As a rule, software testing has a unified set of principles and standards that stay true for all industries. However, there are a few areas that require extra dedication and commitment as well as attention to security issues. In the banking domain it is especially necessary.
When it comes to financial application testing, developers have to ensure an app runs smoothly on all browsers and devices, is protected from the newest cyber-threats, and doesn’t get in the way of achieving peak business performance.
If you don’t know how to approach banking application testing, this post is a checklist of the best practices and strategies. Business managers can use this guide when looking for QA specialists or strategizing.
Table of Contents:
- What is Banking Application Testing?
- Why You Need Mobile Banking Application Testing
- How to Test Banking App?
- Use Cases and Challenges in Financial Application Testing
- Banking Application Testing with PFLB
- Final thoughts
What is Banking Application Testing?
A banking application usually has a complex structure — the development team has to manage a wide range of features and ensure security for its users all while offering an enjoyable and smooth experience.
Releasing a product full of code errors and performance issues will likely tank the company’s reputation.
That’s why monitoring, assessing, and optimizing the performance of the tool based on real-world scenarios is crucial.
There are several aspects QA specialists prioritize when testing banking applications:
- Functionality — making sure modules work as expected (both separately and as a joint system);
- UX and usability. Banking specialists are not always proficient PC users. When it comes to branch clients, not everyone has a good command of the web either. That’s why application developers have to build clean, user-friendly interfaces. Testers need to ensure that the use of graphic attributes of the product doesn’t require much time and all the main services are a few clicks away from the home page.
- Performance. Slow page loading and low responsivity on mobile devices are severe issues that can influence user retention rates in a negative way. A tester needs to make sure the product is fast and works consistently on various operating systems and browsers.
- Security. Most developed countries are tightening the grip on web security. And that’s why companies risk for ignoring basic protection principles. By not being compliant with security directives, a company owner puts themselves at risk of penalties or criminal prosecution. The objective of security testing is to ensure the application meets standard security guidelines and has additional protection means to be in the clear in the event of hacker attacks.
These are the main directions a banking application tester works in. Once all the banking web application testing stages are carried out successfully, the product goes live. Having tested the app, a banking company manager will be more confident about its performance in the real-world context.
Why You Need Mobile Banking Application Testing
Banking applications deal with sensitive assets — that’s why they are more vulnerable than any other projects. Financial software is a common target for hackers, so a company that works in the banking domain has to be on the constant lookout for security threats.
Mobile banking app testing is a way for a development team to predict and proactively manage protection and performance issues. There are other benefits it brings to the table as well, such as:
- Improving the support of complex integrated systems. Banking software is often complex, both in terms of technology and design. Instead of releasing a faulty tool and having to fix bugs chaotically, a continuous testing strategy allows the development team to prepare the product for release as it’s being created.
- Ensuring the system complies with frequently changing regulations. A banking manager needs to remember that product testing is a continuous effort. For one, when new features are added, tech debt usually piles up. This results in a tool’s unstable performance. More importantly, as new security laws and regulations are enforced, developers have to find new ways to protect user data. By testing and reiterating, you ensure the application is legally compliant and inspection-ready anytime.
- Improving user experience and customer retention. People generally have a low tolerance for defective apps — it’s even more the case for products in the banking domain. Having to deal with bugs and performance issues compromises the quality of your client’s work and financial management. Thoroughly testing the product before release allows you to gain customer trust and build a stronger bond with a customer. In return, companies can expect the increase of daily active user numbers and retention rates, and reduce marketing campaign costs.
- Ensuring sensitive data is protected properly. Defective software performance can lead to data leaks or disappearance. For most industries, a data leak is unfortunate, yet not fatal. When it comes to banking, there’s no margin for error. By neglecting user data protection, you’ll be putting your clients’ financial assets in jeopardy. The price you pay for carelessness is high and can include fines, court cases, or criminal prosecution.
- Checking the performance of the app in all likely scenarios. An internet banking application testing gives developer a hint on how the application will be displayed for users with varying Internet speeds or on different web browser clients and operating systems (iOS/Android). You will also find out how much traffic the product can handle without slowing down or displaying performance errors. This way, a business manager can predict traffic spikes and put in additional effort as the surge of users is nearing.
