On 6 September, PostFinance is launching an iApp with payment function and will be the first financial institution in Switzerland to do so. The application also features a search function for the nearest Postomats and up-to-date stock market information.

On 6 September, PostFinance is launching a free iApp for the Apple iPhone. It is the only application in Switzerland that allows users to transfer small amounts from one postal account to another. The sender registers directly in the iApp once for the payment function and can then transfer money quickly and easily by selecting the currency (euro or Swiss franc) and entering the beneficiary’s account number. Once the beneficiary has also registered, the money can be sent to his mobile phone number. The amount is debited to the sender’s account in just a matter of minutes and credited to the beneficiary’s account. For security reasons, the maximum amount is CHF 100 or EUR 66 per day. Up to CHF 400 can be used to top up one’s own talktime credit or that of a third party for prepaid mobile phones. The finance app from PostFinance also includes an account balance and transaction function:  users can call up their account balance in seconds and see if their salary has already been credited to their account.

Find locations and read stock market information

The app is particularly suited to searching for post office locations. Google Map shows Postomats, PostFinance branches and post offices, indicating the shortest route to them. The PostFinance application also offers access to price information for fifteen stock exchanges around the world. Interested users can keep a list with their favourite stocks and check the prices of funds at PostFinance.  Foreign exchange rates and financial and business news round out the offering.

The mobile phone as a financial assistant

Mobile phone functions are developing continuously. Nowadays they serve as multifunctional personal finance assistants, and are being used increasingly to make payments while on the move.  With the launch of the app, PostFinance is aiming to promote payments - its core business - with new services and to consolidate its image as an innovative financial institution.  Thanks to the widespread use of iPhones, the potential is huge:  800,000 people in Switzerland already own this type of device.

Simple login procedure

PostFinance is offering the downloadable iApp free of charge in the App store.  Users can download and install the iApp directly via their iPhone. The login procedure is simple: during the one-time registration with the PostFinance Card Direct and the card reader, it is possible to set a password for the iApp. This protects the iApp payment function against unauthorized access. A Swiss Post iApp was launched this summer. It features a location search for post offices, price queries and a track and trace function for consignments. The Swiss Post Box has established itself well among business customers since summer 2009. Upon request, physically received mail is scanned in and prepared on a secure Internet portal, then archived or destroyed.