Erste Bank is to launch an iPhone2iPhone
payments service that will work via blueooth.

The bank is going to launch a payments-enabled
banking app for the iPhone on 25 June as part of its strategy to
become a multichannel bank, Peter Bosek, member of the management
board of Erste Bank, said.

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The launch of the iPhone app follows a more
basic app that was launched in 2010 and will enable iPhone users to
transfer money in real-time to other iPhone users
– a separate app for Android devices is expected
to be launched at the end of the year.

The iPhone service enables users to check
account balances and credit card purchases, as well as block bank
cards and s credit cards.

The new app further includes the functions of
the first version such as the GPS finder for ATM and branches,
access to current research news and foreign currency exchange
rates.

Erste Bank has become the latest lender in the
ranks of banks to focus on a multichannel strategy.

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“We want to be a multichannel bank that gives
customers access to consulting and services via all channels,” said
Bosek.

But he emphasised that “nothing [could] replace personal interaction”.

He said that the focus on new technologies and
channels, including social media and mobile banking, was “an
absolutely necessary supplement” to the traditional retail banking
network.

 

A survey by Integral on
Austrians’ appetite for mobile banking concluded that:

  • 41% expect a simple way of blocking credit and ATM cards in
    case of loss or theft;
  • A third of Austrian’s own a smartphone – this is 43% of all
    internet users in the country;
  • 45% of Austria’s smartphone users want to be able to check
    their balance on their mobiles.
  • and a quarter want to have payments service.

 

Facebook

Social media, customer chats and web
consulting are also key components to Erste Bank’s new
communication strategy with customers.

“Apart from current information and prize
games, we also ask ourselves critical questions. We had to learn to
feel comfortable with this open dialogue,” Bosek explained.

Erste Bank and Sparkasse count nearly 8,300
people as friends on Facebook.