Site icon Idon Rpg

The best mobile banking apps in August 2024

The best mobile banking apps in August 2024

Why waste time driving to the bank when you can manage your accounts without getting up from the sofa? Mobile banking apps are only improving as banks pour resources into building new features, strengthening security and improving customer experience.

If managing your money through one of the best mobile banking apps is a top priority, don’t skip this guide. We’ve highlighted the top apps available for download based on functionality, user experience and real customer reviews.

Methodology



Our team of experts analyzed hundreds of data points and then used data-driven methodology and thorough fact-checking to determine the best mobile banking apps. We emphasized mobile features, security and app ratings. You can read more about our methodology below.

U.S. Bank

Best for overall number of features

U.S. Bank

Why we picked it

U.S. Bank rises above competitors with a robust app that offers excellent functionality to account holders. Starting with account management, customers can take care of almost any task without leaving the app, from viewing real-time balances to depositing checks and making payments.

 

Bills can be paid as needed or scheduled regularly to avoid missing deadlines. Payments to friends and family are handled through Zelle, a platform that supports instant peer-to-peer transfers. U.S. Bank credit and debit cards also work with your smartphone’s digital wallet for easy contactless store payments.

Pros

  • Strong ratings on both Apple and Google
  • Built-in credit monitoring
  • Allows customized notifications

Cons

  • No in-app customer service
  • No ATM locator
  • Some users report difficulties with mobile check deposit

Who should use it

Tech-savvy smartphone users looking for the most functionality from their mobile banking app will be happy with U.S. Bank.

Wells Fargo

Best for Google Play store ratings

Why we picked it

If your smartphone runs on an Android operating system, make sure to check out Wells Fargo for your mobile banking needs. The app receives an overall 4.8-star rating from more than 2.3 million users in the Google Play store, making it one of the top apps for banking on an Android device.

 

Wells Fargo’s mobile banking app provides more than just account management, offering users in-depth credit monitoring and budgeting tools that track spending. The bank’s AI assistant, named Fargo, is also available exclusively via the smartphone app.

Pros

  • High Google Play store rating
  • Includes credit monitoring and spending insights
  • Supports most account management features, including opening new accounts

Cons

  • Chat support only offers help from virtual assistant
  • Some users complain of slow load times
  • Mobile deposit and instant transfer limits may vary by account

Who should use it

Android-based smartphone owners report the best overall satisfaction from Wells Fargo’s mobile banking app.

Capital One

Best for Apple Store ratings

Why we picked it

iOS users are major fans of Capital One’s mobile banking app, giving it an average of 4.8 stars across more than 8 million ratings. The user-friendly platform allows account holders to view and manage their accounts, redeem rewards, and monitor their credit all within the app. Those with an iPhone or iPad can also add a widget to their device’s home screen that displays their current Capital One account balance without having to open the app or log in.

 

Capital One offers an additional unique security feature to all mobile banking app users while making payments online. Virtual card numbers can be generated for different online merchants, protecting your personal debit or credit card number in case of a data breach. Each virtual card can be deactivated at any time through the app.

Pros

  • Option to add iOS home screen widget showing current balance
  • Supports devices enabled with Face ID and Touch ID
  • Virtual card protects your card number while paying online

Cons

  • Less functionality for Android users
  • Lower Google Play store rating
  • In-app chat only connects to AI assistant

Who should use it

Mobile bankers using iPhones and other Apple devices report the best experience with Capital One’s app.

Chime

Best for digital wallet support

Why we picked it

As a leading fintech company, Chime unsurprisingly provides customers with a top-rated mobile app with excellent digital wallet integration. All Chime cards are easy to sync with Apple Pay, Google Wallet or Samsung Pay for quick contactless payments wherever they’re accepted.

 

Chime also supports convenient payments to family members and friends through Pay Anyone, its native money transfer service. With Pay Anyone, the recipient receives a payment link where they can enter their debit card number to receive funds instantly. There are no fees associated with sending money through Pay Anyone.

Pros

  • Integrates with Apple Pay, Google Wallet and Samsung Pay
  • Free instant transfers to friends and family
  • Offers live chat support

Cons

  • No physical bank branches
  • Mobile check deposits not available to all users
  • Only offers checking, savings and credit card accounts

Who should use it

If you prefer making payments with your phone’s digital wallet, Chime’s mobile banking app offers the best support.

