iCard just turned 2 years old and at the same time, we reached the mobile phones of over 500,000 Android users. Hitting this major milestone at the start of 2020 means a lot to us because we worked really, really hard to offer you a rich, secure, yet intuitive money management app that does the job right.
The Fintech sector in Europe is changing rapidly and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of innovation. How did we get here? How did we make your life easier and how did we actually raise the bar for banks?
We are most proud of giving you the chance to open a personal e-money account from your home, since our launch. This in itself is a huge step towards a future of mobile money management. People love their phones and hate taking the time to walk to a bank branch to open an account, get a debit card or order a wire transfer.
What else makes the lives of our users easier? A rundown of iCard’s past year developments will reveal some of the ingredients.
The ways iCard improved in the past year
You can get free IBAN accounts in 7 currencies
Europe is a big continent, not all countries have adopted the Euro and people sometimes need to store money without converting it. The standard way of achieving this is to open different accounts in your name, pay a monthly fee or deposit and maintain a minimum balance, only after taking the time to do that in person. This would give you a second IBAN account, but what if you need more accounts to send and receive transfers? At iCard, we introduced 3 free IBAN accounts in each of the 7 supported currencies, just for the people like you.
Chat, send & receive money instantly in iCard Messenger
We wanted to give our users the ability to chat privately, regarding money, and to send or receive instant and free money transfers within a conversation, seamlessly. Let us know in the comments if you saw another personal money app that offers something similar to iCard Messenger.
QR code (quick response code) is a unique and free way to pay and get paid in person
The smooth and instant experience with the iCard app extends beyond the virtual world. QR code payments are just another way to pay friends, after dinner, when you split bills for example. The service is free to use – you can even pay or get paid by strangers without exchanging phone numbers. QR code payments are widely used in Asia because they replicate the good old feeling of exchanging money face-to-face, yet it’s digital. We know you wouldn’t expect this from a European e-money app, but it’s awesomely useful!
iCard Visa Infinite gives you higher spending limits and more …
Some people simply expect more from their debit card. This is why we just launched iCard Visa Infinite.
It is our exquisite card offering with higher payment limits, priority support, access to VIP airport lounges and unlimited personal concierge service. The innovation factor is that this special card is no longer only available with a special invitation by your personal banker, nor it requires a minimum income or top credit history. iCard Visa Infinite also stands out with its unbeatable monthly fee of 9.99 Euro.
Surprise loved ones with virtual or plastic GiftCard™
GiftCards make your life easier when you need to send a last-minute gift. iCard’s virtual GiftCards are delivered instantly and are perfect if you are unable to meet for that special occasion. If you are uncertain what will match the preferences of the person receiving your gift or you want to hand it out in person, then plastic GiftCards are perfect with their predefined or custom designs. They give you a unique way to be considerate when gifting.
Dark Mode is trendy, cool and takes good care of your eyes
Our dark mode for Android is elegant and easy on your eyes at night. It also helps your phone battery last longer. Yes, we care for your eyes well-being. This may seem minor in the context of banking services, but is a step forward to more convenient money management – something you should expect from a fintech app.
iCard Visa debit enters Apple Pay
Our Android users have long enjoyed mobile payments. Now iCard Visa debit cardholders throughout the EEA can use Apple Pay for fast and secure mobile payments. Not all bank cards are ready to fit into the Apple Wallet. This is just one more reason to introduce iCard to friends who use iPhones.
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We are headed towards a future of totally flawless payments and none of the past worries. In iCard, via the main menu, you can invite friends, to make that happen faster. Some of the people who rate us 5 Stars in Google Play love e-money because it reduces the risk of losing cash. iCard also gives you an easy way to freeze all your payment cards and unfreeze them for each transaction, and for maximum protection. The same freeze/unfreeze option will protect your money if your card gets copied or if you get caught in a major data leak.
Of course, none of that would be possible without our well-knit team of over 250 brave, bright, enthusiastic and idealistic colleagues that make the days in the office go like … when you fly to foreign country and border control asks you: “Are you here for business or pleasure?” and when you reply: “Both!”