Citibank is providing Euro transfers and third party account payments with no fees to its customers.
Covering 31 European countries the Citibank initiative will get money into any bank account in Europe within 3 days. The fee free element applies to Citibank current accounts and savings accounts that use the Euro as their currency. Accounts that use a currency other than the Euro will have a charge of 2 percent levied for currency conversion.
A spokesperson from Citibank saw this new initiative as one that would speed up the whole banking process in Europe and make the transfer of money inexpensive and safe. It is expected to be especially popular with customers who have overseas properties and also those who send payments to bank accounts in different European countries.
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A new five year contract has been agreed between the Alliance and Leicester and Payzone, a 17,000 site network where consumers can pay water bills.
Estimated figures for the year are that around 6 million transactions will be processed by the Alliance and Leicester on behalf of Payzone, consumers using either a booklet or credit card style payment card. The relationship between the two companies began in 2007 so this five year deal shows the belief they have in each other now.
The commercial side of Alliance and Leicester works with around 1,500 businesses to collect payments from consumers, with most utility companies signed up as well as 8 out of 10 local authorities.
Research carried out by the Alliance and Leicester has found that around 38 percent of small business organisations are run by the owner with the support of their partner.
Partners can be found in a variety of roles around the business, especially administration and operations. This enables them to have an overall understanding of the business whilst being fully supportive of their managing partner. The Alliance and Leicester research also revealed that around 35 percent of couples share the decisions on finance in the business.
An Alliance and Leicester spokesman felt that this approach to business showed how committed both partners were to making their organisation successful. He felt that this approach enabled them to share some of the stresses, making them easier to deal with, and also the highs, bringing a sense of achievement for both of them.