Santander customers in the UK with an Apple iOS device will soon be able to use their voice to interact with their SmartBank mobile banking app in order to make payments, retrieve information such as how much they have spent and perform queries on specific transactions.

“Transactions appear in real time, retailers are highlighted by name, spend can be calculated by day, month or year and customers with a 1I2I3 credit card can also ask about the cashback they have earned,” the bank says. “This makes it clearer for customers to identify and understand their spending.”

“The technology will be rolled out in two phases. The first is an introductory phase aimed at helping customers get to grips with the basic features by providing the ability to ask about their card spend. The second, due for release later this year, will enable customers to fully service their accounts.

“This includes advanced features such as the ability to make payments, report lost cards, set up account alerts and answer a broad range of questions about spend.”

Transformational

“Technology is rapidly changing how customers bank and pay on the move,” says Nathan Bostock, CEO of Santander UK. “We believe technology, like voice banking, will play a transformational role in the way we add value by creating more choice and convenience for our customers.”

“The worlds of technology and banking continue to evolve at pace,” adds Sigga Sigurdardottir, head of customer and innovation at Santander. “We are excited to be the first UK high street bank to bring voice-assistant technology into the customer user experience. We believe it has huge potential to become an integral part of the future banking experience.”

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