Digital Banks – What are they? Features, Advantages & Disadvantages

Digital banking is done online via digital platforms, and it eliminates paperwork. Various banking services, such as moving cash deposits, account management, bill payments, fund transfers and withdrawals, investments, and loan applications and management are digitalized.

What is digital banking?

Today, most customers have smartphones and other gadgets, giving them easy access to online services. Digital banking is the process of digitalization of banking activities and services that were previously available only in the branches.
It substitutes a traditional bank’s branch network with an online presence, making it more convenient for users to execute transactions.

History of digital banking

The history of these banks dates to 1993 when Temenos AG banking software system provider was founded. In 1994, Microsoft Money made bank accounts accessible for regular households.

During 1997 and 1998, digital-only banks were launched in Canada and the United States of America (USA).

Digital banking vs. Neo banking

Do you know what is digital banking and neo banking? Often, there is confusion between the two because of their similarities.

Both digital and neo banks allow you to deposit, withdraw, transfer, and borrow funds, and perform other banking transactions. However, the basic difference between a neo bank and a digital bank is their presence.

Neo banks are independent entities without any association with a traditional bank and have a complete online presence only.

On the other hand, digital banks are generally backed by financial institutions and offer banking services and products via online banking and mobile applications.

Difference between traditional and digital banking

Features of digital banking

Digital banking in India offers several features and benefits. Some of the key aspects are as follows:

Online banking

You may avail of banking services from any place at any time at your convenience. With high-quality and advanced technological solutions, you can enjoy a fast and simple banking experience.

Moreover, most online platforms offer similar services at no additional charges.

Personal finance planning

The banking sector is highly competitive, and every bank tries to offer unique solutions to gain an advantage over its competitors.

Several platforms offer various personal financial planning features like loan and premium calculators, software and tools for budgeting, forecasting, and tax planning.

Mobile banking

You may execute all financial transactions via your bank’s mobile application using a smartphone or tablet on the go.

You may access your bank services and products 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it easy to do banking at your convenience.

Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

Traditionally, if you wanted to pay someone, you would either issue a check or visit the nearest branch. You had to fill out the deposit slip and wait in a queue, making it inconvenient and a time-consuming process.

But now, you can make digital payments to anyone at any time via UPI, which is a real-time payment mechanism developed by the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI).

Funds can be transferred via virtual payment address (VPA), mobile number, bank account number and IFSC, QR code, or Aadhar number. Some of the popular UPI apps are Google Pay, PhonePe, and BHIM.

Digital wallet

Digital wallets are also known as virtual wallets and allow you to pay money via your smartphone. With these virtual wallets, you no longer need to carry cash while traveling or when you go shopping.

Post-demonetization, millions of people started using online wallets like JioMoney, Paytm, and MobiKwik for payments.

Loyalty programs

Digital reward and loyalty programs enable product promotion and customer engagement. These digital programs offer a cost-efficient and measurable reward for customer acquisition and retention.

Financial institutions allow you to earn points on your monthly activities, which can be redeemed for various products, services, and vouchers.

Phone banking with no Internet

You can also conveniently bank without an active Internet connection. Services like phone banking, SMS alerts, and missed calls allow you to access your bank’s products even if you have no Internet connectivity.

Generally, such services are available free of cost and all transactions are cashless.

Automated bill payment

You pay several bills each month, which include electricity, gas, mobile, credit card, and much more. Additionally, you may have equated monthly installments (EMIs) on your home, car, personal, or other loans and insurance premiums to pay.

It is possible that you may miss out on one or more of these payment due dates. However, you can avoid this by linking the various bill and loan payments to your bank account for a direct debit facility on or before their due date.

Cash backs and discounts

Most financial institutions offer cash back offers and discounts on your purchases and spending.

Some banks may also offer coupons that can be used for rebates and discounts while making some purchases.

Secure message alerts

A beneficial feature of digital bank accounts is that you receive real-time notifications of your transactions.

Although sometimes such notifications may seem annoying, they can help prevent fraud. Financial institutions send notifications when:

• Transactions are denied or successfully executed
• Failed attempts to log in to your accounts are made
• Bill due date is nearing
• Any account details are modified
• Account balance reaches a predefined target

In case of any suspicious activity, an immediate alert can be helpful, and you can avoid any severe consequences resulting from a lack of awareness.

Remote banking services

Such services simplify your life and give you a comfortable and hassle-free user experience.

A dedicated digital relationship manager is available for your services and takes care of all your financial needs and banking requirements.

You may use these remote services not only during banking hours but also during non-working hours. With the help of the relationship manager, you can execute any transaction, resolve your queries, and enjoy other benefits from the comfort of your home.

Although a complete replacement of traditional physical bank branches may be in the distant future, digital banks are convenient for regular and essential transactions.

Even banks are adopting this model as they are faced with stiff competition, lower margins on deposits, and evolving customer requirements.

As India moves towards its dream of becoming a cashless economy amidst increased internet penetration, financial institutions are investing huge amounts for technological upgrades, upskilling employees, and providing innovative solutions to gain a competitive advantage.

Advantages of digital banking

• Banks can reduce their overheads, such as rent, personnel costs, and branch maintenance expenses.
• Digitalization enables quick data transfer, reducing the overall transaction time.
• All transactions done via digital banking accounts are executed on secure servers, ensuring privacy and efficiency.
• As banking services become more accessible, banks can easily offer several products to a higher customer base, thereby increasing their revenues.
• Offering innovative digital solutions to improve customer experience helps attract and retain clients.
• Banks can predict trends and stay ahead of the competition to help gain market share.
• Financial institutions adhere to new rules and legislations, bringing transparency and enhancing customer trust.

Disadvantages of digital banking

• Although financial institutions are equipped with secure servers, security is one of the biggest concerns and they are faced with internal and external risks.
• Many customers lack awareness and knowledge and prefer in-person banking as it seems more reliable and comfortable.
• The fear of losing money while making online transactions is another reason why most people from rural areas and senior citizens prefer using conventional banking.
• Lack of skills and knowledge deters bank employees to adapt to innovative and constantly changing technologies.