U.S. consumers are paying more attention to their finances and using online banking more frequently to access their accounts during the current financial crisis, according to a new study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Fiserv.

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of consumers said they were watching their finances more closely than they did a year a go. Online banking usage increased more than any other banking channel, with 28 percent of consumers reporting they are using online banking more than they did a year ago, and 63 percent said managing all of their accounts online from one site would help the feel more in control of their finances.

By comparison, only 10 percent of the 1,009 U.S. consumers surveyed reported increasing their ATM use, just 9 percent visit their bank branch more often, and 4 percent are calling customer service more often than they did a year ago.

“In these difficult times, financial institutions are looking for new ways to reach out to consumers and provide value,” said Todd Lesher, division president, Fiserv Electronic Banking Services. “This survey indicates that online banking is still a great opportunity for financial institutions looking to strengthen their ties with consumers.”

“Consumers are using online banking more frequently to monitor their cash flow, manage their finances more actively and save money on stamps. Financial institutions are playing an important role by providing new and innovative online tools to help consumers weather the financial storm.”