember that if you are starting a limited company a Certificate of Incorporation will be needed.

It is usually advisable to keep personal and business finances separate from each other, even if you are running your operation from home. This way it is easier to extract business loans form the bank as well as other commercial related facilities. Shopping around is key to finding a great deal and giving your business the best chance for success. After all, starting out in business is an extremely difficult process; if you can create a solid financial platform to build upon it may well be possible to achieve this success.
Financial expert Thomas Pretty looks into the benefits of a business account and considerations that must be made before visiting your bank.
by: prettyone
Article Source: http://www.articleink.com

Advice For Those Starting A Small Business

Advice For Those Starting A Small Business, choosing an account you will be bombarded with services that in reality.. savings account would be ill-advised as it is unlikely,

Advice For Those Starting A Small Business

When starting out in business it is usually a prerequisite to open a business account to mange your finances. Unfortunately for many it is uncertain what kind of services your account will need to provide. Here are some of the most common issues that concern small business managers when they are opening an account.

The first issue is the amount of interest your account should provide. More advisable is instead of looking for high interest rates to study the charges that will be applicable to your business account. High interest usually means greater penalties for going into your overdraft, as a young business you may be in and out of the red so try to avoid high interest accounts. If you do however want to pursue high interest rates it is best to look online as internet banks often offer great rates to attract customers.

You may be asking yourself if you will actually need a business account; naturally business is always dependent upon money and ensuring your money is well kept should be a major concern. A business account will help you identify all of your transaction processes and ensure you have clarity. A dedicated account will also provide you with accountability so creditors and the tax man can easily understand your business dealings during audits. It can also give your business some credibility as the bank will usually have to approve your model before managing you finances. That said, it is not crucial to hold a business account. If you are operating as a sole trader there is no need for you to open one, your personal account will suffice.

When you are choosing an account you will be bombarded with services that in reality you will not need. It is best to open a simple checking account that allows you to pay checks and withdraw money. A savings account would be ill-advised as it is unlikely that you will have much to save during the initial stages of starting operations. As a sole trader it is possible to open account that not only presents your name but also the type of business you operate, this can create a far more professional look. As a limited company you will need to open the account in the name of your company rather than your own name.

It is not always advisable to open an account with the bank that controls your personal finances. Shop around as the variety can be amazing; in terms of services, charges and interest. It is also advisable to not give one bank too much control over your finances, if they already manage your personal funds, your company may benefit from using another bank. As a new customer you will also be open to more services than you would be as an existing customer.

When opening an account you will need a number of items. First and foremost the manager will want to see a business plan to see if your chances of success are acceptable. They will also want to know where the start up funds are coming from. Of course a list of signatories will be needed to note who will have access to the finances. While monthly statements are usually sufficient in a personal account, your company will most probably need updates more frequently to assess your financial position accurately. This may carry an added charge but will normally be worth the fee.

By following the advice given in this brief outline it should be possible to find the perfect account to suit your business requirements. Starting a company can be difficult and risky and hence ensuring the safety and efficiency of your finances is advisable.
Financial expert Thomas Pretty looks into the decisions that must be made by small companies when choosing what type of business account to utilise.
by: prettyone
Article Source: http://www.articleink.com

The Online Banking System

The Online Banking System,Several online banking systems allow for the transaction of currency,Online banking transactions, online accounts by way of a regular ATM machine...

The Online Banking System
These days, online and offline businesses have become tightly and neatly intertwined and dependent on one another, although each stands independent of the other. This has allowed several benefits to arise that can serve everyday living for people of every social and cultural strata. One of the main advantages is monetary exchange, which the primary action of any and every business in existence and those consumers who utilize them.

Several online banking systems allow for the transaction of currency to be made between any two parties, as long as both have an account at any one or several of these systems. Certainly, every single business, whether online based or offline based, has such an account. This is because a great inundation of business activity takes place over the Internet on a daily basis. Even offline business conduct such affairs online for the purpose of ease and convenience.

Checks sent through regular mail takes sometimes several days to reach their recipients and then several more days to clear banking security scans. Online banking transactions, on the other hand, can be performed instantaneously by simply sending the amount tendered straight from one account into another. This currency can then be used as buying power throughout the Internet.

Yes, such money can be transferred to offline banking or credit union acounts, which usually requires a 3-4 day clearance but most online banking accounts offer credit and debit cards so that account holders can extract money straight from their online accounts by way of a regular ATM machine. In either case, the time wait is minimized or non existent for online monetary withdrawal, safe and assured.

How do these accounts differ from the sites promoting offline banks and credit unions? Well, for one thing and this is the most important consideration. Those sites serving offline banks and credit unions do not allow account holders to take money out over public or home computers for security reasons but still inconvenient, especially in urgent or emergency situations, although such funds can be transferred into the online banking accounts, again with a 3-4 day waiting period.

Once the clearance time passes, such currency can then be used online or removed via an ATM machine, just like payment that originated online. This would seem to suggest that online banking systems have not only become more common and more popular but even preferable to the alternative.

There is no mystery why then, offline businesses employ the use of online banking systems since general business insists on easy, quickly moving exchanges. Because the average person can also freely engage in such wonderful practices, online banking has rendered walk in banking virtually obsolete. It would be no surprise if all future banking were eventually to be conducted solely over the computer.
Obinna Heche. Los Angeles - California Delivering the best home based business ideas and opportunities so you can work at home successfully.. http://www.homeincomeportal.com/obhmy365/
by: biggso
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