Mobile banking: advantages and disadvantages

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Mobile banking: advantages and disadvantages

H.H. Otamurodov

Abstract

Mobile banking is a service provided by a bank or other financial institution that allows its customers to conduct financial transactions remotely using a mobile device such as a mobile phone or tablet. Transactions through mobile banking may include obtaining account balances and lists of latest transactions, electronic bill payments, and funds transfers between a customer's or another's accounts. In this paper, the author examines the dynamics of development, the current state and the role of mobile banking in the global payment system. Based on the results of the analysis, a number of measures aimed at the development of mobile banking in the Republic of Uzbekistan were proposed.

Keywords: bank, mobile banking, transactions, mobile payments, debit or credit card. mobile banking service

Mobile banking is a service provided by a bank or other financial institution that allows its customers to conduct financial transactions remotely using a mobile device such as a mobile phone or tablet.[1] It uses software, usually called an app, provided by the financial institution for the purpose. Mobile banking is usually available on a 24-hour basis. Some financial institutions have restrictions on which accounts may be accessed through mobile banking, as well as a limit on the amount that can be transacted.

Transactions through mobile banking may include obtaining account balances and lists of latest transactions, electronic bill payments, and funds transfers between a customer's or another's accounts. Some apps also enable copies of statements to be downloaded and sometimes printed at the customer's premises; and some banks charge a fee for mailing hardcopies of bank statements.

From the bank's point of view, mobile banking reduces the cost of handling transactions by reducing the need for customers to visit a bank branch for non-cash withdrawal and deposit transactions. Mobile banking does not handle transactions involving cash, and a customer needs to visit an ATM or bank branch for cash withdrawals or deposits. Many apps now have a remote deposit option; using the device's camera to digitally transmit cheques to their financial institution.

Services that allow consumers to obtain financial account information and conduct transactions with their financial institution ("mobile banking") and that allow consumers to make payments, transfer money, or pay for goods and services ("mobile payments") have become increasingly prevalent. Over the past several years these services have become available at a broader range of institutions, and the types of services offered continue to evolve. With increased dissemination of technology and a broadening array of options, consumer adoption of mobile financial services has risen. In the 2011 survey, for instance, 22 percent of mobile phone users with bank accounts and 43 percent of smartphone users with bank accounts reported that they had used mobile banking in the previous 12 months.5 These proportions have increased in each year of the survey. In the 2015 survey, the prevalence of mobile banking continued to increase, reaching 43 percent of mobile phone users with bank accounts and 53 percent of smartphone users with bank accounts (figure 1).

Use of mobile payments has also increased over time. In 2011, 12 percent of mobile phone users and 23 percent of smartphone users reported using mobile payments. By 2014, usage of mobile payments had increased to 22 percent for mobile phone users and to 28 percent for smartphone users. The steady increases in the adoption rate among all mobile phone users, but more gradual rise in the adoption rate among smartphone users, suggest that smartphone adoption substantially contributed to the increased use of mobile payments. The measure of mobile payments in the 2015 survey is not directly comparable to those from prior years due to a change in the definition of mobile payments in the most recent survey.6 Despite this change, the new estimates appear similar to those from prior years, with 24 percent of mobile phone users and 28 percent of smartphone users reporting that they used mobile payments in 2015.

There are many banking services in our banking system. Remote Banking - Technology of banking services on the basis of the orders sent by the client remotely (without a visit to the bank), often with the use of computer and telephone networks.

Types of remote banking services:

Bank-Client - system, which is accessed through the computer. On the user's workstation to install a separate client program. The client program on your computer stores all of its data, as a rule, payment documents and account statements. Typically, to connect to the bank uses a direct connection via a modem.

Internet banking - service that allows customers to manage their bank deposit accounts, including open under plastic cards over the Internet. This service allows the customer to the bank in real time to make payments. The user logs into the system through a web browser. Internet banking system is placed on the bank's web server. All user data (payment documents and account statements) is available on the Bank's website.

SMS-banking - the bank's clients notice of their deposit accounts operations, including card, the state of these accounts by sending SMS-messages to the specified mobile phone number the client.

SMS-banking service enables the customer to get information about: receipt of funds on the account; write-off of funds from the account; the balance of the account; held in banking operations during the day.

This timeline displays a forecast of the number of mobile banking users in the United States up to 2016. By 2014, it is predicted that 89 million people will be accessing mobile banking services on their mobile phones.

The number of smartphone users in the United States increases each year and with increasing penetration, smartphones are changing the way we do just about everything - including banking. In 2009, as few as 36 million people were using mobile banking services. By 2016, it is expected that 111 million people will use the service increasing from an 18 percent share among mobile phone owners to a 51 percent share in 2016.

