Mobile banking apps have revolutionized modern banking, allowing us to manage our accounts on the go, 24/7. The typical banking app allows you to not only check your balance, but you can initiate transfers, contact the support team and even deposit checks.
This eliminates the need for having to spend your lunch hour queuing in a bank teller line or needing to find an ATM when you’re out and about. While mobile banking apps have become increasingly popular, which ones are the best? Here we’ll delve into these apps to help you discover which are the best mobile banking apps.
Bank | iOS App Rating | Android App Rating |
|---|---|---|
Chase | 4.8 | 4.4 |
BoFA | 4.6 | 4.8 |
Capital One | 4.9 | 4.6 |
Citi | 4.9 | 4.8 |
Discover | 4.7 | 4.9 |
CIT Bank | 4.6 | 3.5 |
Chime | 4.8 | 4.6 |
American Express | 4.9 | 4.1 |
Synchrony | 4.8 | 4.6 |
Chase App
If you like having a reward credit card, the chances are that you’re familiar with Chase. However, Chase’s mobile banking app not only allows you to manage your banking accounts, but you can also manage all aspects of your Chase credit card.
The app allows you to set up fingerprint or facial recognition sign in for additional security, eliminating the need to remember a password.
Inside the app, there is a full suite of tools to help you to manage yoru day to day money and improve your financial well being. The app allows you to make payments, deposit checks, send and receive Zelle payments, and check balances. If you hold a Chase credit card, you can also track your transactions and redeem your cash back.
One innovative feature of the app is the “Credit Journey.” This allows you to get free access to your credit report and credit score. This allows you to track the progress you’re making on improving your credit over time. There is also a built in budget planner to help you to see exactly where your money is going and identify areas where you can save.
The Chase app is available for both Android and iOS devices, with a rating of 4.4/5 with Google Play and 4.8/5 in the Apple Store.
Bank Of America App
Bank of America has a long history, but it has never been afraid of embracing the latest tech. This is exemplified by the Bank of America mobile app. The app has all of the standard features you would expect from a banking app, but it also has management for Bank of America bank and credit card accounts.
However, what makes the Bank of America app one of the best mobile banking apps is Erica. This is a virtual banking assistant that can help you with your transactions, checking account balances and even offering spending insights.
Another great feature of the app is the built in budgeting tool and spending tracker that can help you to take control of your finances. There is also a security meter which will let you know the security status of your accounts and if there are any steps that you can take to reduce the risk of fraud.
The Bank of America app is available for Android and iOS devices with a review score of 4.6/5 with Google Play and 4.8/5 in the Apple Store.
Citi
Citi Mobile is considered one of the best mobile banking apps for a number of reasons. The app is not only easy to navigate even for the non tech savvy, but it is highly secure. There are layers of security to keep your data safe including biometrics. It is also possible to set alerts, so you’ll be notified if there is any suspicious activity on your accounts.
The app is feature packed, allowing users to check account balances, set savings goals, unlock and lock your debit card, pay bills, transfer money and track FICO scores. The app even provides a quick summary of Citi accounts without needing to log in. You can also access the customer service team with the tap of a button.
If you have multiple Citi accounts, you can manage all of them within the app. You can create savings goals and monitor your progress, which makes it easier to move money around to help you reach your savings goals.
The Citi app is highly rated with a score of 4.8/5 on Google Play and 4.9/5 on the Apple Store. However, there have been some recent comments about bugs with the biometrics.
Capital One
Capital One may be best known for offering credit cards, but it also offers a number of banking products, which can all be managed via the Capital One app. This is a full featured platform that provides a complete online banking experience.
All the account management for Capital One checking, savings, loans and credit card products is included in the app. You can view your account activity, make payments, pay bills and deposit checks.
The app also allows you to set account alerts and activate or freeze any of your new debit or credit cards. The app is Zelle compatible and you can use SureSwipe or fingerprint technology for secure log ins. You can view and redeem your accumulated rewards if you hold a Capital One credit card.
One of the reasons why this is one of the best mobile banking apps is that you can check your Creditwise credit score for free. So, you can use the app to manage your money more effectively and check the impact on your credit score.
The Capital One app is available for Android and iOS with a score of 4.6/5 and 4.9/5 for Google Play and the Apple Store respectively.
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Discover
If you need to access your bank accounts from anywhere, the Discover mobile app is designed to make it easy. The app is simple to use and feature packed, allowing you to manage your money, apply for new accounts, pay bills, redeem Discover card rewards, and monitor your credit score.
The app is also customizable. You can create a basic “Quick View,” which will show your account balances without the need for a full log in. You can also send and view secure messages, send and receive money via Zelle and handle all aspects of your credit card management.
If you need to access a physical location, you can use the ATM finder, wherever you are. The Discover app also takes security seriously. You can set up to a four digit passcode or use fingerprint ID for quick log in.
