Mobile banking (also known as M-Banking, mbanking, SMS Banking etc.) is a term used for performing balance checks, account transactions, payments etc. via a mobile device such as a mobile phone. Mobile banking today (2007) is most often performed via SMS or the Mobile Internet but can also use special programs called clients downloaded to the mobile device.

Mobile banking is defined as:

“Mobile Banking refers to provision and availment of banking- and financial services with the help of mobile telecommunication devices.The scope of offered services may include facilities to conduct bank and stock market transactions, to administer accounts and to access customised information.

Mobile Banking can be said to consist of Three inter-related concepts:

* Mobile Accounting
* Mobile Brokerage
* Mobile Financial Information Services

Most services in the categories designated Accounting and Brokerage are transaction-based. The non-transaction-based services of an informational nature are however essential for conducting transactions – for instance, balance inquiries might be needed before committing a money remittance. The accounting and brokerage services are therefore offered invariably in combination with information services.

Mobile phone banking may also be used to help in business situations

Mobile Banking Services

1. Balance checking in the account
2. Monitoring of term deposits
3. Mini-statements and checking of account history
4. Mutual funds / equity statements
5. Insurance policy management
6. Pension plan management
7. Status on cheque, stop payment on cheque
8. Ordering check books
9. Access to card statements
10. Access to loan statements
11. Recent transactions
12. Blocking of (lost, stolen) cards
13. Due date of payment (functionality for stop, change and deleting of payments)
14. Alerts on account activity or passing of set thresholds
15. PIN provision, Change of PIN and reminder over the Internet


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