8 top features and benefits of mobile banking

Banking has gone digital, yet some people still aren’t enjoying all the benefits of mobile banking, including using their bank’s mobile app. Those that do find some features of mobile banking apps more valuable than others, but they also find the advantages of mobile banking are worth the small effort it takes to go digital.

Often, downloading your bank’s mobile banking app (such as the Discover mobile app, which makes managing your bank accounts convenient and secure from anywhere) is all you need to do to start upgrading your banking experience. Once you do that, you’ll have the convenient features of mobile banking at your fingertips. Suddenly, banking tasks that were once tedious and time-consuming are now quick and effortless.

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If you’re intrigued, you may be wondering: What are the benefits and features of mobile banking? Learn how these eight features of mobile banking typically work and how they might bring ease and convenience to your banking:

1. Easy account access

One of the biggest benefits of mobile banking is that your financial information is always just a tap away. You can log in to your mobile banking app, and in just a few seconds you can:

• View your account balances
• Check your interest earnings
• See and confirm recent account activity

2. Seamless account management

Mobile banking apps give you the access and control you need to add, withdraw, or transfer money in your bank accounts. To make life even easier, you can take advantage of features of mobile banking that allow you to automate your savings or to schedule transfers to eligible savings or checking accounts on a one-time or recurring basis. With mobile account management, it’s simple to go back and view your scheduled transfers and recent transfer history if you want to check activity or make adjustments. If you ever need help from a live person, you can tap your bank’s customer service number in your mobile banking app and quickly connect with a bank representative.

3. Mobile check deposit

With mobile banking, depositing a check into your account can take less than a minute. Simply sign the back of your check as usual, then within the banking app, select the account for your deposit and confirm the amount. Next, take pictures of the front and back of your check and send the images securely to the bank. Once you get confirmation, your mobile deposit is complete. That’s a lot easier than traveling to an ATM or bank branch to make a deposit! It’s clear why this is one of the key benefits of mobile banking.

4. Convenient bill pay

Being able to pay your bills whenever and from wherever with an app is another one of the advantages of mobile banking. The bill-paying process is a lot like making a transfer. Here’s how it works:

1. Select the business you want to pay
2. Select the account you want the payment to come from
3. Type in the amount
4. Click on the date you’d like it delivered

You can also check the summary to see a list of payments with information for payee, amount, and date for payments that are both scheduled and recently sent.

5. Layers of account security

Mobile banking is as secure as visiting a branch. Wondering how to stay safe with mobile banking? Here are a few simple steps that can help protect your accounts from fraud:

• Be sure to use a PIN to lock and open your phone.
• Set up a security option to find your phone if it’s lost or stolen. Your phone’s GPS location function actually adds security for mobile banking.
• Create a strong password for your mobile banking account.
• Use extra security options for added protection. For instance, the Discover App offers Touch or Face ID for fast, secure access to your account.

6. Instant money transfer

Another helpful mobile banking application feature is digital payment. Being able to transfer money to your friends and family quickly and securely through digital payment networks is a huge benefit of mobile banking.  

7. Quick payments

Yet another one of the benefits of mobile banking is the way it allows your phone to act like a digital wallet. Take the Discover Cashback Debit account: When paired with Apple Pay^®, you can swiftly make payments via your phone without the hassle of pulling out your card, entering in the 16-digit number, the expiration date, the CVV code, and the billing address. Plus, you can also earn rewards along the way.

8. Easy-to-find ATMs

Even in the digital age, sometimes you still need cash. Being able to find an ATM near you – and better yet, a no-fee ATM – is another one of the most helpful features of mobile banking.

When you’re taking advantage of the features of mobile banking, you can access all the banking services you’re used to—more easily, conveniently, and just as securely.

Ready to take your banking digital? See how Discover’s online banking services can help you get there.

Articles may contain information from third parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third party or information.

The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as professional advice. Nothing contained in this article shall give rise to, or be construed to give rise to, any obligation or liability whatsoever on the part of Discover Bank or its affiliates.

For a list of compatible Apple Pay devices, see https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208531. Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Pay, Apple Watch, iPad, iPhone, Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Apple Pay is a service provided by Apple Payments Services LLC, a subsidiary of Apple Inc. Neither Apple Inc. nor Apple Payments Services LLC is a bank. Any card used in Apple Pay is offered by the card issuer.