First National Bank has launched a transactional banking application for smartphones and tablet computers that allows its clients to view balances and transaction history, make payments and conduct transfers.

The software, which FNB says is SA’s first transactional banking app, works on the iPhone, the iPod touch, the iPad, Android devices and BlackBerrys. Support for Nokia phones will follow by the end of August.

“One day all banking will be done this way,” says FNB CEO Michael Jordaan. “One day all banking will be done by smartphone.”

The app, which offers the latest exchange rates, also offers cheap voice-over-IP calls, including free calls to FNB call centres, provided by the FNB Connect Internet service provider. Users are also able to use the app to find their nearest FNB branches and ATMs using location-based services.

At launch, the service allows FNB clients to have “immediate and secure access to their bank accounts, view account lists, view a detailed transactional history, perform transactional services like transfers between accounts, as well as pay beneficiaries”. For now, beneficiaries can’t be added using the app, though this functionality will be added later.

To use the service, Apple users can download the free app from the App Store. Android customers can find the software in the Android Market, while BlackBerry customers can get it from BlackBerry App World. When launched, the Nokia app will be available in the Ovi Store.

Transactional banking is ring-fenced to FNB customers after they have logged in, but anyone can download the app from the app stores to access pre-login services.

FNB says future enhancements to its app will include support for near-field communications “tap-and-go” payments, eBucks, an e-wallet, the bank’s inContact service, sharing trading, augmented reality services and advanced payments. — Staff reporter, TechCentral