Now, lots of transactions happen more quickly and seamlessly than in the past. Here are some ways technology has enhanced -- and can enhance -- your banking experience.

Direct deposit
Your paycheques (or government payments) are automatically deposited into your bank accounts, saving time, effort and money.

Online Banking
Most banks now offer banking services through the internet, allowing customers to check balances, pay bills, transfer funds, compare savings plans, deposit to RRSPs, draw on their lines of credit and even apply for loans.

Automatic payments
Arrange to pay your loan and property-tax payments, along with your utility and credit card bills online -- automatically. It's simply a matter of registering a new payee on your Web-banking account and entering your instructions.

Automatic teller machines
Allow customers to obtain cash and conduct banking transactions. Because the banks' systems communicate with each other (and with independent ATM purveyors), you can use even those ATMs that aren't affiliated with your home bank.

Point-of-sale transactions
Acceptance of debit cards at retail stores and restaurants for payment of goods and services.