Future Directions
The most significant change for the NAB is moving to a browser based service. This is likely to appear next year and will provide access for Macintosh based customers. Other functionality will be coming, but the details were not given.
Usability
The download means the interface could include more features than a standard Web page. However, this didn't mean that it was any more usable than its rivals. Although you can sort transactions according to date, this was about the extent of the enhanced usability - but it's nothing that can't be done in a standard Web page.
While you can check your recent transactions, there's no total on the screen to show the current balance - this is only available at the summary level. When checking out a transactions history, it defaults to showing the last 15 days, and figuring out how to change the date range took some time.
You get to select your various conditions in the term deposit window, but you can't see the current rates to make a more informed choice.
A couple of bugs occurred where the application became unstable. We closed the Internet banking, and then were informed to close all browser windows. It took a few goes and then it was working again.
Conclusion
A good offering, but a few problems such as the lack of Macintosh compatibility, and the unnecessary requirement for a downloaded application. High levels of security reduces some flexibility.
Rating 3 / 5.
ZDNet's e-banking special report compares the online offerings of Australia' s leading banks.
