The Best Banking Apps in 2021

With dematerialization and digitalization, banking institutions are constantly innovating to offer services that meet users’ expectations. The challenge is to provide simple solutions that allow everyone to manage their bank account in real-time, anywhere – at work, at home, while traveling, or on vacation. Before changing banks, make sure it offers a mobile app to simplify your daily life. To help you see more clearly, here is a non-exhaustive list of the best banking apps in 2021.

Traditional Banks: Which Mobile App to Choose?

To compete, traditional institutions have revamped their offerings by integrating more innovative services. They now have their own websites paired with mobile apps. Here are a few examples:

Société Générale Banking App

Compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, the Société Générale banking app offers an unparalleled user experience. Simple and ergonomic, it allows you to:

• Check your accounts in real-time, with expense categorization for better financial management;
• Adjust your payment limits;
• Set up notifications for significant expenses;
• Block your credit card in case of loss or theft;
• View upcoming transactions;
• Make permanent or one-time transfers worldwide.

The app is very practical and even allows you to make small transfers via SMS.

Crédit Agricole’s “Ma Banque” App

At Crédit Agricole, clients have two types of banking apps compatible with Android and iPhone. One is for account management and the other for managing credit cards.

Named “Ma Banque,” the first app makes it easy to manage your accounts with features like:

• Quickly check your accounts without authentication;
• Generate RIBs (bank identification statements);
• Manage payment limits;
• Order checkbooks;
• Manage transfer beneficiaries;
• View account history and balance graphs;
• Sign savings contracts.

Online Banking Apps: Which One to Choose?

Online banks are known for their competitive fees and innovative services. In addition to their websites, they provide apps tailored to all expectations. Here are some apps to consider if you opt for an online bank:

Boursorama Banque

To attract more clients, Boursorama invests heavily in its banking app, which is ergonomic, intuitive, and easy to use.

With a clean design, the app supports mobile payments via Google Pay and Apple Pay. It includes comprehensive features for daily budget management:

• Check balance;
• Instant transfers;
• Add beneficiaries;
• Digital safe;
• Block your card;
• Generate RIBs.

Fortuneo

Each online bank has its own advantages. Fortuneo offers a user-friendly mobile app with comprehensive features for autonomous account management.

In addition to its free virtual bank card and account aggregation, Fortuneo supports mobile payments. Its banking app allows you to:

• Make transfers;
• Modify limits;
• Generate RIBs;
• Order checkbooks;
• Receive real-time notifications;
• Check deferred debit balance.

You can also explore other online banks like Orange Bank. Feel free to consult the numerous reviews on Orange Bank via this link.

The Best Apps from Neobanks

Neobanks are pioneers in banking apps, as they do not have branch networks like traditional institutions and some online banks. They offer their products and services via dedicated apps. Here are some notable neobanks:

Revolut

Revolut’s app is both powerful and ergonomic, offering essential features for account management and its debit card. It allows you to create sub-accounts for savings and offers:

• Shared accounts;
• SMS transfers;
• Virtual debit cards;
• Bill management (Pockets);
• Customizable limits;
• Cashback with the Metal plan.

N26

The final app in this ranking is from the German neobank N26. With a clean and minimalist design, the N26 app offers several features for autonomous account management:

• Real-time balance check;
• Expense categorization;
• Customizable limits;
• Create sub-accounts;
• Instant transfers;
• Mobile payments;
• High security: fingerprint, 3-D Secure.