Anheuser-Busch Employees’ Credit Union is striving to simplify and streamline the handling of financial transactions for its more than 117,000 members by offering mobile banking services.

The credit union, with 30 locations nationwide and assets of $1.5 billion, will offer such services as online banking and iOS and Android mobile and tablet banking from Digital Insight, an NCR company. The move comes as financial institutions increasingly make over Web sites and applications to satisfy customers who are gravitating toward banking via mobile.

“Anheuser-Busch Employees’ Credit Union is very member-focused, said Calvin Curdt, vice president for information systems with the St. Louis, MO, credit union. “We recognized the importance of mobile convenience for our members.

“Digital Insight’s high App Store rating and ease of use are strengths and why we selected to work with them.”

The mobile banking app allows credit union members to manage money through their mobile device of choice. 

On the go
Members will be able to access accounts on the go without the need for a PC or trip to the branch. No separate mobile banking sign-up is required.

Viewing account balances on mobile.

Credit union members will be able to download the application from app stores by searching for Anheuser-Busch Employees’ Credit Union. Members can log in with their existing online banking credentials. 

In the app, they will be able to view account balances and account history, make transfers, pay bills, use an ATM and branch locator and have access to the credit union’s mobile Web site, among other things. 

Additionally, the credit union will be able to engage with the growing mobile-only consumer base by enabling members to register for online banking from their mobile phone or tablet.

The credit union already offers other customer experiences through NCR software and technology, including video banking services through NCR Interactive Teller.

Banks are seeing positive results from revamping mobile sites and applications to increase convenience for customers who feel increasingly comfortable banking on mobile devices.

For instance, Bank of America saw the number of customers banking on mobile in its second fiscal quarter jump 15 percent from a year ago, following the introduction of application features aimed at driving convenience for users.

The number of mobile banking customers increased to 16.1 million users in the quarter, and 11 percent of deposit transactions by consumers were done through mobile compared to 8 percent in the year-ago period.

More banks are expected to join the parade as the mobile mind shift accelerates consumer expectations for faster and more convenient service.

More than 90 percent of banking households in the United States now tap digital channels to access their banks, with 60 percent of banking transactions conducted via online or mobile devices, according to a recent report from Phoenix Marketing International.

Missed opportunity
However, the report suggests that this emerging breed of consumer is often times misunderstood and ineffectually targeted, leaving a missed opportunity for financial marketers.

Simplifying banking for credit union members.

“Consumers expect anytime, anywhere access to their finances,” Mr. Curdt said. “And, our members want a consistent experience across all channels. 

“Working with Digital Insight and NCR will provide us with opportunities to create that experience.”

Final Take
Michael Barris is staff reporter on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York.