The February Small Business Card Monitor Report looks at the payment functions offered on the mobile apps of six firms in our coverage group. Specifically, we focus on the following criteria for mobile bill payment:
- Accessibility
- Ease of use
- Design
This report favors payment tools that are easy to access, with links present on app homepages and in main menus. Top apps are also easy and intuitive to use, and feature strong design elements that make materials easy to read and navigate.
For the most part, firms performed well in the mobile app payment tools they provide. Three firms were awarded As for providing payment tools that are easy to find, intuitive to use and well designed. Two Bs were awarded to firms that provide useful tools that are not quite as strong as the leaders. One C was assigned in this report.
A majority of card companies offer their payment transaction on one screen, making the process simple and direct. Progress meters for payments are relatively rare, with only one third of firms providing them. When available, progress meters simply indicate a data entry page and a confirmation page.
Capabilities are similar across all firms covered. All but one firm allow users to select minimums and statement balances from a payment option list. Two thirds of firms offer a direct option for paying an outstanding balance, and all firms offer a field for entering an amount of their choosing.
Payment functions on mobile apps tend to feature a simplified layout, including flat buttons and plenty of white space to make them easy to read. One app, for example, includes plentiful white space on its app, while another provides large buttons for entering different data elements into its payment tool.
This report recommends that card companies make their apps’ payment tools easy to find and simple to use. Top firms provide flexible options with regards to how much to pay. Mobile apps should feature elements such as cancellation confirmation to help users avoid navigating away prematurely. Card companies should also maintain their branding in their mobile apps.
Notable findings in this report include:
- 33% provide a progress meter
- 67% conduct payments on one screen
- 67% allow users to add a bank account
- 100% save users’ bank information
- 83% provide options to choose a minimum balance
- 83% offer a statement balance payment option
- 67% allow users to pay an outstanding balance
- 100% allow users to choose a payment date
