The Bank of Bermuda's online service has been expanded to allow another 20 options for paying bills.

Included in the new options are grocery stores, insurance companies and retail stores as well as utilities and phone companies.

Retail Client Service Head Danny Fox said payments could be made as late as 11 p.m. and still be processed the same day.

EasyLink Online was successfully launched by Bank of Bermuda in February 2002, with more than 1,000 customers registered within two days. To date over 4,500 people have registered with EasyLink Online.

"When we launched EasyLink Online, we promised customers that it was a great platform on which to develop an even better service," said Danny Fox, Head of Retail Client Services at Bank of Bermuda.

"We have been thrilled with the positive customer feedback, but we know we can further develop the service and make it even more convenient.

"Our customers are at the heart of this development - we know what services are popular and we closely monitor all customer comments and requests. From launch, customers have used EasyLink Online extensively to pay their bills and they want to be able to pay more bills online.

"Extending our bill payee list was therefore our first priority and we will continue to add companies as we go forward."

Making the announcement yesterday the bank also said they were determined to offer customers real-time service. "The real-time capability of EasyLink Online is key to making online bill payment so convenient," said Mr. Fox.

"With real-time, all transactions are effective immediately. This means you won't miss your payment deadline even if your bill is due that day.

In fact, you have up to 11 p.m. to make your payment and it will be processed that day."

The total list of 25 payees includes Lindo's Group, Miles Market, The Supermart, Argus Insurance, Bermuda Life Insurance, BF& M General Insurance, BF& M Life Insurance, Colonial Insurance, Colonial Life, Colonial Medical, Colonial Pension, Somers Isles Insurance, AS Cooper & Sons, Baptiste Builders' Supply/Bermuda Glass, Pearman Watlington, Phoenix Stores, Bermuda Telephone Company, Cable & Wireless, Cellular One, Logic Communications, TeleBermuda International, Telecom Bermuda, Belco, Bermuda Gas, CableVision.