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Bank of America adds Touch ID and Apple Watch support to mobile banking app

Bank of America has updated its mobile banking app to allow sign-in using Touch ID, and has added Apple Watch support for balances, recent transactions and alerts.

The new fingerprint and Touch ID sign-in capabilities provide eligible Android, iPhone and iPad customers with a secure and convenient way to log into the mobile banking app using their fingerprint. This feature allows access to the most common functionality of the app without the additional need for a passcode.

The mobile banking app is now compatible with Apple Watch, allowing users to view account balances and recent transactions for their linked checking, savings, credit card and investment accounts, as well as receive real-time alerts and notifications on their wrist … 

Bank of America was also a launch partner for Apple Pay, and reported that it has signed-up 1.1M cards by January of this year.

Version 6.4.0 is a free download from the App Store. Touch ID is available on iPhone 5s and later as well as iPad mini 3 and 4, and iPad Air 2. Full press release below.

Bank of America Introduces Fingerprint and Touch ID Sign-in for Its Mobile Banking App

Launch of Apple Watch App, Streamlined ‘Accounts Overview’ Page and Additional Security Enhancements Highlight Latest Updates for Mobile and Online Banking Users

Bank of America today announced a series of improvements to mobile and online banking to better meet customers’ changing needs and make it easier for users to manage their finances digitally. The new updates include the introduction of fingerprint and Touch ID sign-in, in addition to the launch of an Apple Watch mobile banking app, streamlined “Accounts Overview” page and new Security Center for more than 31 million active digital banking customers.

“We continue to deliver enhancements that provide our customers a more seamless and secure banking experience,” said Michelle Moore, head of digital banking at Bank of America. “This is another example of how we are helping our mobile and online banking users simplify their financial lives.”

Fingerprint and Touch ID sign-in:

The new fingerprint and Touch ID sign-in capabilities provide eligible Android, iPhone and iPad customers with a secure and convenient way to log into the mobile banking app using their fingerprint. This feature allows access to the most common functionality of the app without the additional need for a passcode. As part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to staying ahead of advancements in mobile device authentication, the technology supporting fingerprint sign-in was built according to FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) standards.

Mobile banking app compatible with Apple Watch:

The mobile banking app is now compatible with Apple Watch, allowing users to view account balances and recent transactions for their linked checking, savings, credit card and investment accounts, as well as receive real-time alerts and notifications on their wrist. The functionality requires enrollment with Bank of America’s mobile banking app and is compatible with iPhone 5 devices or later, operating on iOS 8.2.

Mobile banking app and online banking design updates:

The mobile banking app home page and online banking “Accounts Overview” page have been redesigned to give users a more personalized, seamless experience. Mobile banking app users will benefit from new quick link tiles, providing faster access to popular features, including mobile check deposit, appointment scheduling and new account opening. The update also includes the addition of the What’s New section, further educating customers on the functionalities available to them.

For online banking customers, the home page redesign makes it easier to review account information at a glance, including a personalized greeting and new Quick View function that displays the last five transactions and a link to the most recent statement. A newly created Activity Center provides users easy access to popular features, including the ability to view and pay eBills, transfer money between accounts and review special offers and deals without leaving the page.

New Security Center:

The launch of a new Security Center offers mobile and online banking customers more tools to securely manage their finances, including additional options for signing into and monitoring activity on their accounts. Customers can now manage their digital banking security settings in one place, and can opt into an extra security feature at sign-in that helps verify the customer’s identity with a one-time authorization code sent via text or email each time they sign in.

Bank by Appointment enhancements:

The Bank by Appointment feature has been updated to allow mobile and online banking customers to schedule same-day financial center appointments with specialists for everyday banking, investment, retirement, home loan and small business needs. For mobile users, the enhancement also includes a streamlined customer experience and an Add to Calendar option, which populates the appointment to the personal calendar on the device. Bank of America customers currently schedule more than 15,000 appointments per week via this feature.

Speak with a Specialist updates:

For mobile banking customers, the existing Speak with a Specialist feature is enhanced to present customers with a list of topics to choose from, including bill pay inquiries, fee-related questions and report suspicious activity. This new functionality will provide users more streamlined and quicker access to the proper associate to address their needs and can be accessed from several mobile banking pages. This feature is currently enabled for Preferred customers, and will be rolled out more broadly over the next month.

To learn more about these new offerings and Bank of America’s digital banking solutions, visit bankofamerica.com.

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Comments

  1. taoprophet420 - 9 years ago

    No Touch ID or new design for the iPad app.

  2. leifashley - 9 years ago

    Best feature ever ever… just awesome on iPhone.

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Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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