New on the scene are Lloyds and Citibank. In April, both signed
deals with palmtop manufacturer, Psion. Customers need a Psion
3a, a 3Link modem, and the special Lloyds software. Once they've
plugged everything together and dialled in, they can send what
are effectively electronic cheques to anyone in the UK across
the UK's bank clearing network. Furthermore, unlike the paper
variety, these electronic cheques clear on the same day. Which
might or might not be an advantage, depending on your cashflow
situation. You can also view your bank statement, check payments,
and so on. And an interesting feature of the software is that
it will make predictive cashflow analyses based on current spending
patterns. So if, for instance, you've been overdoing it at Thresher's
this month, the program will tell you that you risk bankruptcy
in two months' time if you continue in these profligate ways.
The Citibank/Psion deal operates in much the same way as the Lloyds
service. In addition, however, it allows well-heeled customers
to view bank statements on multi-currency accounts, as well as
move money between the accounts and in different currencies. The
service should be fully launched later this year, and will cost
£49 per annum.