Chase’s Ever Improving Mobile Technology
In the mid 90s, just as the Internet was becoming popular, Homer Simpson once noted in amazement that “they have the Internet for computers now!” At the time, it was inconceivable that the Internet could ever be accessed by something other than a computer. Yet in the decades since, we have seen an explosion of handheld devices that access the Internet through mini-browers and “apps”. And as people use the phone in their pockets to browse the Internet, they also expect to be able to conduct banking transactions with their mobile devices. Chase now offers a complete slate of mobile banking products that allow customers to access their accounts wherever they have mobile phone service.
Chase Mobile Banking for consumers
Chase offers a suite of free mobile banking products for consumers that are compatible with the iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, and Kindle Fire devices. Their standard Chase Mobile App offers the ability to conduct most of the same transactions they do on their computers. Other features include Chase’s QuickDeposit that uses camera-phones to take pictures of checks for deposit as well as access to linked Chase credit card accounts. Finally, the standard Chase Mobile Site can be accessed by all smart phone users with a data plan.
Chase Mobile for Small Business
Business and corporate customers can use many of the same features enjoyed by consumers. In addition, the Ink line of business cards feature the Jot mobile application that allows cardholders to organize business receipts using their iPhone or Android device. Jot is a free download for all Ink cardholders. Customers can also enable instant alerts that send text messages to users. These texts can be programmed to occur when a balance reaches a certain threshold or when a pre-defined transaction occurs.
Other mobile services
Chase is also enabling mobile banking services in several other ways. They were the first to place their cards in the Isis Mobile Wallet service. Chase is also working with start-ups GoPago and Gemalto to provide mobile payment solutions. Chase is also working to provide a Paymentech Future Proof terminal that will accept EMV-enabled, mobile wallet, contactless, or traditional credit card payments.
As handheld technology continues to evolve, Chase appears to be determined to stay ahead of its competitors in offering cutting edge mobile banking solutions. While the technology available is still rapidly advancing, it may be some time before Homer Simpson will finally recognize that they have the Internet for telephones as well.
