EXCLUSIVE – Bank of America today notified its mobile app customers of a new feature with PFM functionalityr
The new “Goal Tool,” can be accessed through the mobile app. A user can add a goal (and even attach a picture to that goal), and then can allocate money to that goal within the app. For example, a user can have a goal: such as, buying a car (goal: $5,000). That user can start allocating funds to that goal and track their progress towards that goal.
The goal is connected to the user’s bank account, but technically there is no actual transfer of funds taking place. So setting a goal doesn’t affect a user’s account balance, but instead is just way for the customer to keep tabs on a particular expense goal.
“We want to provide solutions that help consumers better manage their financial lives and achieve their financial goals,” Betty Reiss, BofA media representative, told Bank Innovation in an email.
The feature is similar to one provided by nonbanks like MoneyLion, InSpirAVE or Mint, except that it all takes place within the customer’s banking app and doesn’t involve moving funds between accounts. The feature speaks to a larger trend for BofA, where it is trying to provide a comprehensive banking experience within the BofA banking app, so that users do not have to rely on other apps, such as the aforementioned PFMs.
This trend, of course, is not unique to BofA. Many other banks are incorporating PFM type features in their apps. Some are even partnering with PFM fintechs to provide such capabilities. Just look TD Bank’s partnership with Moven. Other banks like Wells Fargo with its My Money Map and Chase’s Finn are all striving to add money management capabilities to give their users a more well-rounded digital banking experience.
BofA currently has over 24 million mobile users.






