A new survey by the American Bankers Association shows that for the second year in a row, most bank customers (36 percent) prefer to do their banking online compared to any other method.

The survey tells us that more consumers prefer the speed and convenience of conducting their banking transactions on the Internet.  It also tells us that consumers now have confidence in the accuracy and security of online banking.

Survey results showed that the popularity of online banking was not exclusive to the youngest consumers:  it was the preferred banking method for all bank customers under the age of 55.  Consumers over 55 still prefer to visit their local branch (33 percent).  Online banking for this age group was the second favorite way to conduct banking transactions (20 percent).

Among all consumers, the preference for online banking was followed by visiting branches (25 percent), and using ATMs (15 percent).  The use of mobile banking (cell phones, PDAs, etc.) was preferred by three percent of consumers, primarily among 18 to 34 year olds.  The popularity of ATMs was down in all age groups.

Online banking may now be the most preferred method of banking but we are committed to providing the best customer service to all consumers. State Bank will continue to provide the best service, whether online or in-person. Our job is to make banking convenient.

The annual survey of more than 1,000 consumers was conducted for ABA by Ipsos-Public Affairs, an independent market research firm.