Almost everyone has found themselves face-to-face with this situation: It's 6 p.m. the day before a big bill is due, and you've forgotten to make the payment. What can be done to avoid big late charges? Online wire payments can often be the answer. Simple, quick and easy, this method of payment is fast becoming the way bills get paid.

It used to be online payments were considered "newfangled," unreliable and even a little scary. But, thanks to some major advancements in security, online payments are the favored method for paying everything from credit cards to mortgage payments and beyond. Even many local utility companies around the United States accept online payments readily, making them convenient for such things as electric and water bills, too.

The advantages to online payments are many, and include:

* Simplicity. There are no checks to write, stamps to find and envelopes to fill out. All it takes is a computer, Internet access and generally a checking account or credit card.

* Speed of credit. Online payments are generally credited much more quickly than a check sent by snail mail would be accepted. In some cases, it might not be possible to avoid those late charges, but in many others online payments will make it possible.

* Security. With major encryption programs now available, many online payment services are perhaps even safer than mailing paper checks. Plus, there's no fear of the payment getting lost in the mail.

It's easy to see why so many are turning to online payments to make sure their bills get paid, but what about other uses?

Online payments and wire transfers are taking over where the old wire service companies of days gone by left off. Rather than having to get into a car, go to the bank and withdraw money, and then load up and head to the wire transfer place, these online services allow customers to get it all done without leaving their own desks.

Now, it's as simple as logging on to a payment site, punching in a few numbers and hitting send. Within no time at all, the person on the other end will have the money needed for paying bills, handling emergencies or even enjoying a fun night out. The service is quick, easy and generally quite secure.

When using payment services, however, customers can do themselves a favor by checking into security features. Good payment services offer encrypted protection that's generally overseen or at least certified by another agency. Look for information about security on the web site you intend to use before proceeding.

Online payments and wire transfers take the guess work and security concerns out of dealing with money. They once were considered a fad, now they're a trend that's showing no signs of going away. With companies from electric utilities to auto loan writers accepting payments in this manner, it's no wonder they're the way business is getting done.

Plus, online payments are great for one-time wire transfers and even as a full-time payment method for small businesses. Quick and convenient, the services allow the transfer of money without anyone involved ever once having to go to a bank.