UK savers bank on their phones to save a pretty penny
Over half (51%) of Brits never leave home without their mobile phone with 44% claiming they couldn't live without it, according to research from BM Savings. In fact, a quarter (26%) of Brits confessed they would worry they would miss a call if they forgot their mobile.
Women seem to be more attached to their phones with over half (54%) confessing they would never leave home without it and 47% admitting they couldn't live without their trusted communication companion. Over a quarter of women (28%) would also worry they would miss calls or couldn't make a call if they left their phone at home.
In contrast, under half (47%) of men said they would never leave home without their mobile and two fifths (41%) claimed they could not live without it. Under a quarter of men (24%) also admitted they would worry they had missed a call or couldn't make a call if they left their phone at home.
Every second counts
Despite the popularity of texting, a good natter is the firm favourite across the UK with 88% of 18 to 24 years old spending up to an hour on the phone every day. On average over three quarters (78%) of Brits spend up to half an hour on the phone everyday.
It's not only teens and twenty somethings who have their phones firmly attached to their ear, 30% of over 65's say they couldn't live without their mobile phone and never leave home without it.
Regional chatters
The dog and bone is a Londoner's best friend with over half (55%) of claiming they couldn't live without their phone closely followed (53%) by those in the West Midlands. In fact, West Midlanders are so attached to their mobile phone; over 70% said they would never leave home with it compared to just 37% of those in the South West.
Banking on the blower
The research also revealed that over half of Brits (52%) said banking over the phone is the most convenient way to conduct their affairs as they (49%) like to speak to a real person. Over two fifths
(82%) of 45 to 54 year olds said they preferred telephone banking as they can bank from anywhere as three fifths (60%) of them said they don't have time to go into branch.
59% of Brits still believe the best deals in savings products are online however 29% said they would consider a telephone account with a competitive interest rate.
Commenting on the latest findings, John Bianco, Head of Birmingham Midshires Savings Products said, "It's clear that most of us enjoy talking on the phone and find it useful for getting day to day jobs done quickly and efficiently. Many people mistakenly think that the best savings deals can only be found online."
"Our Telephone Extra account gives customers a competitive 2.75% interest rate with all the benefits of being able to manage your account via the phone, on the move or from the comfort of your sofa at home."