Welcome to the world of online banking

For years, I resisted online banking.

It was too impersonal, too seemingly risky, too new. I like writing checks, I told people. If it was good enough for cavemen, it was good enough for me. I saw no reason to change something that was working perfectly fine.

However, with my upcoming move to Chicago, I finally had to change banks since the bank I had been using for the past few years is seemingly afraid of the Chicago suburbs, much less Chicago. The closest branch from our new home would be at least an hour away if not more. It is the country mouse of Chicagoland banks.

While changing banks, the person who helped me with the transition gave me a tour of its online banking system.

And, well, it seemed OK. Paying bills looked like it might be doable for me. It sure would be nice to be able to track my transactions. This is particularly true now that I'm freelancing and must keep a much closer look at my finances.

What the heck, I thought, I'll give this newfangled method of banking a try. So I went home, went online, figured out the system and paid my first bill.

It was ridiculously easy. I suppose there goes my column about the complexity of online banking.

In fact, I loved everything about it.

I didn't have to taste a stamp. I didn't have to scribble my name and address on an envelope, a process that – because of my terrible handwriting – inevitably results in a surprised financial person on the other end wondering whether a 4-year-old is trying to pay a college student loan bill. I didn't have to forget to send it out for a few days until I ended up with a late fee.

Hello 21st century. Nice to meet you. You're not nearly as terrifying as I thought you might be. (Note to single readers: This typically is a bad way to start a first date.)

So, after finally breaking down and buying a smart phone earlier this year, buying Christmas presents online for the first time in December and now switching to online banking, I might finally be catching up with technology.

But you still won't find me going near a tablet. Those are just silly. (At least they will be until I buy one next year.)

• Joe Grace is a freelance writer who has worked for various newspapers throughout the Chicago suburbs. You can write to him at joewriter81@gmail.com.

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