A Dutch multinational banking and financial services corporation, ING is well known for its orange logo, which makes it very recognizable from a distance. ING is a full-service bank. Its activities include retail banking, commercial banking, investment banking, asset management, insurance, etc. Globally, ING ranks among the top 30 largest banks with total assets of US$1.1 trillion. In Europe, the company is ranked among the top ten largest in terms of revenue.
ING is a traditional bank that traces its roots to the 19th century. It has ATMs, physical branches, and bank clerks. Meanwhile, it also has a digital infrastructure that can easily compete with the leading fintech and neobanks. Its mobile app has an incredible 4.5 rating on Google Play. At first glance, ING combines the most advantageous features of traditional banks and neobanks. The purpose of this ING review is to determine whether the first impression is accurate.
ING app review
ING has more than a dozen apps on Google Play. This ING review examines only one of them – ING Bankieren, an app for Dutch customers.
ING mobile app (Google Play)
Category: Finance, Banking
Released: Nov 8, 2011
Current version: 2023.9.0.0
Latest update: May 2, 2023
Downloads: over 5 million
Rating: 4.2
In the latest update, a few minor bugs were fixed to enhance user experience.
Onboarding
There is no need to visit an ING branch to open a current account. One can easily apply for a bank account online and via the ING app. It is a five-step process that takes less than 10 minutes. After downloading the app, an applicant selects a suitable account type, enters their personal information, and completes the ID verification process.
The verification is also fast and straightforward. Applicants only need to scan a valid document and upload a selfie. It is not mandatory to have a Dutch ID to become an ING customer. It is enough to live, work, study, or own property in the Netherlands. Also, individuals with IDs from Austria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Italy, Estonia, Finland, etc., are eligible. The list of accepted IDs is extensive.
Services
For new customers registered through the ING app, there are two packages to choose from: OranjePakket (€2.35 per month), and OranjePakket met korting (€1.90 per month). There is almost no difference between the packages except for the withdrawal charges. OranjePakket met korting has a reduced monthly fee, but every withdrawal costs €0.80. OranjePakket costs more but includes unlimited free withdrawals. In both cases, the bundle of services is the same:
- Overdrafts, mortgages, loans
- No minimum opening deposit for current accounts
- Free cash withdrawals
- Apple Pay /Google Pay / Samsung Pay
- QR payments
- Real-time payments
- Currency exchange
- Scheduled money transfers
- Payment requests
- Scheduled bill payments
- Account statistics
- Money management tools (projected transactions, etc.)
- In-app storage of user’s banking statements, notifications, and so on
- Cashback and discount programs
The investment tools are available, but customers must download the ING Investing app to use them.
Design & Usability
A distinctive design makes the ING app easily recognizable: white and orange backgrounds, defined lines, and a lion logo. The app is visually pleasing, user-friendly, and loaded with features. It’s a complete and interactive platform with intuitive navigation, comprehensive statistics, and some gamification elements. The overall impression is very positive. Also, it is highly rated on Google Play. Occasionally, users complain about the app’s performance. Whenever a complaint is made, a development team member responds within a few hours and resolves the issue.
Reliability & Security
ING is committed to securing its customers’ data and money by using the latest technology and physical security measures. By embracing cloud technology early, ING not only introduces advanced features quickly but also ensures the security and stability of its platform. The cloud-native approach entails the “defense-in-depth” strategy. This means encrypting all the data and applying authentication between all digital infrastructure components.
Other ING app security measures include multifactor authentication and biometric authentication (Touch ID and Face ID), security codes, AI fraud detection, session timeout notifications, real-time transaction notifications, etc. In addition, the ING app enables users to reset passwords, lock cards, and report unauthorized transactions with a few taps.
Support
ING offers multiple communication channels, including a live chat, a 24-hour hotline, a dedicated email address, and in-person bank branch consultations. Also, one can reach ING representatives via social networks. However, customer service is poor. Many customers complain about the inefficiency of the staff and the long waiting times, and describe support staff as “unprofessional, arrogant, and unhelpful”. Meanwhile, the technical support for ING’s digital platforms seems to be more efficient and friendly.
Our verdict
4.4 stars out of 5. ING Group, a traditional financial institution, has managed to keep up with innovative fintechs. Its app is reliable, secure, and packed with modern features such as QR payments and budgeting tools. The bank offers moderate rates on current accounts, access to loans and mortgages, and moderate transaction fees. The rating of ING could be better, but we cannot ignore complaints about poor customer service and some other issues.
What we like about ING:
- Free cash withdrawals
- No minimum account opening deposit
- Apple Pay/Google Pay/Samsung Pay
- Apple Pay /Google Pay / Samsung Pay
- QR payments
- Real-time payments
- Money management tools
- Currency exchange
- Automatic bill payments
- Scheduled money transfers
- In-app cards security control
- Cashback, discounts, and reward programs
- App design and gamification elements
- Multilingual app
What we dislike about ING:
- High fees for certain transactions
- Poor customer support
- To use investment tools, customers need to download a separate app
Why ING?
ING is a global bank with a strong European base, A+ Fitch rating, and a stable outlook. In addition to traditional banking services, it also offers the convenience of fintech. The app is equipped with all modern features and allows customers to efficiently manage their finances. Additionally, the app is available in several languages, including English.
Value for customers:
It is easy to open an ING account. Applicants only need a few documents and 10 minutes. No minimum deposit is required. The fees for current accounts are moderate. The withdrawals are free for those who opt for the OranjePakket account. Additionally, ING customers have access to a number of valuable cashback and discount programs.
The ING app is stylish, user-friendly, and multilingual. It offers all the necessary tools for everyday banking and budgeting. Also, ING offers the option of building a stock portfolio, but customers need to download the ING Investing app for that.
Value for partnering businesses:
ING has an extensive partnership network. The financial group’s primary focus is on the following sectors: other financial organizations, insurance, real estate, and shipping. To provide cutting-edge app features to ING customers, the ING Group also builds long-term partnerships with fintech product developers. Additionally, it cooperates with various brands and retailers to deliver the best deals. There is no information about partnerships on the ING website. However, any company from the above-mentioned sectors with a viable proposal can apply for a partnership.
