Barclays relaunches online banking web site

Barclays' two-factor authentication device has been instrumental in its attempts to tackle online fraud

Barclays has revamped its online banking web site with improved navigation and features aimed at protecting clients against fraud.

Apart from the usual banking functionality such as money transfer and payments, the new web site has a clearer layout, intended to give easier access to functions.

With the new site, clients will be able to notify the bank that they wish to use their debit card overseas among other account maintenance activities.

The financial services giant will also continue to provide customers with internet security software and drive use of its two-factor authentication system for online banking.

Earlier this year, Barclays launched a new mobile web site to simplify access to online personal banking services, where clients can check account balances, see statements at a glance, and make transfers between accounts and to other banks via a mobile browser, with information that fits better on handset screens.

The bank added that its credit card business, Barclaycard, is also set to relaunch its online account management facilities.

"Barclays was at the forefront of the online banking revolution when the site was originally launched in 1999 and we continue to pioneer new technology to keep the online banking service as secure and user-friendly as possible,” said Barclays digital banking director Sean Gilchrist.

"With more people using online banking every day it is important that the site looks fresh and the content is relevant. The new design and layout makes it easier to use, which ultimately helps customers stay in control of their money,” said Gilchrist.

"This is the first in a programme of change over the next 12 months that will also see us introducing some new tools and features for customers and implementing a new design for the Barclays.co.uk web site."