This is not a definite list of QA banking application testing benefits. These are simply the most crucial ones that explain the difference in performance and user acceptance between a well-tested and a not tested app.

How to Test Banking App?
To ensure a testing strategy can be expanded for all the projects that a quality assurance manager handles at a time, a strategy is crucial.
Without an outlined framework, it’ll be much harder to estimate the overall budget, draw up timelines with precision, or allocate responsibilities between team members.
That’s why knowing your bank application testing process step-by-step is not optional. Depending on business objectives, the scale of the product, and its range of features, additional steps might be added or removed from the framework. Having said that, as a rule, the banking app testing process looks the following way.
- Data gathering. The first stage of banking app testing consists of research. A QA specialist needs to get domain knowledge (familiarize with industry-specific terms) and get a better understanding of the industry standards.
- Identifying test requirements. Based on all collected data, the testing team identifies the requirements a testing session will assess. The list of objectives has to include both business and functional goals.
- Collecting banking app test cases. A QA specialist creates an online banking application test suite where cases are separated by functionality modules. At the end of the day, it has to cover all aspects of the application — functionality, performance, user experience, and security.
- Functional testing. The team runs tests to make sure all functions a development team chose to implement work as expected.
- Database testing. A QA manager needs to ensure the data is stored in a structured, easy-to-manage way. Also, the database needs to have a mechanism for data restoration or migration.
- Banking application security testing. At this stage, testers assess the way user data is protected by the application. This includes assessing data encryption efficiency and user authentication. A tester also needs to ensure potential data breaches or leaks are automatically reported. For a banking app, measures for handling unauthorized access are necessary — such as an automatic system shutdown.
- Usability testing. Here, a QA manager thinks of a way to help all of its user categories navigate the app. Testers need to ensure that people with sight problems or other illnesses will feel no limitations when it comes to using the tool. The application also has to be fully adapted to meeting the needs of the elderly.
- Performance testing. This stage includes checking page loading speeds, testing the app’s performance as the traffic load increases, assessing the product’s responsivity for different browsers.
- User acceptance testing. At this stage, a limited number of users (a focus group or beta-testers) gets to try the app for the first time. The development team records and monitors journeys and experiences, ensures they are bug-free, and gets feedback from user acceptance testing participants.
This, in a nutshell, is a brief rundown of the banking app testing process. Depending on the complexity of the product and the extent of its user base, the amount of time needed to complete the stages may vary.
Use Cases and Challenges in Financial Application Testing
To understand the nature of financial application testing to the fullest extent, let’s look at generic cases QA specialists usually include in a mobile banking application test suite:
- Check if a user can log in with valid login credentials. In case users fail to enter the data for one or both required fields, the application needs to offer a restoration mechanism.
- Ensure a user can perform basic transactions. A banking app has to support transactions between user’s own credit cards as well as between the user and a different account. To improve the convenience of a transaction, the program needs to give a mechanism for creating regular payments.
- A user can change a password. A tester needs to ensure app users can modify login credentials in a secure way. The development team needs to implement a safe way to edit any personal data so that the records in the database are as up-to-date as possible.
- A user can send transactions to multiple users. They should only be able to do so if they have sufficient funds in their account balance.
- The account is blocked after multiple login attempts. This is a secure way of brute force attack protection. Other than that, a developer has to account for a mechanism to restore a blocked account in a fast yet non-compromising way.
Financial applications are peculiar compared to other software products due to a wide user base and heightened attention to security compliance. These and other factors make the testing process slightly more challenging than that of other software.
Here’s a banking application testing challenges list that shows the issues QA specialists have to pay attention to:
- Multiple device and browser support. As a banking app covers people’s essential needs, a developer has to ensure it’s easy to access. That’s why the product should work consistently across different browsers and operating systems — including their older versions. When it comes to hardware support, a user should be able to open and use the app on the current and older iOS and Android devices.
