Mobile phone users are becoming more comfortable making banking and purchase transactions while on-the-go according to a new study from Harris Interactive.
The study found that 16 percent of mobile phone subscribers currently use mobile banking services, with 60 percent doing so at least once a week. Thirty-five percent of those who do not use mobile banking or buy on-the-go are interested in checking bank account balances and transferring funds using their mobile devices. Thirty-three percent said they would like to receive text messages from their banks.
Around 25 percent of mobile phone users with mobile access to the Internet use their devices to purchase goods and services online using a credit card. Twenty percent favored using their phones like a “mobile wallet” someday, with charges billed to their mobile accounts. Ten percent said they would consider wire transfers and stock trading using their mobile phones.
“Today’s mobile devices are the springboard for a whole raft of services, with huge pent-up demand for mobile commerce capabilities,” said Joseph Porus, vice president, Harris Interactive.
“If security concerns can be quelled, the sky’s the limit with consumer acceptance of mobile banking and purchase transactions. It’s a very intriguing prospect for the near future, considering how people have already embraced a variety of mobile technologies beyond simple phone communications.”
Security concerns are the biggest obstacle affecting users acceptance of mobile banking and commerce. Sixty-six percent were worried about using their mobile phone to transmit sensitive financial information, while 63 percent were concerned about fraud and financial scams. Sixty-one percent worry about losing a mobile phone containing personal financial information.
“While the survey indicates people have concerns associated with using mobile devices for financial transactions, it’s similar to the evolution of the Internet as a viable tool for banking and buying,” Porus said.
“We expect mobile technology to only improve and become even more secure in the coming years. This should ease people’s fears and make mobile commerce appealing in the future.”