Bank of America

Best for rewards redemption features

Why we picked it

Rewards aficionados will be more than satisfied with account management abilities from Bank of America’s mobile banking app, which makes it easy to view, manage and spend the rewards you earn with Bank of America cards. Of course, the app also offers streamlined views of all your accounts held at the bank, including any Merrill investment accounts you may own.

 

The Bank of America mobile banking app displays a free updated FICO credit score for customers with at least one active credit card. It allows instant transfers to family and friends through Zelle.

Pros

  • Streamlined in-app rewards management
  • Displays both Bank of America banking and Merrill investment accounts
  • Free FICO score

Cons

  • Virtual assistant only available in English
  • Difficult to opt out of some data tracking
  • Mobile bill pay must be activated through a web browser

Who should use it

If your spending habits revolve around maximizing rewards earnings, Bank of America offers the best mobile banking experience.

BMO Bank

Best for security features

Why we picked it

Managing security is a significant consideration for mobile banking users and financial institutions alike. While every bank does its part to keep users safe online, BMO goes above and beyond with multiple layers of security that can be customized to fit your needs.

 

BMO Bank’s mobile banking app works with your smartphone’s fingerprint or facial ID recognition system to prevent unauthorized access as one of several multi-step authentication options. The bank has a dedicated financial crimes unit that works to prevent fraudulent activity around the clock. As long as unauthorized charges are reported within two days, BMO Harris Bank offers reimbursement to any customer who loses funds to fraud.

Pros

  • Robust, customizable security features
  • Dedicated 24/7 financial crimes unit
  • Provides education on common scams

Cons

  • Unauthorized charges must be reported within two days to be eligible for reimbursement
  • Mobile deposit not supported on older devices
  • Customized alerts do not carry over when you replace a lost or stolen card

Who should use it

If security concerns have made you hesitant to enroll in online banking, BMO Harris Bank’s app can provide extra peace of mind.

Huntington Bank

Best for Zelle compatibility

Why we picked it

From splitting the bill at dinner to sending birthday cash, there are plenty of reasons you may need to send money to a friend or family member. Many banks partner with Zelle to provide immediate, secure, and fee-free peer-to-peer money transfers, and Huntington Bank offers the best in-app integration for this feature.

 

In addition to sending money through Zelle, Huntington Bank app users can also pay bills, make mobile deposits, and order paper checks via the mail in just a few taps.

Pros

  • Supports instant payments through Zelle
  • Bill pay, mobile deposits and check ordering all available in app
  • Offers quick balance preview without logging in

Cons

  • Only operates branches in eleven states
  • Some features may feel outdated
  • Carries a lower Google Play store rating than competitors

Who should use it

Anyone who frequently sends money through Zelle should consider Huntington Bank’s mobile banking app.

SoFi

Best for credit score monitoring

Why we picked it

Checking your credit score regularly is important, and SoFi makes it easy through built-in features in its mobile banking app. Not only do customers get a free updated credit score through the app, SoFi also includes customized advice on how to improve credit and build a better budget.

 

SoFi customers who make smart financial decisions and make improvements to their credit score can also earn rewards. These points can be redeemed for cash in your checking or savings account or applied toward your SoFi loan balance.

Pros

  • Displays your credit score and helpful insights related to credit health
  • In-app live chat support
  • Offers rewards earnings

Cons

  • No physical locations
  • Limited banking and credit card account types
  • Few overdraft protection options

Who should use it

If you’re looking for a mobile banking app that includes credit monitoring, make sure to check out SoFi.

USAA

Best for military members

Why we picked it

Whether you’re actively deployed or constantly on the move due to a military career, USAA’s mobile banking app makes it painless to continue managing your finances without any hiccups. The app acts as a one-stop shop for seamless management of your USAA bank accounts, investments and insurance policies.

 

No matter where you are in the world, you can use your USAA cards through your phone’s digital wallet for easy contactless payments. Funds can be sent to family members or friends instantly via Zelle.

Pros

  • Tailored towards the needs of service members
  • Streamlined management of banking, investment and insurance accounts
  • Quick integration with digital wallets

Cons

  • Only available to qualifying military members and their families
  • Mediocre Google Play rating
  • Foreign checks not eligible for mobile deposit

Who should use it

Military members and their families can benefit from mobile banking through USAA.

