BPI goes “Mobile Web”… and disappoints

Abe Olandres Editor-in-chief July 2, 2010 · 2 min read

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BPI just announced that they’re services are now accessible via mobile phones. Though the invitation included a special movie screening of Eclipse, I attended and curious how they implemented the mobile web strategy and wanted to see it in action.

During the media interview, a BPI rep tells us there are two ways to access BPI services on the mobile phone:

One is via a Menu-based system integrated into the carrier/telco. It’s basically an SMS based query — some thing we’ve already seen for years now.

The other one is via the mobile web. You can now access www.bpiexpressonline.com using the built-in browser of your phone. It’s not a Web app, not an iPhone app nor an Android app. ~~Not even a Java app that can be widely supported by entry level to mid-range handsets.~~ It’s just an optimized webpage (lite version).

Ok, so for a banking institution like BPI that’s very strict in security (try applying for a credit card or enroll a 3rd party account), having a mobile accessible website might be a huge leap already.

To be fair, I asked them if they are putting efforts into developing an iPhone or Android app and they said yes. Hopefully, we’d see that coming out soon.

So, let’s put this mobile banking website to a test. All you guys out there who have a BPI Express Online account, go try logging to your account with your mobile phone’s browser. Let me know which phone you used and if it does really work.

Update: Clarification from Eric of BPI below that the mobile app is the Java version you can download and install on your Java-capable handsets. Turns out their mobile web presence has been there for years now. Check out www.thumbworld.com.ph for more.

What are the two ways to access BPI services on mobile phones?

The two ways are a Menu-based SMS system and an optimized mobile web page via www.bpiexpressonline.com.

Is there an iPhone or Android app for BPI mobile banking?

BPI has not yet released an iPhone or Android app but confirmed they are working on one.

What type of mobile application did BPI launch according to the article?

BPI launched an optimized webpage for mobile browsers, not a native app or Java app.

React to this article:

Bpi express online

Abe Olandres

Editor-in-chief

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and is considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines.

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254 Comments

Mai · 16 years ago

I was able to download the java app to my Nokia E63. I can log in and view transactions without any problems.

However, I’ve been trying to transfer funds to another account but the app won’t let me type in the account number and amount. I pressed each and every button on my phone but it still won’t work.

89-100 was of no help at all.

Eric · 16 years ago

@ maye — how can I or Zoe get in touch with you?

zoe · 16 years ago

Hi Maye. I am from BPI. Thank you for trying out our Mobile Banking facility. It’s really for mobile people like you.

For the Internet-Based Mobile Banking (the mobile app in thumbworld) we just need to do a little tweaking on the Internet settings of your Blackberry. I can do a tutorial with you. How can I get in touch with you?

Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

Maye · 16 years ago

Sorry Sir Abe for spamming your comments section. Last na talaga, share ko lang itong experience ko with bpi’s mobile banking: http://www.iloverainb0ws.com/?p=1023

Maye · 16 years ago

Oh wait. I’ve tried the SMS banking na via Globe Postpaid > Specials

So I guess I’m stuck with the “mobile app” na lang. Hope you can help me with that Eric. Thanks!

Maye · 16 years ago

Hi Eric!

I have this in my bb: http://www.mybpimag.com/download_demo_blackberry/loader.html but I always get this error whenever I tried logging in:
————————-
Q: I always receive the error message “401 A connection error was detected while we were processing your request. Please check if you have enough credits or check your signal strength. If problem persists, please contact your telecommunications provider.” What should I do?

A: If you receive this error, please look for a different location with higher communication signal to have an uninterrupted GPRS connection. If your error is persistent, please call your telecommunications provider. You may need to reset your GPRS and MMS configuration settings.

—————————–

Mukha namang ok yung GPRS ko. What seems to be the prob? Tried calling 89100 and I think they have no idea with this “mobile app” so they suggested I register for SMS banking. and I have no idea how to access that. Little help? Thanks!

Eric · 16 years ago

@ ligrev — Thank you for checking out our website. If you access http://www.bpiexpressonline.com, you will really see our full/desktop browser version.

Our new Internet-based mobile banking is a “lite” version via a Java applet installed on the mobile phone. However, this is not yet available on iPhones.

You may still enjoy banking on your mobile phone via our menu-based mobile banking with Globe and Smart.

Should you need help, you contact me directly or visit http://www.thumbworld.com.ph. Thanks!

Eric · 16 years ago

@ jaypee – Currently, GCash to Bank/ Bank to GCash transactions are only for our mobile banking using the Globe menu. In the same manner that our Bank to Smart Money is only available via our Smart menu-based banking.

Have noted your suggestion though and we will consider that in our future enhancements. Thanks!

ligrev · 16 years ago

Accessed bpiexpressonline.com on an iphone. its like the desktop browser version. i don’t see a “mobile” version.. ?_?

