What to Look for in a Mobile Banking App

When was the last time you visited a bank branch? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. 

Nowadays, banking typically happens on the couch, in the grocery store checkout line, or at the airport waiting for a flight. In fact, nearly half of banking customers primarily accessed their accounts through mobile banking in 2023, almost a 9x increase from a decade ago.¹ 

A great mobile banking app gives you a safe, convenient way to manage money whenever and wherever you need to. But not every app delivers the same experience. Some make managing your finances effortless. Others can leave you frustrated. 

What should you look for in a mobile banking app? Here is a handy list of features you should consider a priority for today’s banking. 

Your mobile app should be your financial command center. You should be able to view balances, review transactions, update personal information, and manage your accounts with just a few taps. 

The Forbright Bank mobile app allows customers to manage their Growth CD and Growth Savings accounts from virtually anywhere, without needing to call customer service or visit a branch.  

Questions don’t always arise during business hours. Whether you’re traveling, making a large purchase, or troubleshooting a transaction, help should be easy to find, no matter the time of day.

Look for a banking app that offers built-in customer support and easy to access help information so you can get answers quickly when you need them most. 

Convenience should never come at the expense of security. Every reputable banking app uses encryption to protect your information while it’s transmitted and stored.  

Forbright Bank uses advanced encryption technology and other security features to help safeguard customer information and transactions. 

While digital payments have become the norm, checks haven’t disappeared completely. Whether you’re depositing a birthday check from a relative or a reimbursement from work, your banking app should let you snap a photo and deposit it in minutes, without a trip to the bank.  

Remembering passwords is no one’s favorite task. That’s why features like Face ID and fingerprint authentication can make safe access to your information a breeze. Biometric login provides an extra layer of security while making it faster and easier to access your accounts. If a banking app relies only on passwords, consider it a warning sign. 

The best banking apps don’t just show you what’s happening; they keep you informed in real time. Customizable alerts for low balances, large purchases, deposits, and suspicious activity can help you stay on top of your finances and spot potential issues before they become bigger problems. 

If an app has tons of great features but it’s difficult to use, it’s likely to cause frustration. A well-designed banking app makes important information easy to find and everyday tasks simple to complete. You shouldn’t have to hunt through multiple menus just to check your balance or view recent transactions. 

Forbright Bank’s mobile banking platform has earned high ratings in the Apple and Google Play stores, as well as recognition from U.S. News, Money, Bankrate, and The Motley Fool for its intuitive and user-friendly experience. 

Some banking apps do more than help you move money. They help you make smarter decisions with it. 

The Forbright Bank mobile app includes educational articles and savings calculators designed to help customers understand their options, set goals, and build stronger financial habits. 

These features aren’t essential, but they can be a sign that a bank is focused on supporting your financial journey, not just managing your accounts. 

A mobile banking app is more than a digital version of a bank branch. It has become one of the most important tools for managing everyday finances. 

The best apps combine convenience, security, and thoughtful design to help you bank with confidence. If your current banking app falls short, it may be worth exploring other options. 

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and education only. It should not be considered financial or tax advice. 

¹https://www.fdic.gov/household-survey/2023-fdic-national-survey-unbanked-and-underbanked-households-report