Alliant Credit Union

Best for those who want a credit union

Why we picked it

Alliant Credit Union stands out with the best mobile banking app among credit unions thanks to its intuitive design and robust functionality. The app provides much more than just basic account management, offering seamless integration with popular budgeting tools for better financial planning.

 

Customers can speak with a real customer service representative through Alliant’s in-app chat feature, a service many competitors limit to AI assistance. A built-in ATM locator makes it easy to find the nearest spot to withdraw cash without fees using your phone’s built-in GPS.

Pros

  • Message customer service representatives within app
  • Convenient ATM locator
  • Integrates with popular budgeting tools

Cons

  • No physical branches
  • Poor functionality for tablet users
  • No support for older operating systems

Who should use it

Those who prefer banking with a credit union can find the best mobile banking app experience through Alliant.

Why get a mobile banking app?

  • Convenience: With a mobile banking app, you can take care of most day-to-day banking needs in minutes via your smartphone.
  • Real-time alerts: Mobile banking apps send instant push notifications to your phone when your account needs attention.
  • Security: Features like encryption and multi-factor authentication keep sensitive data safe and secure.

What are mobile banking apps?

Mobile banking apps are smartphone applications designed to help you manage your finances from the convenience of your personal device without ever having to visit a bank branch.

How to choose the best mobile banking app

  • Make a wish list of features that are important to you, such as digital wallet integration or free credit monitoring
  • Look up app reviews and ratings in the Apple Store or Google Play store
  • Check daily and monthly limits for mobile deposits and transfers
  • Carefully read privacy agreements to understand how your data is being handled

What can I do through a mobile banking app?

Most mobile banking apps allow you to check your account balance, transfer funds, pay bills and receive push notifications related to important account activity.

Some apps may also include features like credit score monitoring, budgeting tools and the ability to lock your card instantly in case it is lost or stolen.

The pros and cons of mobile banking apps

Are mobile banking apps safe?

When used correctly, mobile banking apps are considered very safe. Banks invest enormous resources into staying up to date on the latest security protocols and data encryption. In some cases, your bank may even reimburse funds lost to fraud as long as they are reported in a timely manner.

That said, your mobile banking experience can only be as safe as you make it. The security of your online data depends heavily on taking certain preventive steps to ensure criminals don’t gain access to your personal information and, ultimately, your account.

To keep your finances secure while using a mobile banking app, follow these security tips:

  • Enable multi-factor authentication, including biometric locks for smartphones enabled with fingerprint or facial ID recognition.
  • Never give out your mobile banking password or enter it anywhere except directly in the app.
  • Change your password regularly.
  • Don’t use the same password for other online logins.
  • Be wary of phishing texts and emails; avoid clicking unknown links.
  • Check your account activity regularly and report suspicious transactions as soon as you notice them.

Methodology

CNN Underscored Money analyzed apps from more than 15 financial institutions to develop the rankings for the best mobile banking apps. This included accounts from a mix of traditional banks, online banks and credit unions available nationally. We ranked each account on six data points across three categories.

Here are the categories we analyzed and how we weighted each:

Features (55%)

A great mobile banking app should allow users to complete as many banking tasks as possible while also providing tools for additional purposes such as credit score monitoring and budgeting. Apps that were loaded with features scored better.

Digital experience (25%)

Mobile apps need to be reliable and easy to use. We rewarded banking apps that earned high ratings on the Apple Store and Google Play.

Security (20%)

It’s essential that a mobile banking app provides security features that keep your accounts safe. Apps with strong security features scored better.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Many mobile banking apps allow you to use your smartphone’s built-in camera to take photos of the front and back of checks and deposit them virtually. Depending on the bank and your account status, funds may be available immediately or in a few business days.

Unfortunately, it’s possible for criminals to gain access to your mobile banking apps. You can decrease the chance of falling victim to mobile banking fraud by taking steps to keep your login information and personal details secure.

Most mobile banking apps allow users to lock down cards that are lost, stolen or not in use.

There are a variety of different ways to transfer money through a mobile banking app, including instant peer-to-peer transfers and more traditional methods like wire transfers. For additional security, your bank may ask you to verify your identity before a transfer request can be processed.

link

Exit mobile version