A good mobile banking app helps you track your spending, watch your balances and manage your budget.

Planning a budget is often easier than actually sticking to it. But if you use the right tools, you can spend within your means without feeling like it’s a chore. A handy tool is probably right under your nose: your bank’s mobile app.

A banking app keeps you in touch with your account balance and, possibly more importantly, it lets you see your spending habits. If you haven’t already downloaded one for your mobile device, you may be missing out on a great money management tool.

Why use a mobile banking app?

A mobile banking app’s features are tailored to the types of tasks you can do on your mobile device while on the go, so they’re all about speed and convenience. They give you a quick and easy way to do things, like check your balance before you make a purchase so you don’t unintentionally overdraw your account or exceed your personal budget. They may also offer capabilities that are not available elsewhere, such as the ability to deposit a check using the camera feature of your device.

What can mobile banking apps do?

In addition to letting you view recent transactions and account balances, mobile banking apps may let you:

• Set alerts that let you know when your balance drops below a certain level or when a withdrawal is made
• Deposit a check into your account by snapping a photo of it on your device
• Transfer money between accounts
• Transfer card balances
• Pay bills
• Send or receive money
• Locate branches and ATMs
  

How safe is mobile banking security?

Apps from reputable banks have built-in security features for mobile banking. For instance, apps don’t store your personal or financial information on your phone, and they might log you out when you’ve been inactive for a certain amount of time. In addition, if someone does access your information, you can report the suspicious activity to your bank right away to protect your account before any damage can be done. This fraud protection, coupled with alerts, can maximize your mobile banking security.

Should you download an app from your bank?

In a word, YES. When deciding how to manage your money, a mobile banking app is a great way to ensure you’re sticking to the budget you’ve created. Not only can your banking app help you manage and track your spending, it’s secure and easy to use.

This is just the beginning of the conversation about how a U.S. Bank mobile app can simplify your life and meet your banking needs.

Learn about our Mobile and Online Banking options with Digital Explorer, a quick and easy way to help you understand all you can do digitally at U.S. Bank.