CoinTalk

Banking Then and Now

Not so long ago, opening a bank account was a bit of a headache. You had to take time off work, drive to a branch, pick a number, wait in line, and then sit across from a banker filling out forms by hand. You probably remember the endless signatures, photocopies of your ID, and the polite but time-consuming process of  just a few more minutes.

Fast forward to today, and the picture looks completely different. In 2025, opening a bank account is something you can do without ever stepping foot in a branch. You can be sitting in your kitchen with a laptop or lying in bed with your phone, and in less than fifteen minutes you’ll have a fully functioning bank account. What used to feel like a big, formal step is now almost as simple as signing up for a new email address.

This shift isn’t just about convenience. It’s about how technology has reshaped banking. Digital-first banks don’t need expensive branch networks, so they save money and pass those savings to you through lower fees and higher interest on your savings. They’ve also built apps that make money management part of your daily life instead of something you only think about once a month.

Why More People Are Choosing Online Banking

There’s a reason why millions of people have moved away from traditional banking. Online accounts often give you perks that brick-and-mortar banks don’t. Imagine getting a notification on your phone the second you swipe your card, or seeing your monthly spending neatly broken down into categories like groceries, entertainment, and travel without having to keep receipts.

Many online banks also drop the kind of fees people hate most. Monthly maintenance charges, overdraft penalties, and minimum balance requirements are being replaced by customer-friendly policies. And because everything runs through an app, you can pay bills, transfer money, or set up automatic savings goals anytime, day or night.

For frequent travelers or international workers, some online banks even go a step further by offering global ATM fee reimbursements or fair currency exchange rates. A decade ago, these were perks reserved for premium accounts. Today, they’re becoming standard features.

Choosing the Right Kind of Account

Before you hit the  apply now  button, it’s important to think about what kind of account makes sense for you. If you want to pay bills, get your salary, and use a debit card for daily purchases, then a checking account is the foundation you need. If your goal is to put money aside and watch it grow, then a savings account is the natural choice. Many people find it useful to open both, creating a simple system where one account is for spending and the other for saving.

For couples or families, joint accounts are still very common, and online banks have made them even easier to manage, often allowing both partners to see real-time updates from their phones. Freelancers and small business owners, meanwhile, can open business accounts online too, giving them tools to track income, send invoices, and even handle taxes more smoothly.

The Online Account Opening Experience

So how does the process actually feel when you’re doing it? It’s much simpler than most people expect. You start by choosing a bank and heading to their website or downloading their app. From there, you’ll fill out a short digital form with your name, date of birth, address, and a few other personal details.

The bank will then need to verify your identity. In the past, this might have meant mailing copies of documents or visiting a branch. Now, it usually means uploading a photo of your passport or driver’s license, and sometimes taking a quick selfie video to prove you’re the same person. Advanced systems check everything in minutes, and in many cases you’ll be verified instantly.

Once that’s done, you’ll be asked to fund the account. This step is straightforward. You can link an existing bank account and transfer money in, use a debit card, or even deposit a check by snapping a picture of it with your phone. Some online banks allow you to open an account with as little as one dollar, while others ask for a slightly higher starting balance, but it’s almost always affordable.

Finally, you’ll set up your online access. This is where you create your login details, add extra layers of security like two-factor authentication, and download the bank’s app. From that moment on, your account is live and ready to use.

Features That Make Online Banking Stand Out

The real beauty of online banking is the experience after you’ve opened the account. The apps aren’t just places to check your balance—they’ve become full financial dashboards.

Imagine you buy groceries at your local store. Instantly, your phone buzzes with a notification that tells you how much you spent, where you spent it, and what category it falls into. At the end of the week, you can open the app and see a clean chart showing that maybe 30% of your budget went to food, 20% to entertainment, and 10% to transportation.

Many banks also include automatic savings tools. Every time you make a purchase, the app can round it up to the nearest dollar and move the spare change into your savings. Over time, those small amounts add up. Some banks even give you early access to your paycheck—up to two days before it would normally hit your account.

For the tech-savvy, certain online banks now offer integration with cryptocurrency wallets or investment platforms. Others make international money transfers cheap and fast, which is a game-changer for people who work abroad or send money home to their families.

What to Keep in Mind When Picking a Bank

Of course, not all banks are equal, and this is where doing your homework matters. Security should always be your first concern. Make sure the bank is insured by the FDIC in the United States or by an equivalent authority in your own country. That way, even in the unlikely event the bank fails, your money is protected.

Fees are another area to pay attention to. A bank that advertises itself as  free  may still have hidden charges buried in the fine print—things like overdraft fees, paper statement charges, or limits on international transactions. ATM access is also worth considering, since you’ll want a bank that won’t nickel-and-dime you when you need cash.

