I was looking at some stats recently and happened to notice a significant drop in ATM and EFTPOS transactions while mobile and internet transactions continue to grow at a rapid rate. I guess that’s a good reason to get our long awaited version of CommBank Kaching for Android out.

I’m glad to inform you that it’s now ready to go! You can download it for free from the Google Play Store.

Apologies for delaying the launch date – but we really wanted to make sure we tested it thoroughly before releasing it (after all you don’t want us to make mistakes with your money).

Key usability needs

One of the challenges we faced was working out how much we should change the original iPhone version for Android. In the end we’ve tried to make them as close as possible… while still picking up some of the key usability needs for Androids.

Priority

The first thing I have to call out is that it does not have the iCarte to let you shop with your debit or credit card. The reason for this is we would prefer to start using the chip that comes with the phone, rather than have our customers buy a cover. This is a real priority for us. Currently the NFC chip (the secure element) in Android NFC-enabled phones is not available to us.  Third parties are responsible for this and as soon as it becomes available we’ll look to introduce new NFC features to our customers.

All the other features that you want from CommBank Kaching are available such as simple balance, real time transactions, email/mobile/facebook payments, Branch & ATM locator (if you still need cash) and a user friendly app that is just as secure as our iPhone version.

This means that once you download CommBank Kaching to your Android you will be able to pay anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Too easy

We have also got some other changes coming to make it easier to collect CommBank Kaching payments regardless of who you bank with. This means anyone can download our app and then save their bank account details so all they need to add is their payment code. I used CommBank Kaching to pay my son Andy for his birthday and included the collection code on his card… too easy.

For those Android customers who want to get one over the iPhone crew then we have a special treat in store. We have a new feature coming into NetBank Lab called “the Vault”. We’ll keep you posted on the details of this in the near future.

Anyway give it a try and tell me what you think?

Important Information: You must be registered for NetBank with NetCode SMS to make payments. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc. Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc.