Everyone will probably agree that smartphones are now an integral part of our lives. The constant use of these small devices and the possibility to do almost anything with them has forced even the good old banks to adapt and offer us more innovative solutions. That’s the idea behind the finance apps – to maximize the convenience of consumers and simplify the processes. They make it possible to make a variety of transactions entirely over the phone.
In that case, do we need online banking? Why would we choose it over the app? In the best-case scenario, the mobile app and the web platform we use to access our money complement each other to provide the user with convenience and security. Mobile apps and online/web/desktop banking are two different ways with which everyone can track their accounts and manage them quickly and smartly. Undoubtedly, each of the two methods has its advantages.
Each customer’s habits of making transactions determine whether he/she uses finance apps or prefers online banking. What are the similarities and differences between them? What can you use the iCard digital wallet app installed on your phone, and what will you find on our web platform? Find the answers to these questions here:
Finance app
With most finance apps, you can fully control your funds in a digital wallet or bank account. Many consumers prefer them because they don’t have to use a computer or go to a bank to control their money. Finance apps give you more freedom and convenience.
Part of their main advantages is the easy way to manage your accounts and the ability to make money transfers in seconds. For this reason, along with online banking, more banks now have mobile apps through which you can send transfers, check your account balance, and set limits on your debit cards. With some of them, you can make mobile payments, etc. Some banks have already developed applications including more features called “digital wallets”.
Why choosing iCard is a good idea?
At the same time, when banks’ apps are turning into “e-wallets”, established digital wallets such as iCard are taking the next step. Several fintech companies behind digital wallets are adding new and new services to their portfolio, following the trend of transforming such apps into the so-called super-apps.
Thanks to the growing numbers of features and partners and the intuitive design of the iCard digital wallet, the app you already know and like, is constantly improving and is also on its way to becoming a super-app.
When you register and verify your identity entirely online, you will open your first free IBAN account.
What can you do with your money, your phone and your iCard:
- Opening accounts in 6 currencies (EUR, GBP, USD, CHF, RON, BGN) without fee;
- Managing funds in real-time 24/7;
- Sending money transfers to and from anywhere in the world;
- Funding your accounts;
- Finding statements and information about all transactions;
- Making payments with a phone, watch and NFC key fobs;
- Digitizing loyalty cards;
- Sending donations to charity organizations.
How to use the iCard mobile app?
The main advantage of the digital wallet over most banking apps is the most simplified and fully digitalized account opening procedure. You start directly from the app, point the camera at yourself and your ID card and answer a few questions. There are no visits to banks, no paper documents, no working hours, confusion, and endless waiting. When we confirm (within one day) that the information provided is valid, your first iCard account will be opened in the official currency of your country of residence.
Managing your money in the mobile app is easy and accessible. You can enter the “Send” and “Add” tabs to make money transfers and fund your digital wallet. In the “Menu” section, you will find all other services of the digital wallet.
Online banking
Online banking most often refers to access to the services of a financial institution integrated into the Internet. For years, such access has been provided by both banks and non-bank financial institutions, such as digital wallet creators.
Like finance apps, online banking has one main goal: to be convenient for customers, saving them time and allowing them to handle their money wherever and whenever they want. The consumer can do almost everything that was previously entirely in the hands of the employees in the bank.
What will you find on the iCard web platform?
Through the web platform of iCard you have access to most of the services already known from the app but from a computer: you can top up your account with a stored card, make money transfers at home and abroad, send money to other iCard clients only by phone number or email, top up prepaid services. In addition, you can manage your debit cards and keep track of all transaction history even more clearly – because of the larger screen of the device. Of course, you can also download account statements in .pdf format.
How to use the iCard web platform?
Here’s how to access the web platform of iCard:
1. Click ‘Login’ at the top right of icard.com and enter the phone number you used to register with your iCard.
2. Open the push notification from the iCard mobile app installed on your phone.
3. Scan the QR code you are currently seeing on your computer screen with your phone’s camera.
Each time you use iCard via computer, an additional bar will appear on the home screen of the app, indicating that someone is currently in the online account. This way, you will know that there is no danger that someone on your behalf will manage your money.
What is the future of finance apps and online banking?
Finance apps are already ahead of online banking in popularity, but is it a competition? Both phone apps and computer platforms demonstrate the great need for people to fully digitize financial services and make them even more accessible. According to a study, mobile banking is growing at five times the rate of online banking.
Choosing between a finance app or a web platform is not necessary when you can take advantage of both. Manage your money smartly, from anywhere in the world and at any time of the day, via your phone or computer.
Learn more about iCard digital wallet: https://icard.com/en
Download iCard now and manage your finances in real-time via phone and computer:
