The financial sector is undergoing significant transformation. Gone are the days when you could only conduct business with a bank by visiting one of its physical locations. Nowadays, all you need to do your banking is a device with an internet connection, thanks to online banks.
Deciding between online banking and traditional banking depends on your priorities, as each offers distinct advantages. Empirical data from 2025 shows that online banks serve over 216 million users in the U.S., offering higher savings yields averaging 1% to 2% more than traditional banks due to lower overhead costs. However, traditional banks maintain a strong foothold, with 65% of consumers still using them as their primary accounts, valuing in-person services and established trust.
Above all, online-only banking provides convenience. However, it can also provide products and services that are superior to those offered by traditional banks. Follow along as we open a vault of online-only ( mobile banking vs traditional banking) banking information, online banking vs traditional banking statistics, pros and cons of online banking, etc.
What is a traditional bank?
Traditional banks have a physical presence as well as a domestic banking license. To open an account, you must go to the bank’s physical location. Although some traditional banks will let you open accounts online, you may still need to come in to verify your identity or submit documents.
While traditional banking has progressed to the point where the majority of your regular banking can be done online or via a mobile app, you will almost certainly need to visit your local branch at some point. While some people prefer the ability to speak with a live person when necessary, others find it inconvenient.
What Is Online Banking?
Online banking, also commonly referred to as banking, web banking, or home banking is an electronic payment system that allows a bank or other financial institution’s customers to conduct a variety of financial transactions via the financial institution’s website.
The online banking system will typically connect to or be a component of a bank’s core banking system in order to provide customers with banking services in addition to or instead of traditional branch banking.
Online banking reduces banks’ operating costs by reducing reliance on a branch network, and it provides greater convenience to some customers by reducing the need to visit a branch bank as well as the convenience of being able to perform banking transactions even when branches are closed.
Importance of online banking
Here’s a short list of the Importance of online banking:
Security Assured
Online banking is a very secure platform because it is one of the most important services provided by banks. Banks typically use encryption devices to ensure the security of all client information and the absence of security breaches. Finally, it safeguards you against online fraud and account hacking.
No Hidden Fees
Notwithstanding the added convenience, there are no hidden fees related to online transactions. All you pay is a small transaction fee, and the rest is handled by your bank.
Convenience Guaranteed
Although one of the many advantages of online banking is its ease of access, it also makes banking extremely convenient. The need to stand in long lines at the bank has been completely eliminated.
Furthermore, with most banks now offering mobile banking, transfers and payments have become simpler. Transactions can be completed on the go, whether you’re stuck in traffic or at work.
This makes it even easier to check your balance before making cashless purchases to avoid embarrassment if your account does not have enough funds to cover your entire shopping list.
Monitor Your Accounts Closely
Finally, having access to e-banking and a good budgeting application at your disposal simplifies budgeting and account management. Real-time expenses can be tracked while shopping or estimating your monthly savings and expenses.
Considering all of these advantages and many more to come, it is difficult to avoid using services such as online banking for smoother banking transactions.
How Online Banking Works
E-banking is meant to be convenient, saving you time and allowing you to conduct your banking activities on your own time rather than only during the hours that your local bank branch is open. Almost everything you can do in a traditional bank or credit union branch can be done online, beginning with opening an account.
The ability to withdraw funds from an ATM is one advantage that traditional banks and credit unions have over their online counterparts. Online banks and credit unions are increasingly providing access to a network of fee-free ATMs. Some banks will reimburse your ATM fees up to a certain amount each month.
How does online banking differ from traditional banking
The fundamental contrast between an online bank and a traditional bank is that online banks primarily provide mobile and online access. You will not meet a banker face to face, but you can access your account at any time using a mobile device or computer.
Traditional and online banks both store and manage your money for you, but they differ slightly in terms of the services, features, and capabilities they provide. Some of the key differences are summarized below. Although some banks may differ, the following are generally true for most online and traditional banks.
