As I’ve pointed out, the key to boosting mobile banking adoption is to make the user experience better than the desktop computer/browser version. But many banks shoot themselves in the foot immediately by requiring existing online banking users to first log in to online banking to enroll in mobile banking (see note 1).

I’ve never quite understood the logic. Why can’t online banking customers use their existing credentials to log in via the mobile app? What’s the new risk? If anything, you are more likely to get your credentials stolen via desktop login than mobile login (at least for now).

So far, the mobile banking apps I’ve used have required initial activation via online banking (see note 2). I’m sure their security folk can sleep better knowing that I’ve proven ownership of the phone before logging in from it. But you don’t have to prove you own the PC before using it, so what’s the difference?

But finally, one of my financial providers, American Express, launched an iPhone app (note 3; iTunes link) that I can use right away by logging in with my online banking credentials (see screenshot below). I expect this will soon become the industry standard.

American Express iPhone app screenshots (version 1.1)

American Express mobile landing page (link, 29 April 2010)

Notes:
1. Even more important is enabling online enrollment of customers NOT using online banking; but that’s a trickier, albeit potentially lucrative, project.
2. I am using mobile iPhone banking at Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and US Bank. While BofA, Wells and Chase (Update April 30, Chase has online enrollment for text messaging only; you can sign on to its iPhone app with your online banking credentials) all have a relatively painless 60-second signup process, US Bank’s is truly cumbersome. It’s a ten-screen experience that not only takes several minutes, but also requires the creation of not one, but two new PINs. A 4-digit one for transferring funds via mobile and a six-digit one for use in subsequent mobile app logins. While I’m all for simplified logins, six-digit PINs are not standard and many users will have a tough time remembering it. Many users may resort to using their mobile number, which kind of defeats the purpose. Use four digits and block access after four attempts.
3. The American Express app was released March 31 and a new update was released today.
4. For more on mobile banking see our recent Online Banking Reports.