Nature and Interactivity of Mobile Banking Applications: A Typology Based on the Canadian-American Industry

This research presents a first typology for mobile banking applications. Combining the dimensions of nature with the degree of interactivity, a four-cell matrix presents the following types: Transactive, Transpassive, Inform active and Info passive. A survey of existing mobile banking applications in Canada and the United was performed to validate the typology and to offer a picture of the current mobile banking market. Results indicate that the most widely offered applications contain active functionalities (both Inform active and Info passive). Additionally, most mobile banking functionalities are merely adaptations of functionalities already offered on the Web while some banks offer functionalities that reflect their brand image and service positioning.