Today Amplify Credit Union announced Apple Watch functionality for its members, providing them with a mobile interface rarely found in the regional bank and credit union community. With the latest version of the app in the iOS marketplace, Amplify members can now access their accounts from their Apple Watches.
“Our members are constantly on the go,” explains Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo, “which provided us with an opportunity to make their online banking experience even more convenient. Our app will allow members to check their balances and transaction history with just a flick of the wrist.”
The wearable technology industry is being driven by early adopters who are providing rapid and sustained growth. Recent data derived from the International Data Corporation (IDC) predicted that sales of wearable devices will grow by 15.3% by the end of 2019, with watches making up 45.6% of that market. This data underlined the need for Amplify to stay one step ahead of their members’ needs. “What may seem like a luxury to some of our members has already become the standard for others,” Armijo suggests. “We want every member to have the mobile banking experience they deserve.”
Once the Apple Watch feature has been enabled in the mobile banking app, members will receive view-only access through their Apple Watch to both their account and transaction history. By swiping left or right on the app, enrolled users can view up to 20 of their Amplify accounts. They will also be able to view the last 10 transactions for each of these accounts, offering a seamless connection between their online banking experience and the mobility of their wearable device.
This visibility serves as an important tool for those who have their Apple Pay accounts linked to their Amplify credit or debit card. Now members can easily check their balance before making a purchase or verify that a transaction has been processed all.
“At the end of the day, Apple Pay can only be as convenient as your online banking provider,” explains Digital Banking Product Manager Brad Clutter. “If you can make a purchase using your Apple Watch, but still need to take out your phone to review your bank account, you’re not getting the seamless experience you signed up for. Our app makes sure that phone stays in your pocket from start to finish.”
Although Amplify currently has no plans to bring its wearable banking experience to other mobile platforms, its development team continues to keep an eye on market trends and member feedback. “We’re constantly evaluating new technologies as they hit the market,” explains Clutter. “We’ll be keeping our eye on platforms like Google’s Wear OS to determine if they may be a good fit in the future.”