Women are more likely to use the Internet to save time, while men go online to hunt for bargains, research revealed today.
Around 53 per cent of women said saving time was the main reason they used the Internet to shop, compared to 41 per cent of men, according to Barclays.
But 56 per cent of men said they shopped online to save money, compared to just 40 per cent of women, while 70 per cent of men said they valued the Internet because it offers lower prices and more competition between suppliers.
Both sexes liked banking online because it was quicker, with 89 per cent of men and 79 per cent of women estimating that using the Internet to keep track of their financial affairs saved them up to two hours a week.
Those questioned said checking their balances online saved them the most time, while 26 per cent of women said they also liked keeping track of their money electronically because it meant they did not have to visit a branch.
The top three purchases made online by both women and men were flights or holidays, books, and CDs or DVDs.
Women emerged as being most likely to buy clothes online, with 28 per cent, compared to just 21 per cent of men.
Around 63 per cent of both women and men said the Internet was now a serious alternative to the high street.
Simon Newman, eChannels director at Barclays, said: "It's great that people feel the Internet can help with their busy lives and gives them more time to do what they want.
"The arrival of broadband will also help to speed up their online access."
The Survey Shop questioned 512 people by telephone between March 10 and 15.
PA