FNB launches SA's first banking 'app'

22 July 2011

In a first for a South African bank, First National Bank has launched the FNB Banking Application, an "app" that gives users of smartphones and tablet computer devices easy access to their accounts online.

South Africa currently has an estimated 16% smartphone penetration, which according to information technology research company Gartner will ramp up to 80% by 2014. Global sales of tablet computers and smartphones are predicted to exceed PC, notebooks and netbooks in 2011.

The app market is also predicted to grow by 60%.

The FNB Banking App is available for Android, Apple and Blackberry devices, with an app for devices running the Symbian platform expected before the end of August.

"At FNB we are constantly looking at ways to improve on our innovations, staying one step ahead of our competitors and consistently adding value and choice for our customers," FNB chief executive Michael Jordaan said in a statement this week.

"In an increasingly digital world in which smartphones, tablet devices and apps are changing the way we communicate and live, the introduction of the FNB Banking App will enable us to widen our offering allowing us to provide our customers with convenient banking solutions and great user experience."

Immediate secure access

The app gives users immediate and secure access to their bank accounts, allowing them to view account lists and detailed transactional histories, perform transactional services like transfers between accounts, as well as pay beneficiaries.

"The solution will give our customers a convenient, anytime, anywhere digital banking solution, rich in user experience," said Jordaan. "We are glad to say that this App is a home grown creation and has been developed in house by FNB Connect, the bank's internal internet service provider."

Value added services

In addition to banking services, a few of the value added services include allowing customers to find FNB branches and ATMs using location based services, as well as access to an immediate FNB branch list directory, making free calls to any FNB contact centres and cheap outbound calls to other numbers.

The Banking App also has functionality for users to view foreign exchange rates.

"We understand the demand for instant and 'on the go' banking from our customers and our App provides easy access to banking through a single sign on process. One step is all it takes to safely access your bank account," said FNB Connect's Farren Roper.

"The App was designed for quick deployment into new and existing markets as it works off any network and off a 3G or WiFi access medium. Smartphone and tablet device users and require mobility and multi-functionality and we designed our App with this user profile in mind.

"The App gives the multi-tasker a quick, one stop and convenient banking experience."

To use the service, customers who have Apple devices can download the App from the Apple App store, Android customers from the Android Market, while Blackberry customers can get the App from the Blackberry App World.

SAinfo reporter