Banking by iPhone If you need your updated banking information on the go, Hapoalim, Leumi and Discount all have iPhone and Android applications which make it easy to access your banking information from your favorite smart phone. While each application differs, they all seem to allow you the full capability of the website, including viewing transactions, checking account details and even securing transfers. Bank Hapoalim’s application also lets you pay bills by just taking a photo of the stub, something which until now required a teller. For those of you without a smart phone, don’t feel too left out: Hapoalim and Leumi both offer mobile versions of their website for easy browsing on older phones. Don’t discount bank Discount though – I’m sure its mobile site exists somewhere; I just wasn’t able to find it.Not all the aspects of digital banking involve your computer: most banks now offer the ability to deposit checks using the “information” machine at the entrance to your branch. Not only does this frequently save money (for example, depending on your account, Leumi charges less for computer transactions than teller-assisted ones) it saves the long and frustrating wait in line.Augmented reality bankingTrying to find a bank branch or ATM can be a bit of a pain. ATMs are sometimes hidden in the corner of malls and branches can be in places that you would least expect.Leumi helps you find ATMs and makes you feel like Iron Man or the Terminator at the same time. Much like the targeting display that Iron Man sees with his helmet on, Leumi’s iCleumi application on Android and iPhone uses “augmented reality” to help you locate the nearest branch or ATM.It does this by finding your location using the phone’s GPS and then turning on the camera. When you hold the phone up and look at the world though the camera, you will see little icons floating in the picture directing you to the nearest ATM in real time. This effect can’t really be described in words. If you are a Leumi customer, download the application and check it out.
Faster than a speeding SMS True information junkies, such as myself, don’t have time for websites or applications – we need the information even faster. For those of us who treat information like an extreme sport, most banks have an SMS service which can notify you about events associated with your accounts in real time.Withdraw money? You’ll get an SMS in sometimes less than 60 seconds letting you know that money has been withdrawn from your account. Swipe your credit card? Get notified that your bank has accepted the payment. Besides being useful for keeping track of your finances, it can notify you the minute fraud occurs by tipping you off about the withdrawal. And since you have your finger on the pulse of your financial life, you’ll know the second your significant other tries to buy you a birthday gift with your joint credit card. Still, that’s a small price to pay for knowing exactly the second your paycheck has been deposited into the bank and is ready for spending.Obviously, not all banks offer the same features. Ask your teller for information about your bank.