Jaypee · 16 years ago

@Eric
For now, bank-gcash transactions are limited to menu-based mobile banking only. I hope that soon, it will also be integrated with expressonline banking and internet-based mobile banking.

Eric · 16 years ago

@ jjb — The registration and ATM activaton are part of our security controls to ensure that it is really you requesting for the service.

If you are already enrolled in Express Online, you just need to do a simple registration to immediately get your Java app. No need to go to the ATM.

Logon to Express Online and navigate thru Other Services > Express Mobile Registration > Mobile Banking.

Thanks!

jan · 16 years ago

@Eric: thanks! great news indeed.

Eric · 16 years ago

@ bursky/Coco Palm Sugar — Thank you for using BPI WAP Banking. This, however, will soon be “killed” as we already have the Internet-based mobile banking which offers more features.

You can now transfer funds even to unenrolled accounts or reload unenrolled mobile phones – which are not available in WAP banking.

We can help your register. You can in get in touch with me directly or logon to Express Online and navigate through Other Services > Express Mobile Registration > Mobile Banking.

Thanks.

Eric · 16 years ago

@ Mule/Yeboi — We’re still working on the BPI Express Mobile applet for iPhones. We’ll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, you may to try our SMS-based mobile banking which runs on Globe’s or Smart’s menu. Please visit http://www.thumbworld.com.ph for details.

Eric · 16 years ago

@Jan — Great news! We no longer expire the Express Online password.

jan · 16 years ago

@Eric: is there a way to turn off the security feature that forces you to change your password every couple of months? this has really been a pain to deal with.

jan · 16 years ago

@Eric:

jjb · 16 years ago

signing up and first time use of the online one and mobile service is very disappointing. there you are at your comfy place thinking that you can do your bpi banking or gcash to bpi transfer, saka mo lang malalaman na kelangan mo pala ienroll or activate sa ATM para magamit.

@ERIC- sure ba na di kelangan enrollment if i use the java app instead? will be very glad if thats the case

Mule · 16 years ago

An iPhone app for bpiexpressonline please! I love BPI. Never had experienced the problems stated by others above. I love their real time deposit ATM’s. Truly a bank of innovation and convenience. Now where’s the iPhone app for mobile banking transactions and the mobile mall, BPI? Been waiting for it since the advent of thumbworld. Ãœ

Eric · 16 years ago

please visit http://www.thumbworld.com.ph

Abe Olandres Editor-in-chief · 16 years ago

@eric – thanks for the clarification. Didn’t get that part during the interview/demo last time or in the press release. I’ve updated my post above to include that correction. Thanks!

Maye · 16 years ago

Hi Eric! you may email me at maye[a]globe.ap.blackberry.net :) Called up your csr’s. Baka daw di ko pa na-activate thru atm yung account ko. Hahaha. *stupid* il try again para maka log in na ako using the “app”

Eric · 16 years ago

Hi Maye!

The Java-aplication is safe and secure. And it offers 2-factor authentication. That’s why we can now offer funds transfer even to unenrolled BPI accts or reloading of any Globe/TM phone.

Would like to assist you in the downloading of the BPI applet. How do I get in touch with you?

Maye · 16 years ago

I downloaded their “app” the other day and I can’t log in. Error. Kinda scared lang na baka hindi pa siya kasing safe ng paypal for bb app.

char · 16 years ago

i use their mobile services to check my balance and transfer money from my account to Gcash very convenient for my online shopping and i also use it in paying my PLDT bills just a few clicks on my cellphone and im done. i just noticed wala ng bank charge pag nag-withdraw sa kanila when i used my BDO atm :)

zena · 16 years ago

yeah, this one is new.

I tried to access http://www.bpiexpressonline.com on my phone. I was able to access but the view is distorted.

This is meant to be accessed via a desktop..using my phone this lite version of BPI is better. I tried and it works naman on my phone. Just need to do a little tweaking on my phone settings.

Eric · 16 years ago

Hi! Thank you for attending our special movie screening for Eclipse, as we also wanted you to see BPI Express Mobile.

Yes. you’re right, BPI Express Mobile has 2 variants: the SMS-Based and the Internet-based. For the Internet-based, we would like to clarify that it is a Java-based application which can be accessed via GPRS or Wi-Fi. To be able to use the service, you have to register first through BPI Express Online, then you will receive a link coming from BPI, which will enable you to download the BPI Mobile Banking applet. After, if you already want to use it, there is no need to access http://www.bpiexpressonline.com via your mobile phone’s browser. Note that the Internet-based BPI EXPRESS MOBILE is a “lite” version, which will enable you to do a lot of financial transactions including:
-> funds transfer to any BPI account
-> bills payment to more than 300 merchants
-> reload any Globe/TM prepaid phone
-> reorder checkbooks
and the usual balance inquiry plus a history of your transactions.

