Standard Bank has announced the much anticipated update of its banking app for smartphones. This rollout follows the successful launch of its new generation tablet banking app in March this year.
According to Vuyo Mpako, head of Innovation and Channel Design at Standard Bank, “Penetration of smartphones is on the increase and we need to be able to cater for our customers’ needs by providing them with intuitive banking solutions that offer convenience and ease of use.”
The response to the tablet banking app has been overwhelming, with over 50 000 active users transacting via the app after just a few months.
According to Mpako, customers are enjoying the comprehensive payment functionality including adding and paying beneficiaries, making payments to people without bank accounts, and creating cash vouchers to be withdrawn without using a bank card.
“Customers can now look forward to having these popular features on their phones – giving them the ability to transact on their smart device of choice with the same experience,” says Mpako.
The app incorporates the Standard Bank ID that was introduced with the tablet app; meaning that once you create your unique login (Standard Bank ID), it can be used on all your devices. If you have downloaded the tablet app, all your information will be available on the new app for your smartphone, giving you a seamless experience across your phone and tablet.
The app allows customers access to both their personal and business accounts, as well as the ability to personalise their app experience. This includes the ability to create their own descriptive names for their dashboards and accounts.
Customers can create savings goals and use an intuitive “Impulse Save” feature that allows them to save any amount, at any time, with a simple tap on the screen.
The new app is initially available for iOS and Android devices. There are plans underway to release the app on more phone platforms based on customer demand. The existing Blackberry and Windows mobile banking apps continue to cater for users on those platforms.
The iPhone version will be available in the App Store as an upgrade to the current Standard Bank mobile banking app.
Android users will be able to download the new app from the Google Play Store. It won’t automatically replace their current app, and they will therefore initially have both apps on their device.
“The new app offers an optimised experience and while you can use both apps, we recommend that the ‘old’ app be deleted so that you can enjoy the benefits of the new app,” says Mpako.
Standard Bank is on an exciting journey to make the lives of customers easier by finding innovative banking solutions. The evolution of technology and customer needs is at the heart of this journey and in essence, innovation is inspired by customers.
“In the last few months, the response to innovations like the app for tablets, SnapScan and MasterPass has been increasingly positive – this is indicative of a market moving towards smart, intuitive banking solutions,” concludes Mpako.
