The study is available at http://www.keynote.com/news_events/releases_2006/06apr18.html .

The study is based on the online experiences of 2,000 prospective customers using 10 major banking Web sites, and measured more than 250 metrics to determine the top sites in terms of the overall customer experience. The study also brand-ranked the sites in more than a dozen categories, including how easy it is to explore online services, open an account and use customer support, Keynote said.

Wachovia topped the list, Keynote said.

"Wachovia bested the competition based on the ease with which prospective customers could explore its online banking functions, as well as strong satisfaction with its customer support," according to the study. "Wachovia was also viewed as the most 'helpful' online banking site."

According to Keynote, two-thirds of prospective customers had a strongly positive image of the bank after experiencing the site. Beforehand just 14 percent expressed a strong brand preference.