The Advantages of Sending Money Online Instantly

Moving funds around via cheques, pensions and financial brokers is so “old school”. Exorbitant commission fees and lots of time goes in this process. The process of the money being transferred through these methods is painstakingly slow. Thanks to the advancement of technology, it is now possible to send money online instantly with the help of online money transfer apps. This is also a saving grace for those who want to send money immediately to different countries, as the current exchange rates are shown during the process or transfer. Online transfer of funds is also beneficial for those who want to make instant bill payments.

These transfers can be done online or with the help of online money transfer apps on the mobile phone

Some of the benefits of transferring money online are:

1.    Need for Speed
One of the most significant advantages of online funds transferring is that is it quick and hassle-free. Cheques take weeks to be processed and going through a financial manager is also time-consuming. The fast speed of online money transfers makes it easier to manage finances and make bill payments on time, saving you from the late fee penalties.

2.    Safe and Secure
Sending money in the mail or through another person can always be risky as there is a possibility that the money might get stolen and not reach the recipient. Furthermore, if cheques are sent by mail, and these get stolen, thieves can gain access to the account listed and drain your bank account. To avoid such situations, online money transfer apps are a much better, and safer option.

3.    Flexible
Several accounts can be set up in different banks, and money can be moved back and forth from the accounts at one's own will. To make an expensive purchase, the ability to transfer money online from one account to another will come in handy, as every account has a spending limit. This process of sending money online instantly also comes in handy in emergency situations, and to avail higher interest rates from different banks.

4.    International Transfer
Gone are the days when one needed to carry loads of cash with them when travelling abroad. Now, if anybody runs short of money, friends or family can instantly use an app to transfer money from different banks, and across seas when the other person is in need of it. This makes the process simple and hassle-free.

Top 3 online shopping offers during the festive season in India

The sale might be over in the malls, but you have plenty to shop from the online portals. The sale periods on sites like Amazon, Flipkart, etc. never stop. They keep running deals and offers on a frequent basis. India runs  online shopping offers on two occasions: end of season and festivals. End of season sale last for a more extended period, approximately for two months. Then you have the festiv e deal  that lasts for not more than 4 to 7 days.
        
During this period, you have offers on electronics, clothes, accessories, etc. There are also offers on essential commodities such as day to day groceries and even,    gomutra (cow urine)! To  avoid unmanageable traffic on one day, e-commerce websites release deals occasionally. They also have some strategies in place before coming up with these discounts. Some of the upcoming  and ongoing online shopping offers in India are:  

1) Flipkart: From August 10, consumers can enjoy a limited period sale  on Flipkart which is also called the ‘Big Freedom Sale.’ They will run till 12 August midnight. Their primary focus is on smartphones.  Some of the deals during this phase are: 

- There is an INR 3,000 off on Honor 7A. The phone initially costs INR 10,999 for a 32GB model.    The phone was launched in April 2018  
- You will also get the iPhone SE for INR 17,999, the actual cost for which is INR 26,000
- Flipkart is giving away Honor 9 Lite for INR 10,999. They have chopped the rates by INR 6,000
- Google Pixel 2, the phone on demand, will be sold for INR 41,999. The original price was as high as INR 61,000 for a 64GB variant

2) Amazon: The big players who are providing offers on online shopping are Amazon. They have already begun their sale from August 9 and will be on until August 12. This sale is conducted on the eve of 72nd Independence Day. Amazon is offering over 20,000 deals  across categories that include electronics and smartphones. They are also offering huge deals on Amazon products such as Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Spot, Fire TV Stick and Kindle. Depending on the popularity of the product, Amazon is changing offers almost every day.   

3) Paytm: Going by the ‘freedom’ theme, Paytm are running the ‘Freedom Cashback Sale.’ It began on August 8 and will go until August 15. Paytm in connection with 1,000 other brands are promoting this offer. People can select from an array of options  for an attractive price offer during the Paytm sale.
Make maximum use of the online shopping offers and flaunt your purchase in style this Independence Day.

What are the Best Mobile Money Transfer Apps in India?

We have all reached a phase where we cannot make do without technology, so much so that we even depend on it for our necessary calculations. Though it is not the best solution, technology was what we all opted for during demonetization, when we didn’t have money in our pockets. These mobile money transfer apps send money online instantly and have changed the way we make payments in our country today. They are slowly replacing every other means of payment, including cash. The app store and google play store are full of online money transfer apps, so the choice is not very limited for customers. Today, every bank has it’s own mobile banking app for customers, to make the process hassle-free and streamlined.

Here are some of the most user-friendly mobile money transfer apps available online:

1.    PayTM:
One of the most popular Indian online e-commerce payment systems and digital wallets, this company was founded back in 2010. It is commonly used for bill payments, travel expenses, event bookings, mobile recharges and so much more, on just one portal. Merchants, as well as customers, depend on this app for payments. This app has also partnered with educational institutions to introduce cashless payments for fees and other expenses.

