No Need To Be Afraid Of Mobile Banking Apps

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There are many who agree that it is impossible to imagine a life without smart phones or mobile apps. This is because they can do literally anything with them ranging from checking emails; staying connected to social media to turn off the electronic equipments in a house. People have started relying on them completely to run their lives however, one area still worries the users and i.e. mobile banking apps. The Federal Reserve data show that in the year 2011-2012, only 21 percent users used mobile banking apps. However, despite this every major national bank has its own mobile apps. So, what is the issue that daunts smart phone users from using them for mobile banking? The answer is “fear”.

It is because of security issues that only one of every five users has used his smart phone for mobile banking. Many private research companies have been examining the strategies and tools used by banking institutions to provide outstandingly secure services. Google revealed why four out of five mobile banking customers are worried about mobile banking security is because they lack knowledge about tools and techniques used by banks to secure mobile banking experience. My advice to banking institutions is that before releasing the app, they should arrange to lessen the fears dwelling in the customer’s mind. They can do this by educating customers about the security features in the apps, how do they work and how effective they are.

Trends say that users want to access their bank accounts through mobile apps in straightforward and trouble free manner. This is another point that banking sector should keep in mind. Although they don”t use mobile banking option as they are unsure about its safeness in terms of accessing a bank account. Using banking apps is far safer than going to the bank and interact with the staff directly or accessing the account via your desktop or a laptop. You must be thinking that I have been paid by a bank to admire their services but this is not so. Why I am mentioning this is because I myself use mobile banking apps to access my bank account anywhere anytime. For banking institutions, it is easier to manage the security of mobile apps as compared to the security of a web browser. While accessing your account through a web-based browser, you expose your bank details to malware and unwanted third-party viewers. Don’t think that by implementing two-way authentication system, you can safeguard your account completely as recent breaches were made in accounts that were using two-way authentication system.

Mobile apps, on the other hand are safer, as they provide a direct link with the bank’s server without involving any third party. This is why I said above that banks have better control over security of mobile apps. Since a bank gets apps specifically for their users, they can provide a safe connection via SSL encryption. Another major benefit of smart phones and mobile apps is that they can be controlled even from remote locations. This means that even if your phone is misplaced or stolen, you can use your computer and the Internet connection to wipe the confidential information saved in it.

CONCLUSION

To popularize the trend of mobile apps in banking institutions, both users and banks has to play an equally important role. The role of customers would to become broad-minded and start having faith in their banks, whereas banks’ duty would be to make sure that they don”t break the trust of the consumers and provide more robust and secure mobile banking experience through mobile apps.

New Horizons for Breeze Mobile Banking

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Today, Breeze, the online and mobile banking application offered through Standard Chartered Bank is providing bank customers with a long list of unique features. People using Breeze find the functionality of this online and mobile banking solution extremely beneficial as is but according to bank officials, additional features will be added. Some enhancements will take place over the next few months, some over the course of the next year, and of course, changes will occur to meet changes in customer demand.

It is important for people to know that Breeze was designed based on direct customer input. Instead of guessing or following trends, bank officials wanted to develop a viable mobile banking application based on what customers wanted. The only way to accomplish that goal was to ask people the features they felt were most beneficial and those that could be eliminated from the design. Based on the in-depth data gathered from research, the IT department of Standard Chartered Bank was able to design the most innovative mobile banking solution on the market today.

We wanted to address some of the changes are already being developed, features that will enhance an already incredible mobile banking solution. For starters, this platform currently runs as an application on Apples iPhone but next month (September 2010), it will also be available on the iPad. Now, as more mobile devices are developed, opportunity for Breeze to be offered as an online and mobile banking solution increases.

Another change coming to Breeze over the next few months is a bill reminder feature. As the name implies, this feature would work in conjunction with due dates for bills paid through Breeze. Therefore, as a scheduled payment nears its due date, notification would be sent to the customers iPhone automatically. Today, people live very busy lives so overlooking payment on a bill happens. This feature would make handling finances easier, reduce risk of being charged penalties for late payments, and even eliminate risk of the customers credit score from being damaged by a late payment.

The market that will be using Breeze will also be expanded. Today, beta testing was completed in Malaysia and Singapore but two countries next on the list are India and Hong Kong. Already, people in these countries are getting exciting at having the same opportunity as initial users to manage bank accounts in a more efficient manner. Once Breeze has infiltrated these two countries, Standard Chartered Bank has a plan in place to launch the application for international markets.

In addition, while Breeze has already established presence on a variety of social medial websites to include three of the top sites YouTube.com, Facebook.com, and Twitter.com, it is anticipated that other like sites will be added. Standard Chartered Bank understands the value of keeping its current and potential customers abreast of changes within the bank specific to online banking, but also the mobile banking solution Breeze.

Finally, a newer version of Breeze is currently being developed by Standard Chartered Bank. Although the official name could change, at this point it is being targeted to launch as “Typhoon.” With this version, a variety of enhanced features would be available. For instance, to use the “Pay my Bill” or eCheque features of Breeze today, registered payees can only be added through the banks website. However, when Typhoon launches, payees could be added directly from the mobile device.

Small Business Bank – How Specialized Banking Works for You

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If you’re opening a small business, you need a small business bank, pure and simple. Using your regular bank won’t net you the benefits that a specialized banking account can come with. No matter who you choose as a host for your banking needs, you always need to open a new account for a business. Never use your personal bank account as this can make it next to impossible to discern your business income and expenses from more personal sources. Always choose a new account, and look for a specialized bank whenever possible. The right bank will have a deep understanding of your business needs.