- Transferring data during system migrations. All procedures and routines have to be re-tested during such a migration. Also, the development team needs to have a clear idea of ways to fetch, upload, and store data in a new system.
- Gathering test data. Before opting for automated or manual testing, banking application development teams need to ensure that it’s legally compliant. During the entire testing period, the data should be protected with techniques like masking.

Banking Application Testing in PFLB
PFLB is a team of professional testers with a tried-and-proven testing strategy for financial applications. Since 2008, we’ve completed dozens of projects across multiple industries, including core banking system testing projects.
We’ve provided small, medium, and big enterprises with confidence and a stable application performance.
PFLB has a robust testing toolkit that includes the existing tools for computer, Android and iOS software testing as well as proprietary solutions.
Our experts use SOAP/REST-based transaction processing emulators for banking application load testing, an HSM Plugin for JMeter for data streams integration testing, VISA|MC|MK Clearing transaction emulators, and many other solutions.
Our clients get continuous assistance on solving functional and performance issues. After the product is released, we will provide you with maintenance tips and, if needed, will reiterate selected tests.
Final thoughts
Thorough testing can’t be optional for banking applications as they deal with large volumes of confidential data. An error-prone app puts the users of the banking system at risk and endangers their financial assets.
Through testing, a company owner can ensure that users will be able to freely perform transactions and check the status of a deposit or their account balance.
If you are looking for high-quality testing services, PFLB is the place to contact. With over 10 years of experience, we have a solid understanding of the banking domain and are familiar with the latest fintech industry standards.
Take a look at our services to choose those your project could benefit from. To describe your software and find out more about the ways to test and optimize its performance, contact us.
Have a Project in Mind?
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Drop us a line to find out what our team can do for you.
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FAQs
What is functionality testing on mobile banking app? ›
Functional Testing
It is a basic testing parameter QA testers examine all the functionalities of the banking application and ensure all added features function properly. Also, it brings forth any bugs/errors that might require resolution.
Banking Domain Testing is a software testing procedure for the functionality, performance, and security of a banking application. The major goal of banking application testing is to guarantee that all of a banking software's actions and features work properly with no problems and that it is secure.
How mobile application testing is done? ›Types of mobile application testing. Functional testing ensures that the application is working as per the requirements. Most of the tests conducted for this is driven by the user interface and call flow. Laboratory testing, usually carried out by network carriers, is done by simulating the complete wireless network.
How do you test financial applications? ›- Check if new accounts are created correctly with valid data;
- Use functional testing type to check how an application behaves if the accounts are created with invalid data;
- To make sure your account is secure, check login functionality with invalid data;
...
Recoverability Testing Test Cases
- Crash recovery and transaction interruptions.
- Validation of the effective application recovery situation post unexpected interruption/crash scenarios.
Database Testing: It is the most important part of bank application testing. This testing is done to ensure data integrity, data loading, data migration, stored procedures, and functions validation, rules testing, etc.
How do you create a test case for a mobile application? ›Test Scenarios and Test Cases for Mobile Applications
Verify if the user can log in to the application and explore the screens. Check the functionalities on the screen like the back button, submit, and save button. Verify for the screen navigations and zoom options. Check for the application in low battery mode.
A simple definition of mobile application testing would go like this “Mobile application testing is a process by which an application software developed for handheld mobile devices is tested for its functionality, usability, and consistency. Mobile application testing can be automated or manual type of testing.”
How application software is used in banks? ›Commercial or retail banks use what is known as core banking software which records and manages the transactions made by the banks' customers to their accounts. For example, it allows a customer to go to any branch of the bank and do its banking from there.
What are the software application in banks? ›Best Banking Software include:
SAP for Banking, CGI Open Finance, Oracle FLEXCUBE, Temenos Transact - Core Banking, TCS BaNCS, Validis, Mambu, Avaloq Banking Suite, Symphony™, and TurnKey Lender.
What are the common challenges in mobile application testing? ›
- Mobile Application Types.
- Different Operating Systems.
- Browser Versions.
- Poor Network Conditions.
- Testing Tools Available.
- Mobile App Emulators.
