*The above ratings were correct as of June 2023 and may have changed slightly since this time.
What is mobile banking?
It's a mobile application that enables customers of financial institutions to perform a range of banking tasks through their mobile device or smartphone. This is not to be confused with contactless payments, which uses Near Field Communications (NFC) technology. With NFC, you can use your smartphone in place of a debit or credit card to pay for goods and services. Mobile banking, meanwhile, offers a whole range of services, including the ability to track all your accounts at a glance.
Finder survey: What do Australians of different ages use their banking apps for?
Response
Transferring money or paying someone
32.83%
Checking your balance
32.4%
Transaction monitoring
14.9%
I don't use a banking app
12.1%
Budgeting and expense tracking
4%
Find nearby ATMs
1.4%
Customer support
0.97%
Rewards and offers
0.97%
Other
0.43%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1113 Australians, December 2023
How does mobile banking work?
To access mobile banking, you will first need to download your bank's app. Your bank's website will usually have a link on their website, or you can visit your mobile app store.
After you've downloaded the app, follow the prompts to set up your account. It may ask you to confirm your username and password and send you an SMS to confirm your identity.
If you have any problems setting it up, it's best to visit or phone your bank for assistance. When you've finished setting up the app, you'll be able to perform banking services as you would on a computer. Some typical features include:
View your account balance
Make BPAY payments
Set up scheduled payments
Transfer funds between your accounts
Transfer funds to someone else's account
Monitor investments
Access customer service and support
The best bank app will have all the features you're looking for, whether it's a convenient way to track your spending or the ability to send fast, instant payments.
Bank mobile app features
Almost all Australian banks have a mobile banking app that allows their customers to perform a range of tasks. Here's what the Big Four have to offer.
Mobile banking app
Features
App store rating
CommBank app (formerly known as CommBank Kaching).
Available on the App Store and Google Play.
See account balance and transfer money between accounts, including home loan account
Find nearest ATM or branch
Activate, lock, cancel or replace your card
Make secure payments with Tap and Pay
Receive, make and split payments using PayID or account number
Withdraw up to $500 from a Commbank ATM with Cardless Cash
Pay bills or set up recurring payments with BPAY.
Get bill reminders and notifications
Pay credit card, change credit limit, lock payments, or set spending caps
Set savings goals with Goal Tracker
Track your income, spending and savings habits over time
Control spending with Spend Tracker and Transaction Notifications
Open a bank account via app.
4 ★ on Google Store
4.7 ★ on the App Store
ANZ
Available on the App Store and Google Play
Pay people and bills with Pay Anyone, Osko by BPAY and BPAY transactions
Update your details
Receive personalised reports on your spending habits
Bank statements from up to seven years
Block card, report card as lost or stolen, or cancel card
Activate card via app
Send and receive payments quickly through PayID
Create a PayID through App
Stay on top of your home loan and repayments
Meet your savings goal and track it
Increase font size and hear guidance
4.2 ★ on Google Store
4.7 ★ on the App Store
NAB
Available on the App Store and Google Play
Make fast instant payments or schedule future payments
Share or save payment receipts, view the transaction and merchant details
Share BSB and account details or create a PayID
Save regular payees and billers
Find nearest NAB branch or ATM
Digitally store receipts for tax or warranty purposes
Receive notifications for card use or when money arrives in account
Scan and deposit cheques
Make international payments
Approve payments
Report lost, stolen or damaged cards. Temporarily block or unblock cards, order new card, replace damaged card instantly
Receive detailed breakdown of repayment options
Activate new card or change PIN
Create savings goal and track progress
View account balance without logging in
Download 2 years of statements, create proof of balance, interim or interest statements
Manage home loan scheduled payments, add or change offset account, get an estimated property valuation
Roll over term deposit when it matures
Open a new account
Manage profiles for shared and business accounts
3.3 ★ on Google Store
4.6 ★ on the App Store
Westpac Mobile Banking
Available on the App Store and Google Play
Quick view of balance for up to 3 accounts; transfer money between them.
