More than half of Americans use a mobile device to manage their bank account at least once monthly, and more than one-third do so more than three times per month, according to a new survey by the American Bankers Association.

Additionally, nearly three-quarters of mobile banking users are highly satisfied with their bank's app, rating it either "excellent" or "very good," ABA found.

"Consumers are increasingly turning to their smartphones and tablets to manage their everyday finances, and banks have responded by expanding their mobile capabilities," said Nessa Feddis, ABA Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Counsel for Consumer Protection and Payments. "Bank innovation has made it more convenient and safer than ever to do things like check your balance, deposit a check or make payments." 

Asked how many times in the past month they had used a mobile device to access and manage their bank accounts, survey participants responded as follows:

• once — 58 percent;
• more than three times — 37 percent;
• one to three times — 21 percent;
• never (despite owning a mobile device) — 30 percent;
• don't own a mobile device — 10 percent; and
• unsure — 2 percent.

Asked to rate their primary bank's mobile app experience, mobile banking users responded as follows:

• excellent — 33 percent;
• very good — 39 percent;
• good — 22 percent;
• fair — 5 percent; and
• poor — 1 percent.

"The quality of a bank's mobile app is a key differentiator when it comes to attracting and retaining customers," Feddis said. "A large majority of bank apps are grading well, but there's always room for growth, and we expect to see even more improvements in design and functionality as banks increase investment in this space." 

The annual survey of 1,000 U.S. adults was conducted August 8–10 by by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf ABA.