- Automation Tools for Mobile Testing.
Key Points. Device testing is generally being carried out to check the mobile device itself, whereas Mobile application testing involves testing of an application which will be running on the chosen device.
What type of testing will you perform on internet banking solution? ›316: What type of testing will you perform on internet banking solution? C. Non-functional testing.
What is API testing in manual testing? ›API testing is a type of software testing that analyzes an application program interface (API) to verify it fulfills its expected functionality, security, performance and reliability. The tests are performed either directly on the API or as part of integration testing.
How do you write a test case for a bank transaction? ›Test Steps for Bank Transaction
Add the beneficiary to whom you want to transfer money. Check the details of bank account and person. Verify if they are correct. Select the specific money transfer method from NEFT/RTGS or SWIFT transfer options.
A test scenario is a description of an objective a user might face when using the program. An example might be “Test that the user can successfully log out by closing the program.” Typically, a test scenario will require testing in a few different ways to ensure the scenario has been satisfactorily covered.
What is an example of a scenario? ›Example Sentences
A possible scenario would be that we move to the city. The most likely scenario is that he goes back to school in the fall. The best-case scenario would be for us to finish the work by tomorrow. In the worst-case scenario, we would have to start the project all over again.
- Step 1: Test Case ID. ...
- Step 2: Test Description. ...
- Step 3: Assumptions and Pre-Conditions. ...
- Step 4: Test Data. ...
- Step 5: Steps to be Executed. ...
- Step 6: Expected Result. ...
- Step 7: Actual Result and Post-Conditions. ...
- Step 8: Pass/Fail.
Test banks are a compilation of a professor's test questions from past semesters. When students are either given back an exam or allowed to leave the class with it, some students put the questions from these tests into a database for future students of the same class to use.
What are the three types of stress testing that a bank should consider? ›The three key areas stress tests focus on the most are credit risk, market risk, and liquidity risk.
What are the three main types of bank transactions read more? ›
- ATM: Deposit or withdraw funds using an ATM.
- Charge: Record a purchase on a credit card or withdraw funds using a debit card.
- Check: Withdraw funds by writing a paper check. ...
- Deposit: Add funds to an account by any method.
- Security related scenarios in mobile testing.
- Performance related scenarios in mobile testing.
- Network related scenarios in mobile testing.
- Mobile screen size related test scenarios.
- Marketing related scenarios in mobile testing.
- Geolocation and localization related scenarios for mobile testing.
What is End-to-End Mobile Testing? End-to-end mobile testing is a comprehensive technique of verifying software systems from start to finish to ensure the application flow is working as anticipated. It describes the system mandates and confirms all the integrated pieces work together as needed.
What are the major factors which are necessary while testing mobile app? ›- Stable Network Bandwidth and Carrier Networks: ...
- Great User Experience (CX): ...
- Impressive Performance: ...
- Effective End-to-End Security: ...
- Stable Across Operating Systems: ...
- Delight with Usability: ...
- Compatible Across Devices: ...
- Uniform Scalability:
The Katalon Platform is an all-in-one automation testing tool for mobile, web, API, and desktop (Windows). As the most popular alternative to Appium, Studio eliminates the hassle of building a test automation framework from scratch and programming prerequisites with low-code methods.
What are the three 3 types of mobile application? ›Three Types of Apps: Native, Hybrid, and Web.
What is a real life example for software testing? ›A real-world example would be a driver pressing the hazard lights button in their car and observing both that: a) the hazard lights begin to toggle, and b) that the indicator lights on the instrument cluster are illuminated. Finally, manual testing is done during the development phase by the team writing the software.
What is software testing with example? ›Software testing is the process of evaluating and verifying that a software product or application does what it is supposed to do. The benefits of testing include preventing bugs, reducing development costs and improving performance.
How many types of mobile testing are there? ›Smartphone users prefer to use mobile applications that pass the test of quality, security, and usability. Testers use different types of mobile application testing types and tools to test an app on several parameters. Before releasing an app on the marketplace, a tester tests the app on 12 types of mobile app testing.
