Bank of Ireland rolls out revamped mobile banking app

Bank of Ireland is rolling out a new mobile banking app for customers, with Android users receiving it first, followed by iOS users.

Customer communications have begun ahead of the rollout over the coming weeks for what the lender described as its most widely used channel.

The redesigned app focuses on day-to-day banking tasks such as checking balances, making payments and managing cards. The update changes navigation, privacy settings, accessibility options and security features, while aiming to improve speed and ease of use.

Key changes include larger balance displays, continuous scrolling through transactions and daily running totals in account views. Users will also be able to see full payee details more easily, amend standing orders with simpler controls, and use more clearly labelled options to cancel or block transactions.

The bank is also adding more account and card controls. Customers will be able to blur balances quickly for privacy, freeze or unfreeze cards, and manage linked devices by viewing, renaming or removing them from their account.

Biometric authentication is being extended beyond login. Customers will be able to use fingerprint or facial recognition to approve payments, add cards to a digital wallet, view their PIN and add new payees.

Accessibility is another focus of the redesign. The app will include adjustable font sizes, a dark mode for low-light use, and a design aligned with requirements under the European Accessibility Act.

Bank of Ireland is also expanding the range of products and services available through the app. Customers will be able to open Smart Start, MortgageSaver and Super Saver accounts directly. Parents and guardians will also be able to manage a child's Smart Start account, view transactions, transfer money in, receive spend alerts and freeze the child's card.

The launch builds on earlier digital banking changes at the lender, including Zippay and SEPA Instant. Ciarán Coyle, Group Chief Operating Officer at Bank of Ireland, said customers now log in to the mobile app around 30 million times each month, underlining its importance to the bank's retail banking operations.

Susan Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Retail Ireland at Bank of Ireland, said the redesign was based on how customers use mobile banking in everyday situations.

"Our customers expect banking to be quick, clear and reliable, especially on mobile. We have started communications with customers to let them know the rollout kicks off soon. The new app will make everyday tasks simpler, giving customers better visibility and control over their money, and improving accessibility so more people can use the app in a way that suits them," said Russell.

"We looked closely at how customers actually use the app and designed it around those real-life moments. Whether it is checking a balance on the go, sending money quickly or managing cards, the app now works more smoothly and intuitively. Enhancements such as adjustable text sizes and improved accessibility standards are an important part of this, and reflect the wider work we are doing to make our services more accessible, including through our ATM and branch network," she added.

The new platform should also allow the bank to update the app more quickly over time. That reflects a broader push among retail banks to shift more customer activity into mobile channels while tightening security controls and reducing friction in routine transactions.

"Our customers rely on our mobile app more than ever, with around 30 million log-ins every month, so it is essential that it delivers a fast, simple and reliable experience. This new platform will represent a step change for what is now our most used channel, both in how the app performs for customers and how quickly we can continue to improve it," said Ciarán Coyle, Group Chief Operating Officer, Bank of Ireland.

"It will enable us to introduce new features more quickly, while continuing to strengthen security and performance. This new app builds on important innovations we've delivered such as Zippay and SEPA Instant, and highlights the pace at which Bank of Ireland is delivering meaningful change for customers."