Finally, think about customer service. Even the best apps can’t solve every problem, and there may come a time when you need to talk to a real human. The best online banks offer responsive support through live chat or even 24/7 hotlines.

The New Normal: Banking on Your Terms

The biggest change online banking has brought is freedom. You don’t have to arrange your schedule around branch hours anymore. You don’t have to wait days for checks to clear. And you don’t have to treat money management as a stressful, complicated task. Instead, it’s become something quick, natural, and even empowering.

For many people, opening an account online is their first step toward better financial habits. Once you see how easy it is to track your spending, set goals, and watch your savings grow, you start to feel more in control. And that’s really the point—banking that works for your life, not the other way around.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been putting off opening a bank account because you think it’s going to be complicated or time-consuming, 2025 is the year to let go of that fear. The process today is fast, secure, and designed to fit into your lifestyle. Whether you’re in the United States, Canada, Europe, or anywhere else, chances are you can open a fully verified account in less than half an hour without leaving your home.

What used to be a chore has become one of the simplest things you can do for your financial future. And once you experience the convenience of online banking, you’ll probably wonder why you ever wasted time standing in line at a branch in the first place.

If you are a TikTok user in Malaysia, you might be wondering how much your virtual coins are actually worth in real money. Whether you are a fan looking to buy gifts for your favorite creators or a streamer wanting to withdraw your earnings, understanding the conversion from TikTok Coins to MYR is very important.

What are TikTok Coins?

TikTok Coins are an in-app currency that you buy with real money. You can use these coins to send "Gifts" to creators during their Live streams. For creators, these gifts are converted into Diamonds, which can then be cashed out into your bank account. In Malaysia, the price of buying coins can vary slightly depending on whether you purchase them through the TikTok app (iOS/Android) or the official TikTok website, which is often cheaper.

How Much is 1 TikTok Coin in MYR?

The value of TikTok coins changes based on exchange rates and the package you choose. Generally, the more coins you buy at once, the better the deal. On average, 100 TikTok Coins cost around RM 4.50 to RM 5.50. This means that 1 individual coin is worth roughly RM 0.05. However, keep in mind that if you are a creator, TikTok takes a commission (around 50%) when you convert your gifts back into Ringgit.

How to Withdraw Your Earnings

If you have collected enough Diamonds from your viewers, you can withdraw them directly to your Malaysian bank account or via PayPal. To do this, go to your "Balance" settings in the app, select "LIVE Rewards," and follow the instructions to link your payout method. Always make sure your bank details are correct to avoid any delays in receiving your money.

The Secret Every Traveler Wishes They Knew

Let’s be real: nothing kills the excitement of planning a trip faster than seeing sky-high airfare. If you’ve ever wondered, “When is the best time to book a flight?” or “What’s the best day to buy airline tickets?”—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, refreshing flight search pages at midnight, hoping for a miracle price drop.

But here’s the good news: there are cheapest days to fly, and knowing them can save you hundreds. I’m going to break it all down, so you can book smarter, travel more, and keep your wallet happy.

My First Big Discount: How I Discovered the Cheapest Days to Fly

A few years back, I decided to surprise my family with a trip to Orlando. I’d heard rumors that certain days were better for booking, but I didn’t know the details. So, I set up price alerts, scrolled through endless forums, and even called a travel agent (old school, I know).

Then, one Tuesday morning, I saw it: the price for our flights dropped by $120 each. That was my lightbulb moment. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to crack the code on the best day to book flights—and I’m sharing it all with you.

When Is the Best Time to Book a Flight?

Let’s get straight to the point. According to travel industry data and my own experience:

1. Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the cheapest days to fly. Airlines tend to release deals on Monday nights, and competitors match prices by Tuesday afternoon.

2. Avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays. These are peak travel days, and prices soar.

3. Book flights 1–3 months in advance for domestic trips, and 2–8 months for international. Booking too early or too late can cost you.

Quick Tips for Finding the Cheapest Days to Fly

1. Set fare alerts on sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner.

2. Search in incognito mode to avoid price hikes based on your browsing history.

3. Be flexible with your travel dates. Shifting your trip by just a day or two can mean big savings.

The Best Day to Buy Airline Tickets: Fact or Myth?

You’ve probably heard, “Book on a Tuesday at 3 p.m.!” While there’s some truth to this, the real answer is: it depends. Airlines use dynamic pricing, so the best day to book flights can shift based on your route, season, and even your country.