2.    Airtel money:
With this app, people can easily recharge their prepaid accounts or pay their postpaid connection bills. It is also possible to shop online if the Airtel money wallet ahs cash loaded. The net banking app is also extremely safe as it requires a secret 4-digit pin for authentication.

3.    Citrus Pay:
One of the top e-banking apps in India, this portal offers a wallet for customers and as a payment solution for businesses. The app currently has a solid base of over 800 million customers all over the country, which has made it a preferred choice of digital wallets.

4.    Freecharge:
This e-commerce website also provides the ability to recharge any prepaid mobile phone or make bill payments online, recharge DTH services, and data cards, all across the country. Axis Bank now acquires it after being founded back in 2010. The online money transfer app targets the youth with all of its promotions and gives coupons for every recharge made. This makes it a great option to save money while making payments instantly online.

5.    HDFC PayzApp:
This app by HDFC makes digital payments simplified with a single click, which is what makes it a preferred e-wallet to send money online instantly, in India. Users of the app can compare ticket rates, buy music and even make bill payments through the app. It’s an all-in-one solution!

6 ways in which a business loan can be a boon

We’re living in the era of start-ups. Everyday a new entrepreneur comes up with an unconventional business idea, and before you know it a new business is born. The millennial entrepreneurs are not afraid to take a few risks and start their own businesses, fresh out of school. With a little seed money, some funding from investors and a bank loan for business, these entrepreneurs are taking the World Wide Web by storm. And why shouldn’t they? Such loans can go a long way in helping businesses flourish. Here are 6 ways in which business loans can be a boon.

It keeps your savings intact: Most entrepreneurs begin their businesses by liquidating their savings. These savings, which are meant to come in handy in emergency situations, can remain untouched if the entrepreneur just takes out a loan for business. This way, you can keep your savings aside. In fact, the savings cushion should come in handy during a business emergency, but liquidating it to start a business is not the greatest idea.

It is hassle-free: We’re living in an era where banks like HDFC bank, ICICI bank, Punjab National Bank and other boast of disbursing loans in a matter of a few minutes. Several banking and non-banking financial companies do not even ask for guarantors or collateral against new business loans. Both new and established business owners can easily avail the necessary funds required to meet their cash flow, keeping their businesses running smoothly.

You get lots of options and better flexibility: Business owners can choose from various types of loans as per their requirements. Whether it is a working capital loan required for operational expenses, a term loan to fund the business in the near future or an overdraft facility; the entrepreneur can choose the loan that best suits his requirement. These multiple options give the borrower the flexibility, while continuously creating the timely flow of cash for the business.

Loans can be availed online: Business owners need not visit the bank anymore with their huge files and tedious documents. With the advent of technology and internet banking, it has now become possible to apply for business loan online. Furthermore, you can access significant loan details like payment schedules, interest certificates and repayment history, online.

They help your business grow and sustain: While loans for business help smoothly manage your business’ operations, they are especially beneficial should you choose to expand or diversify your business. The cushion of money from the loan, if used wisely, helps your business grow and move higher up in the value chain.

They’re affordable: Contrary to popular belief, business loan interest rates are not excessive or exorbitant. They are rather calculated on the basis of such criteria as the business’/borrowers’ financial situation, credit scores, loan tenure and the business’ overall market dynamics. Also, the processing fees and commissions for these loans are minimal. Funds for business can therefore be borrowed at relatively low interest rates.

Everything you need to know about booking movie tickets online

Have you tried to book movie tickets at the theatre only to find that they were sold out? Or you wanted some particular seats but were unable to find them. Admittedly, we all have been through this ordeal.   You do not have to wait in the lines anymore to book your favourite seats or remember to purchase tickets at the last minute. If you cannot go to the movie theatre, get the theatre on your fingertips.  Yes, online movie ticket booking has made this distant dream into a reality. 

It is not just a time-saving option but also affordable. 
So, how can you get movie tickets online?

1) Mobile apps: Every theatre today have their mobile apps. They are user-friendly and allow you to book tickets before the movies hit the multiplexes. You can also select the show timings as per your convenience and choose your kind of seats. You can also book the tickets even in the 11th hour. You then have websites like PayZapp and Paytm offering deals and discounts on movie tickets often.

2) Websites: If you are not too comfortable with smartphones, you can always resort to the web portals. Even here you will find movie show timings, your choice of seats and a list of upcoming movies. You can also  use your wallet offers and other credit/debit cards deals for payments. One major benefit of getting online movie tickets through the website is that you get to compare the prices and show timings conveniently.

What are the requirements for acquiring movie tickets online?

You will need to keep your coupons, in case of an offer on the tickets or debit/credit card handy. When you head to the movie theatre, you will have to provide your PAN card as an ID proof. Even Aadhaar works in certain places. 

