SOCIAL BANKING: CaixaBank’s app gives users access to their accounts via Facebook

Spain’s CaixaBank has become the first bank in Europe to launch a Facebook application that allows users to view their bank accounts and perform transactions via the social network.

The bank will start by supporting microdonations to charities run by CaixaBank Welfare Projects. Users can select their favourite projects and make small donations of up to €15. The range of transactions will soon be extended to include operations such as person-to-person payments, according to the bank.

The platform is now available to any CaixaBank customer with a Facebook profile. It can be immediately activated via the bank’s Linea Abierta online banking platform and is “free of costs and fees.”

Once activated, users can open the app via their personal profile or the bank’s Facebook page using their Linea Abierta username and password. “At no time will Facebook have access to any personal or bank information,” the bank states.

Customers can then view account balances and transactions for current accounts, cards and bills. The platform also supports new product sales, initially allowing users to choose from photos on their Facebook profile to personalise new cards.