To use the app, consumers need to have a registered online account that can be synced via their devices. In addition to the new Android app, Citizens Financial Group also has an app available for iPhone devices.

“Given the increasing popularity of mobile and online banking, we continue to make investments that provide customers with additional options and convenience for managing their money,” said Jim Hughes, senior vice president and head of media relations and social media at Citizens Financial Group, Boston.

Citizens Financial Group operates both Citizens Bank and Charter One financial institutions with more than 1,460 branches and 3,800 ATMs.

Money management
According to the company, the Citizens Financial Group iPhone app has been downloaded more than 12 million times since it was launched in 2010. The company launched the Android version to reach approximately 50 percent of the smartphone market.

Users can download the Citizens Financial Group app for free from the Google Play Store.

Consumers can transfer money across Citizens Bank and Charter One accounts via the app.

Clients can also set-up the app to pay bills. Users can store contact information inside the app, type in the amount of the bill and pay instantly.

The app uses a device’s location to find the nearest branch and ATM for consumers.

Additionally, consumers can contact a bank directly via a click-to-call function.

New banking
In addition to rolling out the new Android app, Citizens Financial Group has also updated its iPhone app and online banking site.

For example, the company’s online banking site has a feature that lets users send money to friends and family via an email address or mobile phone number. The feature is expected to be rolled out to mobile in the coming months.

Additionally, the iPhone app has been updated to view images of checks, include more transfer options and view images of checks.

Mobile banking is quickly becoming a prime way that consumers access their finances. Additionally, consumers expect more from their banking experience than just being able to view their accounts. Instead, consumers want to be able to complete complex tasks such as depositing checks, transferring money and using their device’s location to find the nearest bank.

For example, a recent study from Juniper Research found that 88 percent of current mobile bankers will want to pay bills via an app by 2016 (see story).

“We know from listening to our customers that they value and need flexibility, simplicity and efficiency as they manage their personal finances and run their businesses,” Mr. Hughes said.

“We continue to see double-digit growth in mobile banking use by our customers and as such, continue investing in and exploring additional technologies in this space,” he said.

Final Take
Lauren Johnson is editorial assistant on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York