What perks do you receive through          online movie ticket booking?      

The benefits of booking tickets online are:

1) Buying movie tickets online leads to less stress, and you can avoid those long lines
2) You can get the desired seats as these portals show you  live seating arrangement inside the screen of the theatre
3) You can choose the kind of movie genre that you wish to watch from a wide array of movie list  
4) You have the freedom to select the movie timings as per your schedule. You can see  the availability on the same in other theatres and compare the pricing as well
5) There is no hassle in cancellation of movie tickets under unforeseen circumstances. You receive the refund in few hours
6) There is no age limitation as everybody can access movie tickets online
7) You can gift your movie tickets to someone like your family member, friends, etc.

With a plethora of options and benefits, go ahead and book  online movie tickets right away!

Tips On How To Secure Mobile Banking Transactions

The internet has now become one of the most paces to send money online instantly today. Because it has become so popular that it has become a target for thieves and criminals as the number of people using these platforms, is increasing at a rapid rate. As days pass, the number of things posing as threats to mobile internet banking, and net banking apps, keeps increasing. To minimise this, financial institutions are making it their priority to safeguard their customers’ sensitive information. But it is imperative for every user to take measures to secure their mobile banking transactions. Basic knowledge on how to operate computers, and use the internet, is all one needs after all!

Some of the ways to secure your mobile banking transactions are:

1.    Don’t click on random links
Firstly, when it comes to internet banking, make sure all the transactions are conducted only through the company’s registered e-banking app or through the institution’s official website. To go to the official website, type in the web address or URL rather than clicking on links received in emails. These might redirect the user to a fraudulent website resembling that of the banks. The login page of the bank’s official site is a secured one, which means that a padlock or unbroken key symbol will appear in the browser when the original site is accessed. Additionally, the bank’s address will change from http to https when the connection is secure.
If pop-ups appear when accessing the bank’s page, make sure to log out immediately.

2.    Clear browser and cache information regularly
Once a page has been accessed, it gets saved in the browser history for quicker access, in case it needs to be revisited. At times, even confidential information like mobile internet banking passwords, are collected by the browser, so it is easier to auto-fill. Therefore, clearing the cache is an essential part of keeping internet banking details safe, as chances of somebody else viewing the information shared, will be lesser.

3.    Use secure networks
Many trusted companies provide good anti-viruses for mobile phones today. It is not advisable to use Wi-Fi that is left unlocked or is open and free for the public to use. For mobile banking, always use cellular data or secure Wi-Fi at a trusted location.

It is also advisable to use the OTP facility rather than the pin number, whenever possible, as this requires the updated phone number and email address, to go ahead with transactions.

Education loans- what it covers and the documents required

Every parent dreams of giving their children a complete, rounded education. After all, quality education is the key to attaining a successful life. It helps your children become financially independent and helps them pave their career paths. But, gaining a quality education costs a lot. Whether it is pre-schools or college education, parents have to shell out a lot of money. With the increasingly expensive fees of medical, engineering and business schools, students often turn to banks to get an education loan. Whether you opt for an education loan in India, or abroad, this is what it typically covers.

Tuition: The most important thing that the education loan covers is your college tuition fees. No matter what or where you choose to study, you have anywhere between four to eight semesters to complete the entire course. The loan covers the entire tuition fees of all the semesters and the bank decides whether to give you the amount in lump sum or semester wise.

Lodging and boarding: If you choose to attend a school in a different country, you can opt for an education loan for abroad, which will also cover the cost of your on-campus housing. This includes the dormitory cost and your meal plans. This is also applicable to students who wish to live off campus, as paying guests or in shared accommodations.

Fees: Fees constitute a large part of your education loan. Along with your tuition, you also have to pay some additional fees which include on-campus student services, student union fees, athletics, activities, counselling, transportation and technology and so on.

Books, equipment and other supplies: Textbooks and guides aren’t exactly inexpensive. Students end up spending a lot of money on textbooks. Other necessary supplies include notepads, folders, and drawing papers etc., which are needed for completing assignments. The bank education loan covers your books and supplies. Furthermore, it also includes equipment like engineering design boards, laptops, scientific calculators etc.

Travel: Students living off campus require allowance to cover their travel expenses to and from the college. This could include money for fuel for personal vehicles and public transport passes. Students who opt to live on campus can use the travel allowance during school breaks and other school-related travel expenses including visiting other schools for presentations, seminars etc.

Eligibility
To be eligible for an education loan, you must be a citizen of India. You must secure admission into a college or university recognized by a competent authority in India or abroad. You must also have completed your higher secondary schooling.

Documentation
Students applying for an education loan for abroad studies must provide the admission letter from the college or university, its fee structure and mark-sheets of all the latest degrees completed. Furthermore, you may have to provide collateral and/or the income documents, salary slips and income-tax returns of either the co-applicant parent or the guarantor.