It will be great if you can try the service Ãœ
We can help your register for the Internet-based Express Mobile. You can in get in touch with me directly. Thanks.

SAM YG · 16 years ago

basura talaga ang BPI, tuwing umaga, bawal mag-balance inquiry, tapos palaging ang haba ng pila, limited to 20k ang pwede i-withdraw araw-araw, nde pwedeng kumuha ng small denomination, palaging offline on most ATMs pag sweldo time, hassle mag-transfer ng pera to other BPI account holders, kailangan pang i-enroll sa BPI branch, anlaki ng charge tuwing magwi-withdraw sa ibang ATM, tapos anliit nman ng interest pag nagdeposit ka sa kanila… haayzzz!

kung nde lang BPI ang payroll namin, nde ako kukuha ng BPI account eh… Basura talaga! handsdown!

I’m a Citibank Account holder, nai-kumpara ko lang.

drealmarlon · 16 years ago

gamit ko nokia 5230 ok naman sa built-in mobile browser,naviview ng full content ng tulad sa pc.

Erin · 16 years ago

if it would really allow me to do banking using my SE k618i then I would applaud them. it was a pain when I had to transfer money from my savings account to my primary account to pay for my mother’s hospitalization bills and found out that their website wouldnt work for mobile browsers. I had to walk for 20 minutes to the nearest internet shop.

idlewild · 16 years ago

i thought they’re introducing a mobile version of their site. it’s still the same old desktop version which has been working since.

Yeboi · 16 years ago

I checked it out on my iphone and it’s still the same desktop version. I can already transfer funds with it using my phone. Would be great though to have a dedicated iPhone app.

mbaron · 16 years ago

i’ve been using bpiexpressonline.com over my iphone’s safari for over a year now and it works fine.

riccillego · 16 years ago

works just fine on my hd2…..& even on my nokias-5630 & N95 8GIG…actually the best mobile banking experience….compared to BDO’s buggy mobile rendering…..kudos to BPIEXPRESSONLINE!

Coco Palm Sugar · 16 years ago

It does suck. I couldn’t even login using my daily phone, a Sammy U800.

I never liked their SIM-based Menus or the SMS-based systems. Their old WAP site (which I’m glad is still active) is much more usable and functional than this mobile “optimized” website.

Rem · 16 years ago

I can’t log in using my C901

bursky · 16 years ago

their WAP site *gasp!* is still up naman so for quicker loading times for just simple transfers, that’s where i run to. i guess, for a “richer” banking experience kaya nagawa ‘to.

markzter · 16 years ago

its a useless app on my e72.. needs more improvement on performance, and the layout is so boring..

Ton · 16 years ago

Eol does not work with opera on symbian. The css pulldown menus (which are actually the only navigation menus) dont, well, pulldown.

been forced to use the nokia native browser. It displays the ‘normal’ version of the page, but it works. Dont see anything new so far.

to be fair, their service is better than other banks.

Andre Marcelo-Tanner · 16 years ago

is that their mobile?
i use their java app on my blackberry, useful and quick, it can even do 3rd party transfers

theres also their ican mobile mall but i dont use that

iko · 16 years ago

@xtian1986 i was referring to transferring funds from my bpi acct to gcash

Joshua · 16 years ago

No effort at all…

xtian1986 · 16 years ago

wait, is iko talking about BPI mobile web or GCash? O_o

Teknisyan · 16 years ago

hehe.. creating their own apps will surely increase the security when doing online transaction, I only use their web site when checking the balance and the history the different transaction. Its not only BPI that cannot perform fund transfer. Even other banks like PNB and BDO. Though I’m not sure if you need to enrol this service to them. :)

Paul · 16 years ago

@ reiden: Wahahaha.. I was thinking the same thing. :)

android_fanboi · 16 years ago

nice one BPI

Glenn Santos · 16 years ago

^unwarranted aggression alert

Tried visiting the site and it’s still the same old desktop version. It might not be live yet. I logged in and the version is still the desktop one.

reiden · 16 years ago

@iko, andami mong satsat, wala kanamang BPI account

reiden · 16 years ago

@iko, ang dami mong sinabi, pointlez naman

iko · 16 years ago

i have been using their Java app on my windows mobile phone for over a year now and i must say it has been very efficient. i pay all my bills through their desktop website version too but it wont allow me to transfer funds to a different account. or is it possible with the desktop version?

i just wish they make everything the same across all platforms. right now you can only

a. do Gcash transactions through the menu-based system on Globe,

b. transfer funds to a third party acct through their Java app

c. pay bills on the desktop version.

re: a standalone app, i dont know if it’s practical for them to do this since there are a lot of mobile platforms today esp. Android, the most fragmented platform in the planet.

an iPhone app would be cool though. lol