Since launching in May, Ally Bank has updated its iPhone and Android app, which clients can download for free from either Apple’s App Store or Google Play. The updates come from feedback that Ally has received from clients.

“Customers are looking for the easiest ways to access and manage their money,” said Beth Coggins, director of public relations at Ally Bank, Midvale, UT.

“We’ve listened closely, and Ally mobile banking’s enhanced functionality now meets both their wants and needs,” she said.

“We rolled out the first phase of Ally mobile banking in May and are pleased to offer the additional functionality. This second phase of mobile adds capabilities that will continue to allow our customers to bank virtually anywhere, anytime.”

Ally Bank is a direct bank in the United States.

Revamped apps
With the new round of apps, consumers can now deposit checks by taking a picture of a check via their device’s built-in camera.

Additionally, consumers can pay bills and transfer funds from the apps.

Clients can also access 24/7 customer service, person-to-person payments, rewards for the Ally Perks program and ATM fee reimbursement.

Users can also still check fees, search through their transaction history, transfer money between Ally Bank accounts and find nearby ATMs.

Quick finances
After Ally Bank rolled out its mobile offerings in May, the company claims to have 167,000 app downloads within the first six months.

Ally Bank also has a ATM and Cash Locator app which helps users find nearby ATMs and cash-back locations for both customers and non-customers. The app is available for both Android and iPhone devices. The app’s goal here is to convert non-customers into Ally Bank clients.

In addition to the mobile apps, Ally Bank also has a mobile Web site that can be accessed at m.ally.com.

As financial institutions continue to become more digital, mobile is becoming a preferred way for consumers to access their finances while on the go.

Additionally, it is important for financial institutions to have a mobile presence across multiple platforms.

Having a mixture of mobile Web, apps and SMS options lets financial institutions reach the widest group of mobile users.

In the future, Ally Bank plans to incorporate its Popmoney feature that lets consumers send money to anyone with an email address or phone number into mobile.

“We’ve listened to our customers and Ally eCheck Deposit, as well as external fund transfers, were their most-requested capabilities from Ally mobile banking,” Ms. Coggins said.

Final Take
Lauren Johnson is associate reporter on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York