The top-ranked free iPad finance app in the Apple App Store (based on downloads and active usage) in July was Bank of America's mobile banking app. The app received 3 3/4 stars, placing it on a level with Chase Mobile but below USAA App for iPad in terms of popularity.
The app lets users see their Bank of America checking and savings accounts and Merrill Lynch investment accounts on one overview screen. In addition to the usual mobile banking features, like review account balances, pay bills, transfer funds and find ATMs and branches (using GPS, so the user doesn't have to type in an address), BofA's app has a couple of unique features. It provides a calendar display of electronic bills due, funds transfers and bill payment transactions. And when you tap on a transaction, it provides a pop-up window with transaction details.
Pros: Several App Store reviewers say BofA's iPad app is easier to navigate than the bank's online banking software, a backhanded compliment. "BofA and Chase still have the ugliest websites out of any large bank, but at least they really understand the value of getting on the mobile app bandwagon," wrote one reviewer. "This app is very feature-rich (love the dashboard view), and aesthetically pleasing. With so few differentiating factors among large U.S. banks, hopefully said banks are starting to understand that customers will increasingly choose the ones with the best apps and websites."
Cons: Many reviewers complained that they can only save one user name and password, whereas in previous versions they could save several. A few users said they couldn't create nor modify payments in the iPad app. The bank has yet to provide mobile check deposit on the iPad, as Chase and USAA have done. Customers would like to be able to use ShopSafe, an online banking tool that provides a temporary credit card number for online purchases, on the iPad.