What are the different types of banking applications? ›- Account Opening Form. ...
- W9 Form. ...
- Bank Account Registration Form. ...
- Debit Card Application Form. ...
- Visa Credit Card Application Form. ...
- Bookkeeping Client Intake Form. ...
- Credit Card Application Form. ...
- Account Closing Form.
What programming language is used for banking apps? ›
Banks such as Credit Suisse and Barclays are most interested in Java and Python skills. C++ is not as popular now but is still used. Since banks still operate legacy systems built on C++, programmers who understand the programming language still carry an advantage.
What protocol do banking apps use? ›HTTPS is a protocol that allows end-to-end encryption of HTTP traffic (communication between a mobile app and the server). HTTPS creates a secure “tunnel” inside where sensitive information can be exchanged.
What are five basic types of application software? ›- Word Processing Software.
- Graphics Software.
- Spreadsheet Software.
- Presentation Software.
- Web Browsers.
- A collection of Microsoft software including MS Office, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Common Internet browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.
- Graphics and designing software such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop, CorelDraw, and AutoCAD.
Test cases should be easy to understand and steps should be executed fast. They should independent with each other & fail/pass independently from one another. Fairly, each good test should have defined its expected result.
How many types of test scenarios are there? ›8 Types of Test Cases in Software Testing.
What are positive scenarios in testing? ›Positive testing examines a software program's response with the help of a valid input data set. Checking the software program's response using the invalid/incorrect input data set is known as Negative testing. Positive testing is not a guarantee of high-quality software.
How can I test my mobile Web application? ›- Launch Chrome and navigate to the website to be tested on mobile.
- Open the Developer Tools available in Settings -> More Tools -> Developer Tools. ...
- Select the Device Toggle Bar.
- Select the device emulated from the available Android and iOS devices list.
Small App | 6-7 weeks |
---|---|
Mid Size App | 14-15 Weeks |
Big Size App | 20-22 Weeks |
Uninstall and reinstall the App. Delete the App and visit your App store to download it again. Check that your settings on your phone are allowing the Mobile Banking App to access the internet, and that your internet is stable and connected. If possible, use the automatic time set by your network provider.
What type of testing will you perform on Internet banking solution? ›
316: What type of testing will you perform on internet banking solution? C. Non-functional testing.
What are the things to be tested in a mobile app? ›When testing a mobile app, the most important layers or configurations to consider include the operating system, the specific version of said operating system, the hardware presented by particular smartphone model, and screen dimensions. Each layer an app encounters can influence its performance and user experience.
What is the difference between mobile testing and mobile application testing? ›Key Points. Device testing is generally being carried out to check the mobile device itself, whereas Mobile application testing involves testing of an application which will be running on the chosen device. When we call it device testing, hardware testing becomes a part of it.
What are the stages of mobile testing? ›- Understand Mobile Testing Challenges. ...
- Select Your Mobile Device Mix for Testing. ...
- Incorporate a Mix of Real Devices and Emulators and Simulators. ...
- Know the Types of Mobile Application Testing. ...
- Determine Your Manual Testing vs. ...
- Don't Forget Mobile Beta Testing.
So, mobile testing is not tough because testers have to think about vast coverage and real-time usage (yes, they are surely the differentiating factors from any typical testing) but mobile testing has become tough because while running a race with allowed time to do testing, most of the mobile testers prefer to do ...
Can mobile banking app be hacked? ›The simpler means of attack is by spoofing an existing banking app. A malware author creates a perfect replica of a bank's app and uploads it to third-party websites. Once you've downloaded the app, you enter your username and password into it, which is then sent to the hacker.
What are the problems with online banking? ›- Phishing. Having an online banking account, you might fall victim to phishing. ...
- Identity Theft. Even if hackers do not steal from your account, you can still have your account details compromised in the case of an identity theft. ...
- Keylogging. ...
- Pharming.
It may take from six to ten months to build an MVP. The exact duration depends on whether you need a small project with minor updates to your current application or a complex one with custom banking app development from scratch. The more mobile banking app features you need, the longer it will take to develop them.