Online Bank
- No physical locations
- Lower fees or no fees
- Increased interest rates on savings accounts and, in some cases, checking accounts
- Access to the internet and mobile apps is automatic.
- The quick and easy online process
- Online customer service, sometimes over the phone as well
Traditional Bank
- There are physical locations available.
- Higher fees and more additional fees
- Lower interest rates on savings accounts
- Access to the internet and mobile apps is usually available.
- In-person and online process
- Customer service is available in person, online, and over the phone.
Mobile banking vs traditional banking
Traditional and online banks, also known as direct banks, both enable you to access your account online and transfer money or perform other tasks with a few mouse clicks or taps on your phone screen. They are both subject to the same laws and regulations—online-only accounts, like traditional bank accounts, are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Overall security is the same, with both types using encryption to protect your funds and identity.
Even though both types have become close cousins in some ways, significant differences remain. Direct banks use their lower costs to offer higher interest rates and, in some cases, lower fees.
Traditional banking institutions provide a convenient array of deposit and other transaction options, including the option for face-to-face service at a bank branch when needed.
If you’re on the fence about using an internet bank, this article can help. It outlines the main benefits and drawbacks of this branch of the banking industry.
Online banking vs traditional banking statistics
In the United States, digital-only banks are attracting an increasing number of customers. According to an Insider Intelligence and eMarketer forecast published in September 2021, the share of digital-only bank account holders in the United States is expected to increase from 11.4% in 2021 to 19.9% by 2025.
Also, one of the most significant benefits of online banking is a slight increase in interest rates on both checking and savings accounts. While most traditional banks currently offer rates ranging from 0.10% to 0.50%, you can find online checking and savings accounts with rates ranging from 0.9% to 1%. While it may not appear to be much, the rates offered by some of the best savings accounts can add up over time, especially if you keep a large amount of money in your account.
Important online Banking Statistics(online banking vs traditional banking)
- By 2006, 80% of all US banks will offer online banking services.
- Between 2009 and 2019, the proportion of EU citizens who use online banking more than doubled.
- 89% of American bank account holders use online payments to manage their accounts.
- Over a 12-month period, the total number of branches in the US financial industry decreased by more than 1500.
- Online banking platforms are used by 94% of mobile banking customers at least once a month.
- Chatbot deployment is expected to save the banking industry $7.3 billion in annual customer service costs by 2023.
- According to digital banking statistics, the total number of online and mobile banking users will surpass 3.6 billion by 2024.
- According to digital banking statistics, the total number of online and mobile banking users will surpass 3.6 billion by 2024.
Traditional banking vs modern banking advantages and disadvantages
Below are the traditional banking vs modern banking advantages and disadvantages:
Here are the advantages of modern banking
Higher Interest Rates
One of the most significant benefits of online banking is a slight increase in interest rates on both checking and savings accounts. While most traditional banks currently offer rates ranging from 0.10% to 0.50%, you can find online checking and savings accounts with rates ranging from 0.9% to 1%.
Although it may not appear to be much, the rates offered by some of the best savings accounts can add up over time, especially if you keep a large amount of money in your account.
Fewer Fees
Another advantage of banking online is that you may be able to save more money on fees. With a traditional bank, you may be charged a variety of fees. Because online banks typically have lower operating costs, you won’t have to pay as much for all of these small fees.
Some online banks will also cover ATM fees no matter where you withdraw money. Just make sure to read the fine print because you may only be eligible for credit for a certain number of transactions per month.
Convenience
The terrific thing about online banks is that they are always open, so you can access your accounts at any time and from any location. Using mobile banking apps, you can set up automatic transfers, schedule bill payments, and check your balance.
Some online banks even let you set up mobile text alerts to help you keep track of payments or notify you when your balance is low.
While many traditional banks provide these services, they are not available everywhere, which can be inconvenient if you need to bank on the go.