But here’s what works most often:

1. Midweek bookings (Tuesday or Wednesday) tend to offer the best deals.

2. Check prices early in the week, but monitor them for a few days. Sometimes, a deal pops up on Thursday or Saturday.

Don’t Fall for the Hype: Avoid These Booking Pitfalls

1. Don’t trust unverified bots or pop-up “exclusive deals.” Stick to reputable sites.

2. Watch out for hidden fees. Low fares can balloon with baggage and seat charges.

3. Don’t wait too long. If you see a great deal, snag it—airfare can change in minutes.

Ready to Save on Your Next Flight?

Booking cheap flights isn’t magic—it’s strategy. By knowing the cheapest days to fly and the best day to buy airline tickets, you’ll travel more and stress less.

I’m trying to figure out how many quarters make up 20 dollars because I want to count my change accurately. I live in the US and often deal with coins when paying for small purchases.

Sometimes I get confused about how many quarters equal a certain amount of dollars, especially larger amounts like $20. Can someone explain how many quarters are in 20 dollars and maybe a simple way to calculate it? Also, is there a quick trick or formula I can use next time I want to convert dollars to quarters?

What is a liquidation heatmap in crypto trading?

 liquidation heatmap is a powerful charting tool that helps traders visualize where major BTC Bitcoin liquidations may occur. By tracking open positions and potential liquidation zones, traders can predict areas of strong buying or selling pressure. On TradingView, these heatmaps highlight clusters of orders where leveraged trades might get closed if prices move too far. This gives insight into market psychology and helps avoid risky entries. Many professional traders use this data to plan safer entries and exits, reducing losses from sudden volatility. Whether you trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins, mastering the liquidation heatmap on TradingView can improve your strategy and timing significantly.

My First Crypto Experience: From “Crypto for Dummies” to Confident Investor

I’ll never forget the first time I heard about cryptocurrency. It was 2020, and a friend mentioned he’d doubled his money with Bitcoin. Skeptical but curious, I typed “crypto for beginners” and “crypto currency for dummies” into Google, hoping to make sense of the hype. The world of wallets, blockchains, and private keys seemed overwhelming. But after a few late nights of research and my first small purchase, I realized that crypto is both simpler—and riskier—than most people think. Here’s what I wish I’d known before I started.

What Is Cryptocurrency? Why Are So Many People Talking About It?

Cryptocurrency is digital money that isn’t controlled by any government or bank. The most famous example is Bitcoin, but there are thousands of others—each with its own features and uses. Crypto runs on blockchain technology, which is basically a public ledger that records every transaction. This system is designed to be secure, transparent, and (in theory) resistant to fraud.

Advantages of Cryptocurrency: Why Some Say It’s the Future

If you’re searching for the “advantages of cryptocurrency,” here’s what attracts millions of new users every year:

• Decentralization: No single authority controls your money.
• Accessibility: Anyone with internet access can participate, no matter where they live.
• Potential for High Returns: Some early investors have seen massive profits.
• Transparency: Every transaction is recorded on the blockchain for anyone to verify.
• Innovation: Crypto powers new technologies like DeFi (decentralized finance) and NFTs.

The Dark Side: Pros and Cons of Cryptocurrency

But it’s not all upside. If you’re asking, “why cryptocurrency is bad?” or want to know the “pros and cons of cryptocurrency,” consider these:

• Volatility: Prices can swing wildly in minutes—big gains, but also big losses.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Laws change fast, and some countries ban or restrict crypto.
• Security Risks: If you lose your private key, your funds are gone forever.
• Scams and Hacks: The crypto world attracts fraudsters and hackers.
• Learning Curve: Newcomers can find wallets, exchanges, and jargon confusing.

Is Crypto a Good Investment? Should You Get Into Crypto?

So, “is crypto a good investment?” The answer depends on your risk tolerance, goals, and willingness to learn. Crypto can be a powerful tool for diversification and growth, but it’s not a guaranteed win. Here’s how to get started safely:

How to Get Into Crypto (Step-by-Step)

1. Educate Yourself: Read beginner guides, watch videos, and follow reputable news sources.
2. Choose a Secure Wallet: Start with a trusted app or hardware wallet.
3. Pick a Reputable Exchange: Use well-known platforms for buying and selling.
4. Start Small: Only invest what you can afford to lose.
5. Diversify: Don’t put all your money into one coin.
6. Stay Updated: Crypto evolves fast—keep learning!

Key Takeaway: Embrace the Learning Curve

My journey from “crypto for dummies” to confident investor taught me that the biggest risk is jumping in blind. Take your time, start small, and ask questions. The crypto world rewards curiosity and caution in equal measure.

Closing Thought: Your First Step Could Be Your Smartest Move

Crypto isn’t magic—it’s a tool. Used wisely, it can open doors to new opportunities. If you’re ready to explore, start with knowledge, not hype. Your next financial win could begin today.