Last spring it won permission to inspect the records of customers of PayPal, eBay's online payment system, who have bank or payment-card accounts in tax havens.

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Start-ups and other financial companies can quickly create FDIC-insured bank accounts, move money online and do payment processing using BancBox.

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But if you are just looking for convenience and to avoid the hassle of finding a stamp, consider making your payment through your bank's online bill pay, or allow your charity to debit your bank account.

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His fast-growing business, funded by IDG and Softbank, has more than 500, 000 registered users, with a goal of 1 million by next year--boosted by an escrow-based online payment service in a market where credit cards and bank transfers aren't common.

FORBES: Commentary

And as online bill-payment becomes more common, direct transfers out of bank accounts may also be used more widely for other purchases on the Internet.

ECONOMIST: A survey of online finance

The Bank of China Group, which already has a secure online payment system for Visa cards, is developing another system for BOC's Great Wall card, as well as Visa and Mastercard.

CNN: THE E-TAIL REVOLUTION

You can use online banking, a standing order, or arrange a date of payment with your telephone bank service.

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In April Daniel Tzvetkoff, the Australian owner of another payment processor used by online gaming firms, was arrested in Las Vegas and charged by federal prosecutors of bank fraud and money laundering.

FORBES