Security
One common misconception about virtual banking is that it is not as secure as traditional banking. In reality, banking online does not increase the likelihood of your personal information or money being stolen.
To protect your data, online banks use the same security measures as traditional banks, such as using encrypted websites and requiring you to enter a personalized code to access your information.
Here are the disadvantages of modern banking
While the benefits of modern banking are compelling, there are several reasons to exercise caution before making the switch.
The disadvantages of modern banking are as follows:
- Low interest rates
- More fees
- Lack of Convenience
Low interest rates
Traditional banks, whether you’re looking for a savings account or a certificate of deposit, rarely offer rates that are as competitive as those offered by an online bank. At the time of writing, it was not uncommon to find online savings accounts offering close to a 0.9% annual percentage yield (APY), whereas traditional banks offered far less, with rates as low as 0.05%.
More fees
Given the costs of running a brick-and-mortar business, the advantages of traditional banks come at the expense of more and higher fees. Minimum balance fees, direct deposit fees, late fees, over-limit fees, check fees, and debit card fees are all common at traditional banks. These fees, like their low-interest rates, are the result of traditional banks’ higher operating costs.
Lack of Convenience
Customers of online banks can handle their financial affairs from any location with an internet signal, including while traveling by train or plane, whereas customers of traditional banks, which do not have an online presence, must travel to a specific physical address to conduct business.
Online banking vs traditional banking Which is better? (online banking vs traditional banking)
Whereas online banking has both advantages and disadvantages, the convenience of banking from home, as well as the ability to save money, time, and even the planet, make it the preferred method of the modern world.
According to Forbes, a July 2020 Cornerstone Advisors survey of US consumers found that 14.2 million Americans now regard online banking to be their primary bank.
Traditional banking hours are also not always convenient. Getting to the bank before it closes means leaving work early for some of us. It can also imply battling traffic in the middle of the day, missing work, and standing in long lines.
There is no traffic and no banking hours when you do your banking online. All of your banking needs can be met from the comfort of your own home and on your own time.
List of best online banks
- Quontic Bank
- Discover Bank
- Axos Bank
- Ally Bank
- nbkc bank
- iGObanking
- Salem Five Direct
- TIAA Bank
- Vio Bank
- Capital One 360
- Varo Bank
- SoFi
- Bread Savings
- Synchrony Bank
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Mobile banking vs traditional banking
Conclusion
Overall, whether you choose an online or traditional bank is heavily influenced by your banking needs, as well as your preferences and budget. Online banking may suit the low-cost, independent route, whereas traditional banks may suit the high-budget, high-features route.
Know, there is no rule that says you can only have one account — you may prefer to have your checking account at a traditional bank, but use online savings account for the high interest rates. It is entirely up to you. Either way, you’ll be putting your money in a safe, dependable place where it can grow — which is the whole point of a bank account, no matter where you put it.
FAQs About mobile banking vs traditional banking
Do online banks have atms?
Yes, a good online bank will be affiliated with an ATM network.
Can you withdraw cash from an online bank?
Simply put, you can get cash from an online bank account in the same way that you would from a traditional account that you access in person.
What are the advantages of traditional banking?
The followings are the advantages of Traditional Banking:
- The ability to walk into a local branch and speak with a live person.
- It is generally regarded as safe.
- Positive impact on customer and supplier perceptions
- Service tailored to your requirements.
- Cash payments and withdrawals are more manageable.
- There are more financial options available.
Reference
- www.experian.com– What Are the Benefits of an Online Bank vs. a Traditional Bank?
- www.moneyunder30.com-Online Banking Vs. Traditional Banking – Which Is Better For You?
- www.chime.com– Online Banking vs. Traditional Banking, pros and cons of online banking
- www.smartasset.com– Online Banks vs. Traditional Banks: Which Is Best for You?
- www.nerdwallet.com-What Is Online Banking? Definition, pros, and cons of online banking
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