A virtual bank account is a bank account that essentially has only an electronic, or online, presence. Virtual banks are separated from typical online banking provided by most institutions in that all transactions with the company are electronic, these banks rarely have any significant physical presence. Using a virtual bank has a number of benefits and drawbacks from using the more traditional banking services.
Opening a virtual bank account is usually the least electronic part of the process. The initial account opening often entails a fair amount of back-and-forth faxing or paper mailing between the individual interested in opening an account and the virtual banking company. However, once the account is open, account holders have the option to manage their finances electronically, or more specifically, through internet banking.
Holding a virtual bank account has a few significant advantages over traditional bank accounts. Firstly, a virtual bank account can be very convenient. Virtual banking companies not only offer their full services to account holders anywhere, and any time, that they can reach the internet, but often feature services such as online bill pay to not only make paying bills easier but to also cut down on the costs of using mailing services. It is also important to note that holders of virtual bank accounts need not consider the limitations of their bank's hours of operation. Another very advantageous aspect of virtual banking is the trickle-down effect of the funds saved in operating costs due to the virtual bank's lack of a physical presence.
There are some drawbacks to taking part in virtual banking as well. Internet banking is very secure, however, the slim, but ever-present possibility of security breaches combined with general suspicions are often enough to discourage people from opening virtual bank accounts. There is also the fact that virtual banks lack a company ATM system for account holders to deposit or withdraw funds. This aspect is often offset by partnerships between virtual and traditional banking institutions and/or reimbursement for fees incurred from using ATMs, but can still be a problem for some individuals. Lastly, some people simply prefer the comfort and customer service offered by a traditional bank with a physical presence.
There are many banking options available to consumers today, but one option that is often overlooked is the virtual bank account. Virtual bank accounts are based on the internet and these online banking institutions follow many of the same rules that govern traditional banking institutions. There are a number of benefits associated with using a virtual bank account for transactions and these benefits are the reason why virtual bank accounts are becoming more popular every year. Virtual bank accounts are very similar to traditional bank accounts. Deposits can be made into the account, money can be withdrawn from the account, and debit cards can be used to access the account. Virtual banks will also have customer service representatives that customers can contact by phone to handle any account issues that may arise. The biggest difference between a virtual bank and a traditional one is that virtual banks do not have physical bank branches. One of the biggest benefits to a virtual bank account is the ability to send money electronically to anyone in the blink of an eye. If a family member in another state has a financial emergency, money can be sent to them immediately without the sender ever having to leave their home. The money can be withdrawn at any ATM machine using a debit card issued by the virtual bank. Another benefit associated with a virtual bank is the ability to purchase items online without revealing a bank account number or credit card number to the seller. These online transactions are much more secure than typing the credit card number into multiple websites where it may be stolen by hackers mining information. The only thing that is displayed to the seller is the email address for the payment account. This email address is typically given to online merchants during the payment process so that the buyer can receive the receipt for their purchase, so no further information about the virtual bank account is disclosed. Virtual bank accounts are designed to be as user friendly as possible while also remaining secure. The website of the virtual bank will have guides that will answer almost any question that a person may have about how to operate their account and a live customer service number that account holders can call for situations that need resolved quickly. There are many benefits associated with virtual bank accounts and many people choose to use them as an addition to their traditional bank accounts.
Yes, it is possible to transfer funds from a credit card to a bank account using a bank transfer.
Yes, you can open a bank account using your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The choice of which bank account to choose is very much a personal one based on what you are looking to get out of the account. For example, if you want a very good rate, you will be limited to the number of times you may remove cash from the account. If you are not a good saver, this type of account would not benefit you. Consider using one of the related links to help you determine what kind of account is best for you.
A debit card transfer to your bank account is when you move money from your debit card to your bank account. This allows you to access the funds in your bank account using your debit card.
No, you cannot. It is illegal.
No, you cannot log into a bank account using only the routing and account number. Additional security measures such as a username, password, and possibly other authentication methods are typically required to access a bank account online.
No, it is not possible for someone to withdraw money from your bank account using just the account number. Additional security measures, such as a PIN or password, are typically required to access and withdraw funds from a bank account.
Yes, you can typically open a bank account using a personal check as your initial deposit. The bank will need to verify the funds before the account is officially opened.
Contact your bank to cancel the virtual payment.
You cannot find a specific bank with only an account number. However, you can find a bank if you have the routing number.
You don't. You may be able to send your cash using a service such as Western Union, which does not require a bank account. Wire services require a bank account.