OCBC launches fingerprint access to bank accounts on mobile app

SINGAPORE — You no longer require a text from OCBC Bank for a PIN when logging into the bank’s mobile app.

OCBC, Singapore’s second largest bank, today (March 10) announced a fingerprint recognition service for its mobile banking customers, allowing them to view the full list of their balances — bank accounts, cards and investment — with a touch of a finger.

The first in Singapore to allow customers to check bank balances through fingerprint recognition, OCBC OneTouch is available for iOS devices that incorporate Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint sensors. Therefore, customers using mobile devices such as iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus with the iOS 8 operating system can use OCBC OneTouch to access their banking information.

Bigger rival DBS Bank had launched last October fingerprint recognition access for its payment app called DBS PayLah! The app allows users to send payments to a single or a group of recipients via mobile numbers, as well as request for money from others, but it does not let them check their account balances.

Mr Aditya Gupta, OCBC Bank’s Head of E-business in Singapore, said: “OCBC OneTouch is another stride forward in providing the convenience and security that our customers today demand to keep up to date on their finances. Checking bank balances is one of the most frequent transactions done by customers. We are confident that this innovation will resonate positively with our fast-growing group of mobile banking users.”

To access the app, customers will be required to perform a one-time activation by keying in their OCBC Mobile Banking access code and PIN. Future uses only require the swiping of the finger to access the individual’s account data.