6/26/99 -- 5:41 PM

PC and Internet banking
This is a survey of area banks offering PC and Internet banking services and some, but not all, of the options they offer. Some banks expecting to implement service are not listed because their plans are uncertain, nor are credit unions shown in this list.

AmSouth

Offers PC and Internet banking services, includes bill paying and transfering funds between accounts. PC banking with Microsoft Money available. Five dollor monthly charges waived for 90 days.

Bank of Tampa

Offers PC banking for high-end business customers. Services include cash management, transfers, stock payments. Fees vary with customers account or activity. Internet banking planned before the end of the year for all customers.

Central Bank of Tampa

Offers PC banking. View accounts, bill payments and transfer payments. Fees are $5.95 a month, $15 for start-up.

Citrus & Chemical Bank

Offers PC banking. Internet banking being tested with roll out by autumn, transfer of funds and balance inquiries. Internet costs have not been determined.

Colonial Bank

Offers PC banking that includes bill paying, transfers and statements. No set-up fees, $8 monthly.

Columbia Bank

The bank's Internet banking website is due up in a month. Costs and services have yet to be determined.

First Union

Offers PC and Internet banking with bill payments, tranfers and account information. One month free, charges vary depending on the services you want to use, from $6.95 and up.

Florida Bank

Will offer PC and Internet banking before the end of the year. Check balances, make transfers and bill payments will be available. Will offer unlimited access for a $9.95 monthly fee.

Huntington Banks

Offers Internet banking with check balances, transfers and bill payments. Charges $4.95 a month.

Mercantile Bank

Offers PC banking on business accounts (Biz Express) only. Services include transfers between accounts. Fees are $25 month, with $10 added for each additional account. Plans are under way for Internet banking for general customers.

NationsBank

Offers Internet and PC banking with bill payments, balance reviews and fund transfers. Charges $9.95 month for those who are not Advantage or Select checking customers.

Northern Trust

PC and Internet banking start July 1. PC banking fees are $10 per month and $10 per month for the bill paying option.

Provident Bank of Florida

Offers Internet banking with bill payment and transfers between accounts. Basic setup is free; bill payment is $7.50 monthly.

Regions Bank

Offers PC and Internet banking including bill payment and transfers between accounts. Fee information is not available.

Republic Security Bank

Offers PC banking with account information, fund transfers and bill payments. The first 60 days are free. Personal accounts are$5.95 a month with a $10 software fee. Bill payer costs $9.95 a month.

Southern Commerce Bank

Offers Internet banking with balances, statements and transfers between accounts. No fee.

Southern Exchange

Offers PC Banking. There is no setup fees, $9.75 monthly for bill paying.

SouthTrust

Offers PC banking with bill payment, transfers and account information. There are no start-up fees, monthly fees vary on amount of usage and services.

SunTrust

Offers PC Banking with bill payment and account transfers. Charges $9.95 a month for basic services and a limited number of log-ons and/or bill payments.

The Terrace Bank of Tampa

Internet banking is in the test stages. The time frame to be determined.

United Bank & Trust Co.

Offers PC and Internet banking with bill payments and account information. No cost for Internet banking, except bill payments (depends on personal or business). Commercial business are charged $10 to set up plus $9.95 per month and $0.45 per transaction. Personal accounts are charged $5.95 to set up with 20 free transactions a month, after that $0.50 per transaction.

Source: Tribune research by Sarah Knupke