Which bank has the best mobile banking app?

Updated Mar 18, 2021

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With mobile banking, you can perform a range of banking tasks without having to visit a branch or log on to a computer. Mobile banking apps allow you to keep track of your finances and offer a range of other features and services. Common features include paying bills, transferring funds to other accounts and monitoring your savings.

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.

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.

Mobile banking apps and 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.	3.7 ★ on Google Store 2.8 ★ 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	4.5 ★ 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	3.7 ★ on Google Store 4.4 ★ 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	3.4 ★ on Google Store 4.3 ★ on the App Store

Images: Google Play

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.

Compare transaction accounts with mobile banking below

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.

1 - 4 of 4

Name	Contactless Payments	Instant Payments	ATM Withdrawal Fee	Monthly account fee
HSBC Everyday Global Account Finder Award	Google Pay, Apple Pay	N/A	$0	$0	Earn 2% cashback on tap and pay purchases. T&Cs apply. Enjoy no minimum ongoing balance or transaction requirements and the flexibility to hold up to 10 currencies. Apple Pay and Google Pay available.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Macquarie Transaction Account	Apple Pay, Google Pay	PayID	$0	$0	Earn a variable base rate of 1.5% p.a. on your transaction account balance with no conditions to meet. $0 account keeping fees. This interest-earning transaction account charges no account fees, no international fees and gives refunds on all Australian ATM fees.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Westpac Choice	Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, Digital Card	Osko, PayID	$0	$5	Use your Westpac Digital Card in the Westpac App to make contactless purchases 24/7 with no physical card. No monthly account keeping fee for customers under 30 or if you meet the deposit conditions. Shop safely online with Westpac Digital Card. Your 3-digit security number refreshes every 24 hours to keep your details safe.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
MyState Bank Glide Account	Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay	Osko, PayID	$0	$0	Simplify your everyday banking with these sleek digital features. $0 monthly account fee. Choose the way you pay with access to Google, Samsung and Apple Pay plus Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay. Send and receive money in less than 60 seconds with PayID.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Compare up to 4 providers

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.

Frequently asked questions

Thank you for your feedback!

Shirley Liu

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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.

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4 Responses

TonyMay 5, 2016

do the commonwealth bank and westpac telephone banking apps work on a blackberry classic

Reply
- finder Customer Care
  
  ShirleyMay 6, 2016Staff
  
  Hi Tony,
  
  Thanks for your question.
  
  Unfortunately at this point in time Commonwealth Bank and Westpac don’t have mobile apps working with Blackberry.
  
  Reply
ElizabethMarch 1, 2015

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

Reply
- finder Customer Care
  
  ShirleyMarch 2, 2015Staff
  
  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
  
  Reply

Best bank app in Australia