Bank of America joins other financial institutions in adding biometrics access to its mobile app. The banks also announced a series of other improvements to better meet customers’ changing needs and make it easier for users to manage their finances. The new updates include the introduction of fingerprint and Touch ID sign-in, the launch of an Apple Watch mobile banking app and the ability to add two-factor authentication for access.

The FIDO Alliance framework enables the addition of biometrics. The new fingerprint and Touch ID sign-in capabilities provide eligible Android, iPhone and iPad customers with a convenient way to log into the BofA mobile banking app using their fingerprint. This feature allows access to the most common functionality of the app without the additional need for a passcode.

BofA also release a mobile banking app that is compatible with Apple Watch, allowing users to view account balances and recent transactions for their linked checking, savings, credit card and investment accounts, as well as receive real-time alerts and notifications on their wrist. The functionality requires enrollment with Bank of America’s mobile banking app and is compatible with iPhone 5 devices or later, operating on iOS 8.2.

There is also a new security center for BofA customers. Customers can now manage their digital banking security settings in one place, and can opt into an extra security feature at sign-in that helps verify the customer’s identity with a one-time authorization code sent via text or email each time they sign in.

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