Discover is consistently highly ranked for its customer service and this is reflected in the app. The app can be used on Apple and Android devices and it is ranked 4.7/5 and 4.9/5 on Google Play and the Apple Store respectively.
CIT Bank App
CIT is an online bank with a great app to access your account 24/7. The app allows you to make mobile check deposits, initiate transfers, pay bills and send or receive funds via Zelle. Using the app, you can check your balances and transaction history, view or download statements.
Unfortunately, the app has a mixed bag of reviews. While it has a 4.6/5 rating on the Apple Store, the rating on Google Play is a mediocre 3.5/5.
Chime App
Chime is an online only bank, so it stands to reason that it would have a great online platform, but the app is also well considered to ensure ultimate convenience. The app allows you to manage all aspects of your Chime accounts, but you can also receive transaction alerts each time you make a purchase and daily account balance notifications.
Within the app, you can also disable transactions, so you can avoid needing to call the customer support line should you mislay your card. This includes being able to disable international transactions.
You can also request a new Chime debit card directly through the app without any card replacement fees. Additionally, since Chime does not have its own ATM network, the app has an ATM finder which will help you locate your nearest MoneyPass, Visa Plus Alliance or Allpoint ATM, so you don’t incur any out of network fees.
The Chime app also allows you to deposit checks, which enhances the functionality of the account, since Chime does not have branches.
Chime has a solid rating on both Google Play and the Apple Store, with scores of 4.6/5 and 4.8/5 respectively.
American Express App
The Amex mobile app is designed to make it simple to obtain an overview of your accounts including seeing your balance, available credit, accumulated Amex rewards, and even special offers.
There are also FICO scores and access to credit reports simply by entering the last four digits of your Social Security Number. You can also freeze and unfreeze your cards, request replacement cards and contact the customer service team. If you need help, you can tap the “Chat” bubble to enter a live chat or you can scroll through the FAQs section.
You can log into the app manually using your username and password or Face ID. The app will log you out automatically after a designated period of inactivity. Amex also allows you to link accounts to make bill payment easier.
One of the unique features of the Amex mobile app is that you can access American Express offers. You can view the available offers and add them to your account. The app will automatically pull up offers in the area according to your device location.
The Amex mobile banking app is rated 4.1/5 on Google Play and 4.9/5 on the Apple Store.
Synchrony App
Synchrony is another online bank, which also has a superb mobile banking app. The Synchrony app is designed to provide a seamless banking experience. The app allows you to complete your banking anywhere and anytime.
The app is optimized to ensure that you can view your bank details regardless of the size of your device screen. There are variable font sizes and different color contrasts.
Depending on your device, you can log into the app with fingerprint touch ID or facial recognition Face ID. Within the app, you can can quickly and easily transfer money, check your balance and read through your statement. You can also configure the app with a widget, so you can display balance on your device’s home or lock screen without needing to log in.
As with most banking apps, you can perform all of the typical actions with the Synchrony app. You can also quickly and easily access the Synchrony support team. If you have any queries or concerns, Synchrony aims to provide supoirt and answers promptly.
The Synchrony app is well regarded with a rating of 4.6/5 on Google Play and 4.8/5 on the Apple Store.
Top Banks With Feature-Rich Mobile Apps
There is no easy answer to this question as many mobile banking apps have lots of features. We consider the apps we’ve covered in our list of the best mobile banking apps to have the most features and most useful features.
However, if you’re looking for the best mobile banking app for you, you should not necessarily look for one with the most features, but rather one that offers the features that you need.
For example, if you never receive paper checks, mobile check deposit is not likely to be important to you. However, if you’re trying to get your finances in order, you should look for an app with budgeting tools and credit score access.
Bank | Mobile Check Deposit | Quick View | Live Chat | Face/Fingerprint ID | Zelle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase | |||||
BoFA | |||||
Capital One | |||||
Citi | |||||
Discover | |||||
CIT Bank | |||||
Chime | |||||
American Express | |||||
Synchrony |
Which Banks Offer The Most Convenience Apps?
Again, there is no easy answer to this question as what you consider convenient will depend on your requirements and preferences.
For example, one convenience feature is a widget on your device that allows you to quickly view your balance without needing to log into the app.
However, if you have paper checks or need to split expenses with family or friends, mobile check deposit and Zelle compatibility will be highly convenient for you.
Which Mobile Apps Are Disappointing?
Unfortunately, not all mobile banking apps offer the same innovation and convenience. There are a number of disappointing apps.
For example, while the Regions banking app has a decent rating, it does have a lot of negative comments about the app being buggy and tending to crash. This can be disappointing if you’re trying to get your banking activities done and the app freezes up.
Another example of a disappointing app is the Fifth Third app. Many customers were a fan of the old app, but when the bank updated it, some popular features were no longer available. For example, customers are now having difficulty printing confirmations of transactions and payments.