Younger generations are of course the first ones to jump on and take advantage of the service; older generations will need a bit more time. What typically makes mobile banking most appealing is the convenience of it, it saves time and it can be done at any hour.

Common reasons for not using the service include: banking needs already being met by the traditional system of banking, a lack of reasons for using it and because users are concerned with the security of the service. However, with time and increasing penetration it will become more and more appealing. Furthermore, it is not only banks that are providing their customers with mobile banking services, but entirely new mobile banks. A mobile bank is essentially an application, without a physical branch and without the fees of traditional banking.

The World Wide Web has permeated virtually every aspect of modern life. If you have access to a computer with an Internet connection, an almost limitless amount of goods, services and entertainment choices are at your fingertips. You can do just about anything online, including your banking and financial transactions. But is this wise? Just how comfortable are you conducting your banking business in cyberspace? After all, mobile banking has both advantages and disadvantages, namely[5]:

Advantages:

- It's generally secure. But make sure that the website you're using has a valid security certificate. This let's you know that the site is protected from cyber-thieves looking to steal your personal and financial information.

- You have twenty-four-hour access. When your neighborhood bank closes, you can still access your account and make transactions online. It's a very convenient alternative for those that can't get to the bank during normal hours because of their work schedule, health or any other reason.

- You can access your account from virtually anywhere. If you're on a business trip or vacationing away from home, you can still keep a watchful on your money and financial transactions - regardless of your location.

- Conducting business online is generally faster than going to the bank. Long teller lines can be time-consuming, especially on a Pay Day. But online, there are no lines to contend with. You can access your account instantly and at your leisure.

- Many features and services are typically available online. For example, with just a few clicks you can apply for loans, check the progress of your investments, review interest rates and gather other important information that may be spread out over several different brochures in the local bank.

Disadvantages:

- Yes, mobile banking is generally secure, but it certainly isn't always secure. Identity theft is running rampant, and banks are by no means immune. And once your information is compromised, it can take months or even years to correct the damage, not to mention possibly costing you thousands of dollars, as well.

- Some online banks are more stable than others. Not all online setups are an extension of a brick-and-mortar bank. Some operate completely in cyberspace, without the benefit of an branch that you can actually visit if need be. With no way to physically check out the operation, you must be sure to thoroughly do your homework about the bank's background before giving them any of your money.

- Before using a banking site that you aren't familiar with, check to make sure that their deposits are FDIC-insured. If not, you could possibly lose all of your deposits if the bank goes under, or its major shareholders decide to take an extended vacation in Switzerland.

- Customer service can be below the quality that you're used to. Some people simply take comfort in being able to talk to another human being face-to-face if they experience a problem. Although most major banks employ a dedicated customer service department specifically for online users, going through the dreaded telephone menu can still be quite irritating to many. Again, some are considerably better (or worse) than others.

- Not all online transactions are immediate. Mobile banking is subject to the same business-day parameters as traditional banking. Therefore, printing out and keeping receipts is still very important, even when banking online.

Mobile banking does have pros and cons. However, it's not only the wave of the future, it's the wave right now, and the clock isn't likely to go backward. If you take reasonable care to safeguard your personal and financial information, you'll likely find that mobile banking is a convenient tool.

Strategies for driving greater mobile banking adoption and usage. Mobile banking product attributes and marketing programs impact adoption and usage of mobile banking. Financial institutions can focus on target marketing and product investment to drive adoption and increase return on the mobile investment.

Firstly, consumers expect a wide range of mobile banking features that enable anytime, anywhere access to financial services. Robust features and functionality - mobile deposit, tablet banking, person-to-person payments, actionable alerts, instant balance - will enable greater adoption and usage.

Secondly, Financial institutions should be proactive in marketing the strong value of mobile banking by capitalizing on organic online and in-person traffic. Cross-sell mobile banking with promotions that display when consumers log in to online banking or bill payment. Address security concerns by outlining security measures in place at the financial institution. Most importantly, tell how mobile banking is relevant to consumers' needs, challenges and lifestyle.

Thirdly, Engage front-line staff in promotion of mobile banking. For instance, when debit cards are issued, it's a good time to talk about mobile banking since most mobile banking users have a debit card. In addition, social media channels should be an integral part of any mobile banking marketing campaign. Compelling imagery, short videos and links help increase the effectiveness and reach of posts.

It is concluded that Mobile banking is not only one the most leading and successful product but it is also an essential for the growth of any developing country especially if we observe in the context of Uzbekistan it clearly indicates that in future mobile banking will be a product that will provide a gradual boost to the economy.

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org

2. Consumers and mobile financial services 2016. http://bankinnovation.net

3. Central Bank of Uzbekistan. http://cbu.uz

4. https://www.statista.com

5. Ankit Agarwal. Advantages and disadvantages of internet banking. http://gettingmoneywise.com

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