Standard Bank has announced big updates to its banking application for smartphones.

The app incorporates the Standard Bank ID, which was introduced with the bank’s tablet app in March. Once users create a unique login, they can use this across all their devices.

“If you have downloaded the tablet app, all your information will be available on the new app for your smartphone, giving you a seamless experience across your phone and tablet,” the bank said in a statement.

The app allows customers access to both their personal and business accounts. They can also personalise the app, including creating their own descriptive names for their dashboards and accounts.

Users can create savings goals and use an “Impulse Save” feature that allows them to save any amount, at any time, with a single tap.

The new app is initially available for iOS and Android devices. There are plans to release the app on more phone platforms based on customer demand. The existing BlackBerry and Windows Phone apps will continue to cater for users on those platforms, the bank said. However, new versions are not being released for the moment.

The iPhone version will be available in the Apple App Store as an upgrade to the current Standard Bank mobile banking app.

The new Android version is available in the Google Play store and won’t automatically replace the current app.

“The new Android app offers an optimised experience and while you can use both apps, we recommend that the old app be deleted so that you can enjoy the benefits of the new app,” a bank spokesman said.

Update: Users updating to the iPhone version of the app have reported problems with it. In response, Standard Bank has told TechCentral that it is “aware that some customers have experienced difficulty accessing our banking app for smartphones. We apologise for the inconvenience, and we are working on resolving the issue as a matter of urgency. Customers are requested to make use of our online banking services through Internet banking.” — © 2014 NewsCentral Media