by
Michał Kania
Remote Products and New Technologies Bureau
Nearly 19 million Poles use smartphones, which have become the reality control centers for us. We use them to take photos, write a shopping list and make daily transfers. Harvard Business Review believes that by 2020 customers will connect to their bank more often through their mobile devices than through the computer.
Access just a click away, or mobile banking
Smartphones and tablets provided bank customers with quick and convenient access to their finances. Special mobile applications have gone a long way – from simple functions to advanced technological solutions which enable users for example to open a foreign currency account or set up a deposit without visiting the branch. Going abroad, we will quickly reattach the debit card to our foreign currency account. If we want to go one step further and pay using our phone – we will also activate such service remotely.
Experts believe that banking applications will continue to be developed, enabling customers to handle also those matters which hare not related directly to finance. What are we talking about? Even now, if you have an account, you gain access to attractive loyalty and discount schemes: reductions and rebates, point schemes or special offers. Thanks to the Citi Specials program, Citi Handlowy provides its customers with the opportunity to use a promotional offer from its partners, including restaurants, hotels or fitness clubs. It seems that this direction will continue to develop. And soon we can use a banking application to buy cinema tickets or order takeaway food.
Entertainment enters the bank … a few words about VR
Not many people would associate virtual reality with banks and financial services. Most of us see it mainly as pleasant entertainment thanks to which we can relax and get away from everyday drudgery. However, many bankers have been looking at it favorably more often. VR may be of assistance for example when buying a mortgage loan-financed real property. The customer could see the interior of the house in 3D and 360°. But this is not the only possibility. Imagine that you are sitting at home, thinking about a deposit, or considering opening another account. You take a sip of your coffee, and new thoughts go round and round in your head. You would really like to consult your advisor... you put your VR glasses on and quickly connect virtually with your bank. You hold a conversation and complete all formalities. Sounds great? Quite soon this may be our reality.
Mr. and Mrs. Gadget
The watch informs you about dropping prices of oil, your telephone is your wallet, and thanks to a bracelet and several kilometers of jogging you gain attractive discounts. This is what modern banking services more and more often look like. Technologies can change completely in just a few months, and banks must keep up… with the changes and their customers’ needs. This is why they are trying to outdo one another in offering gadgets to make our lives easier.
Examples? You do not have a wallet on you to shop. All you need to have is a smartphone with Android and inbuilt NFC module which operates similarly to a contactless card. Simple banking functions are also available on smartwatches – thanks to them you can check your bank balance or share prices. It also happens that banks offer bonuses for recording physical activity on intelligent bands called smartbands. What else? We will soon find out.
Examples? You do not have a wallet on you to shop. All you need to have is a smartphone with Android and inbuilt NFC module which operates similarly to a contactless card. Simple banking functions are also available on smartwatches – thanks to them you can check your bank balance or share prices. It also happens that banks offer bonuses for recording physical activity on intelligent bands called smartbands. What else? We will soon find out.
Bank on wheels
You go on holiday by car – you want to pay for the motorway without queueing? Soon it will be possible. Mastercard, together with Here – one of the largest companies offering car navigation systems – are working on a system of mobile car payments. This solution would make it easier to organize all paid services even before we get to our destination – e.g. our holiday. The service will be based on geolocation, or precise location of the car. Thanks to this you will be able to pay for entering a city center, travelling on toll motorways, bridges or tunnels. Ford, Honda and Visa are also working on similar solutions.
Jaguar, however, has already introduced a payment system using an application in a car radio. In order to pay for fuel you do not need to have a card or cash on you. Jaguar, in cooperation with Shell, launched a new payment system in the United Kingdom. Its key element is the radio integrated with the driver’s smartphone. You click the radio screen, select the Shell application, find the nearest petrol station, and the satnav will lead you to it. You drive up to the dispenser, enter its number in the application, and pay using PayPal or Apple Pay. An electronic receipt appears on the screen, and you receive it by e-mail.
Sounds incredible? Relax… this is only the beginning. The world of technology has only opened its door a crack to us, and we are trying to open it wider.
Sounds incredible? Relax… this is only the beginning. The world of technology has only opened its door a crack to us, and we are trying to open it wider.