Digital card
Push notifications
Share BSB and account information
Reminders for credit card payments
Set up account, payment and security alerts
View and transact on foreign currency accounts
Set up, view and save eStatements
Set up savings goals and track progress for Westpac Life customers
Drag and drop to transfer money between accounts
Pay anyone and pay by BPAY
Manage payees and BPAY billers
Cardless cash
Sent payments overseas
Schedule and manage recurring payments
PayID and fast Osko payments
Deposit cheques
Lock card temporarily for up to 15 days, report stolen or lost card, activate debit or credit card
Block gambling transactions
Download proof of balance report
Reset password
Change daily payment limit
Update contact details
Pay on the go with eligible phones or wearables
3.7 ★ on Google Store
4.4 ★ on the App Store
What should I keep in mind with mobile banking?
Before you start mobile banking, here's what you should look out for.
Mobile banking availability. Check if your bank offers mobile banking. You won't be able to access your bank account details through another bank, so your bank will have to offer it. If you're looking to switch banks, then another bank's quality of mobile banking could be part of your decision.
Security. Ensure all your financial details are kept safe and enable 2-factor authentication. Keep your phone safe with you at all times.
Access to customer service. Banks have many customers and they need to produce mobile banking infrastructure that can handle large volumes of transactions at a time. Services should be available 24/7 and you should have easy access to customer service if you need it.
Something to consider...
Most mobile banking apps need an internet connection to be able to operate, so if you live in a rural area or experience problems with your internet connection, then you won’t be able to access your account. The same applies if your mobile phone runs out of battery.
How can I ensure my information is secure?
While most banking apps take into account security in the development of the app, it's still crucial that you observe best practice when using the app. Mobile phone apps can only do so much on their own to ensure you’re secure, such as logging you out after a certain amount of inactivity or making you provide password or SMS codes. If you’re careless about your own security, such as doing your banking on a public Wi-Fi connection, then you risk your details being stolen regardless of how secure a mobile banking app is.
Please contact your bank directly via telephone or in-branch.
Mobile apps are available from the iTunes app store or Google Play. Some mobile banks apps aren’t available through phones that operate on the Windows or Blackberry system, so it’s best to check with your bank.
Shirley Liu is Finder's global program manager. She was previously the publisher for banking and investments and has also written comparisons for energy, money transfers, Uber Eats and many other topics. Shirley has a Master of Commerce and a Bachelor of Media, Journalism and Communications from the University of New South Wales. She is passionate about helping people find the best deal for their needs.
With convenient access to your funds and a host of flexible features, Bendigo Bank’s Everyday Account can help you manage your day-to-day finances with ease.
I have a bank account (A Chequing & e-advantage savings)with CIBC.
I recently had to report my visa debit card lost which my Bank then canceled unfortunately I found it too late and the cancelation of my card was unreversable.
I am unable to go into my branch to get a replacement card as I am out of town for a few weeks, as well have no forms of Identification asy purse was in the back of my girlfriends vehicle which was recently stollen (like I needed to lose ALL of my ID on top of everything else).
My question is how can I or am I still able to utilize my money in my bank account that IS available to me in anyway? I hope there is a possible form of transaction that can take place for me to be able to have access to MY money either through a Transfer to an email or person with security measures if course. Will or Can u aid me in this request?
Sincerely, Elizabeth
Thanks for your question and we’re sorry to hear about your situation.
Please note that finder.com.au is an Australian comparison and information service.
Unfortunately you’ll need to speak to CIBC (phone or in person) about your options in regards to accessing your account. They may be able to organise an emergency cash transfer for you.
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do the commonwealth bank and westpac telephone banking apps work on a blackberry classic
Hi Tony,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately at this point in time Commonwealth Bank and Westpac don’t have mobile apps working with Blackberry.
I have a bank account (A Chequing & e-advantage savings)with CIBC.
I recently had to report my visa debit card lost which my Bank then canceled unfortunately I found it too late and the cancelation of my card was unreversable.
I am unable to go into my branch to get a replacement card as I am out of town for a few weeks, as well have no forms of Identification asy purse was in the back of my girlfriends vehicle which was recently stollen (like I needed to lose ALL of my ID on top of everything else).
My question is how can I or am I still able to utilize my money in my bank account that IS available to me in anyway? I hope there is a possible form of transaction that can take place for me to be able to have access to MY money either through a Transfer to an email or person with security measures if course. Will or Can u aid me in this request?
Sincerely, Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for your question and we’re sorry to hear about your situation.
Please note that finder.com.au is an Australian comparison and information service.
Unfortunately you’ll need to speak to CIBC (phone or in person) about your options in regards to accessing your account. They may be able to organise an emergency cash transfer for you.
Cheers,
Shirley