July 29--BMO Harris Bank is giving users of its iPhone mobile banking app the option to use their fingerprint as a passcode.
The Chicago area's second-biggest bank by deposits also said it's rolling out a new feature, called Passcode, for Android users that will allow them to use a four-digit password to check balances, see recent transactions and withdraw money at an ATM using only their smartphone.
For customers to use the fingerprint feature, called Touch ID, the iPhone must be a model 5S and newer.
"Recognizing that our customers already have many passwords to remember, the integration of Touch ID and Passcode simplifies the user experience and securely enhances our mobile banking app," said Cesar Rainusso, vice president of digital channels for BMO Financial Group, BMO Harris Bank's Canadian parent. BMO Harris Bank consumers may also continue to access their mobile apps in the existing fashion.
In May, BMO Financial began offering the features in Canada.
Earlier this year, its U.S. arm, BMO Harris Bank, began outfitting hundreds of its ATMs with technology that give consumers the choice of withdrawing cash using their smartphone, eliminating the need to use a debit card.
byerak@tribpub.com
