There's no shortage of research into how consumers feel about mobile banking; in any given month it seems three or four new reports are issued. And you're likely to get dizzy from all the spin that's applied to the hard fact that only 10 percent of U.S. consumers have used mobile banking, according to research by Mercatus/Visa, and only 22 percent more predicted they'd consider using mobile banking within a year. That leaves 68 percent who said "never," "in more than one year" or "unsure" when asked when they'd use mobile banking. That sentiment is supported Firethorn's survey of online bankers: When asked how likely they'd be to use mobile banking if their bank added it within the next six months, 63 percent said "not very likely" or "not at all likely."
That's not to say there isn't some good news. Going forward, almost 60 percent said they're interested in using their phone at the cash register to make purchases, and about half expressed interest in person-to-person payments. Here and now, adoption is ramping up, 35 percent of mobile bankers began using the service in the last three months. And, the slim percentage of Americans that are regular users are happy with it: 56 percent very satisfied and 40 percent somewhat satisfied.
Here are 10 data points from three different mobile banking research papers that offer a snapshot of the channel.
1. Mobile banking penetration is still low.
2. Most people aren't using iPhones, Blackberrys or Droid phones.
3. But mobile banking does have strong momentum.
4. And those that are mobile bankers are satisfied.
5. Speed and efficiency are the primary drivers for those who are increasing the amount of mobile banking they do.
6. But patience for mobile browser loading speeds is short.
7. And those who have tried it, but are mobile banking less frequently these days, say the product is still in search of a need.
8. And there's a solid core of consumers who are distinctly uninterested in mobile banking.
9. Cost and security are the primary disincentives for those who aren't mobile bankers.
10. But, as always, predictions are robust.