One of the most important features of a small business bank is an assortment of affordable banking solutions. Money is usually tight when you’re starting out. You don’t want to have a high minimum amount on your account that you can’t possibly sustain. If you need to make a large withdrawal for business purposes, you should know that you can do so without jeopardizing your bank account. It’s also important that you’re able to make deposits and withdrawals without a lot of fees. The right business bank will work with you so that you can maximize your profits early on.

Small businesses today are far different than what they were in the past. A mom and pop shop used to be a brick and mortar store with an easily-defined address and actual location. Today, many businesses are run online. You could be running your business from locations all over the country, or all over the globe. You can’t always work with the bank down the street. You need a small business bank that will go with you everywhere you happen to be. Online banking, mobile banking, and more are essential for a business banking account. You don’t want to be tied down to one location, and with the right account you won’t be.

When you’re getting ready to open a new banking account for your business, it’s important to take the time to do your research. Look into a variety of banking opportunities to find the small business bank that’s right for you. When you look at other offers, you’re sure to notice where the best deal really lies. It’s important to understand what’s out there so you don’t get sucked into the first well-worded advertisement you see. Compare your options and look for a small business banking account that provides all the services, benefits, and convenience you need to make your company a success.

PNC Online Banking

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PNC rates on mortgages are one of the few that did not increase when many of the other financial institutions have already done so.

For a $250,000 loan in the Philadelphia area, the rates are as follows. The 30 year fixed interest rate at 5.50% to 5.875% with APRs of 5.626% to 5.842%, respectively. The 20 year fixed interest rate is at 5.625% to 6.125% with APRs of 5.828% to 6.098%. The 15 year fixed is at 4.875% to 5.125% with APRs of 5.082% to 5.258%. The 10 year fixed interest rates are 4.750% to 5.125% with APRs of 5.045% to 5.232%.

The current bank rates on CDs include a tiered format. The top tier is for those with Performance Select checking accounts, followed by Premium Plan, then the Standard CD rates. The promotional 9 month CD is earning an APY of 0.45%, 0.42% and 0.40%, respectively. This has a minimum deposit of $1,000.

The 3 month CD is earning an APY of 0.15%, 0.15% and 0.15%, respectively. The 6 month CD is earning an APY of 0.25%, 0.20%, and 0.20%. The 1 year CD is earning an APY of 0.50%, 0.45%, and 0.45%. The 18 month CD is earning an APY of 0.55%, 0.50%, and 0.50%.

The 2 year CD is earning an APY of 0.50%, 0.45%, and 0.45%. The 3 year CD is earning an APY of 0.70%, 0.65%, and 0.65%. The 4 year CD is earning an APY of 1.05%, 1.00%, and 1.00%.The 5 year CD is earning an APY of 1.25%, 1.20%, and 1.20%. The 7 year CD is earning an APY of 1.75%, 1.70%, and 1.70%. The 10 year CD is earning an APY of 2.00%, 1.95%, and 1.95%.

The minimum deposit for these PNC rates is $1,000, and the rates were posted on February 9, 2011, but are subject to change without notice.

We strive to bring you the latest and most accurate data possible from the home sites of the financial institutions we name. Always remember, the bigger the risk, the larger the reward or loss. Invest with caution.

For additional resources involving financial help, please view PNC Online Banking, best bank savings rates, Westpac Online Banking and Online Banks at http://www.onlinebanksblog.com/union-online-banking

Search Jobs in Banking for a Fruitful Career

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The banking sector in India has witnessed a huge expansion in recent years, throwing open a world of opportunities. If you are at a stage planning your career path, search jobs in banking positions to get an idea of the options it has to offer and be sure to be overwhelmed.

Benefits of a banking career

The size of the banking sector is proof enough of the multitude of career options it offers. It is still at the expansion stage and offers many openings at various levels. The benefits it offers are enough to attract talent towards this industry.
Expanding sector: Over the years, the banking sector has seen many changes. Liberalization in the year 1991 was one of the biggest changes the industry saw. The number of banks in the nation shot up greatly with many private players entering the market. However, compared to other developed economies, this sector in India is still at the developing stage with a huge scope for expansion.
Growth opportunities: As the banking sector is expanding, it is also offering a great amount of job opportunities. Multiple jobs are posted on various job portals and you can also get job updates on mobile phones. Entry into the industry is just a beginning of the growth process, as there are ample opportunities to grow and reach high levels. The fierce competition in this sector is forcing every organization to adopt means to retain the best talents. Even public sector banks are keeping up with the competition and formulating policies that go in favor of the employees.
Competitive pay packages: To control the attrition rate within an organization, it is important to match up with the demands of the time. Pay packages play an important role, when it comes to executives switching jobs. To see to it that talent is not lost, banks try to keep up with the salary standards compared to other sectors.
Good working conditions: A banking job is considered a white collar job with excellent working conditions. Compared to other industries, the working hours are decent with very rare occasions of late hours. The atmosphere is absolutely professional, and balancing work and family life is possible in this industry.
Job rewards: Being a part of the banking industry has rewards that go beyond the attractive pay packages. There are several benefits that a bank employee enjoys, which employees of other industries lose out on. One such significant benefit comes in the form of loans offered at lower rate of interests to bank employees as compared to non-bank employees. Consider this to be a job perk, but it is a rather significant one. In order to earn a living, one either goes for self-employment or service. If you are planning to take up a job, it would be advisable to take a look at the banking sector. Search jobs in banking companies and you may find a diverse range of requirement with opportunities not being limited to financial backgrounds. You could also enter the sales field or the technology handling section. Needless to say, the benefits are many with a chance to have a balanced life.

Search jobs in banking companies to explore the opportunities available. Talent is required in various fields like sales, marketing, and technology. Sign up with a job portal and get job updates on mobile phones to stay in touch with the industry needs.