Banking App Test Cases: Comprehensive Scenarios for Functional, Security, and Performance Testing

Our everyday life is incomplete without banking applications. From paying bills and checking account balances to transferring funds and applying for loans, customers rely heavily on web and mobile banking applications for fast, secure, and accurate transactions. As these banking applications handle sensitive financial data and critical operations, even a small issue can lead to financial loss, regulatory violations, and loss of customer trust.

In recent years, the banking domain has undergone a tremendous transformation with users demanding ease of use, personalization, and 24/7 access to banking services. Although financial institutions are trying to accommodate these demands, it is not always easy to do so. This is because it is necessary to maintain quality when you promise to deliver exceptional round-the-clock assistance. Hence, it is critical to create the right test cases for testing banking applications that will allow financial institutions to offer the best products to their customers. Well-designed test cases ensure a secure, reliable, compliant, and user-friendly application.

This article provides a comprehensive collection of test cases for a banking app, covering functional, non-functional, security, performance, and compliance aspects.

Why Testing a Banking App Is Critical

• Banking apps handle real money and highly sensitive data.
• They are required to comply with strict regulatory standards.
• Banking apps require high availability and accuracy.
• Banking/financial websites and apps must withstand security threats and fraud attempts.
• The user interface should be friendly and intuitive since it is used by a wide range of users, including non-technical customers.

If there is even a single minor bug, it can cause issues such as incorrect fund transfers, data breaches, legal penalties, brand reputation damage, and loss of customer base.

Hence, exhaustive and well-structured test cases are non-negotiable while testing banking applications.

Key Modules in a Banking App

1. User Registration and Login
2. Authentication and Authorization
3. Account Management
4. Balance Enquiry
5. Fund Transfer
6. Bill Payments and Recharge
7. Transaction History
8. Cards Management (Debit/Credit)
9. Notifications and Alerts
10. Profile and Settings
11. Customer Support and Service Requests
12. Security and Compliance

Each of these modules requires targeted test coverage, with test cases that cover all aspects of the application.

Test Cases for User Registration (New User) and Login

The following are the test cases related to new user registration and login to the banking app. Apart from testing for valid user registration and successful login, there are other functionalities related to login, like forgot password, invalid data, etc.

Positive Test Cases

• Verify that a new user can register for the banking app with valid details.
• Verify that the user registration form is accessible to the user and displays correctly in various browsers and devices.
• Ensure that all required fields (e.g., name, email, password, date of birth, contact information) are present and labeled correctly. Also, check the format of each field.
• Test input validation for each field, such as a valid email format, password complexity, and date of birth format.
• Verify that a registered user can log in successfully with the correct username and password.
• Validate user login using biometric authentication (fingerprint/face ID), if it exists.
• Verify OTP-based login works correctly. The app should check that the registered mobile number is provided.
• Check if the system is case-sensitive when comparing usernames during login. For example, usernames “test” and “Test” are two different users.
• Ensure that users can deactivate their accounts and that they can’t log in after deactivation.
• Verify the functionality of logging in using social media accounts (e.g., Google, Facebook) if supported.
• Verify that the session times out correctly after the specified period of inactivity.
• Validate the logout functionality to ensure users can log out securely and that they cannot access restricted pages after logout.
• Ensure that sessions are maintained securely and cannot be tampered with.
• Test the behavior of the login functionality and ensure the app is not accessible when users use the browser’s back button after logging out.
• Ensure that the password is securely encrypted and stored in the database.
• Check if a confirmation email with a verification link to the user’s provided email address is received from the app.
• Confirm that users can successfully register and log in after activating the email verification link.
• Check whether the registration form includes a CAPTCHA or a similar mechanism to prevent automated bot registrations.
• Verify that the new user is assigned the appropriate user role (e.g., customer) during registration.
• Ensure there is a clear and easily accessible link or button on the login page to access the “Forgot Password” functionality.
• Verify input validation for the email address or username field to ensure it only accepts valid inputs (for example, email in a particular format).
• Verify that the password reset form is accessible and displays correctly in various browsers and devices.
• Validate that submitting a password reset request with a valid email address or username generates a confirmation message.
• Verify that the user receives an email with a password reset link to the user’s registered email address when “Forgot Password” is clicked.
• Verify that clicking the password reset link from the email takes the user to a secure password reset page.
• Ensure that all required fields (e.g., new password, confirm password) are present and labeled correctly on the reset form, and appropriate validations are present.
• Confirm that after successfully resetting the password, the user receives a confirmation message about the password reset.
• Validate that users can log in to the banking app with the new password after resetting it.

Negative and Edge Test Cases

• Verify that entering an invalid email or phone number fails the registration.
• Ensure appropriate error messages are displayed when invalid inputs are provided or when system access is not allowed.
• Verify that the system prevents users from registering with an email address already associated with an account in the banking app.
• Ensure the user account is locked and inaccessible after a certain number of failed login attempts until an administrator unlocks it.
• Verify that the error message is displayed when the OTP expires.
• Check that appropriate error messages are displayed for different login failure scenarios, such as incorrect password, account locked, or invalid username.
• Verify that the application displays straightforward and user-friendly error messages for registration failures (e.g., email already in use, server errors).
• Verify the login process follows password length and complexity rules.
• Validate login behavior under weak network connectivity.
• Verify session timeout after a specific period of inactivity.

Test Cases for Authentication and Authorization

• Verify that multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enforced when logging in to the banking app.
• Verify that the OTP is sent only to the registered mobile/email.
• Verify that expired OTP cannot be reused.
• Ensure that unauthorized users cannot access restricted features.
• Validate that users cannot access another user’s account data.
• Verify that the session is terminated after logout.

Test Cases for Account Management

• Verify that users can access the account overview page after successfully logging in to the banking app.
• Ensure that only authorized users can view their account overview and that unauthorized users are redirected to the login page.
• Confirm that the account overview displays a summary of the user’s accounts (e.g., checking, savings, loans, deposits).
• Validate that clicking each account in the overview provides detailed information, including account number, transaction history, and interest rates (if applicable).
• Verify that the account number, branch, and IFSC code are displayed correctly for the individual account.
• Verify that the user can view all the accounts linked to the login, including joint accounts.
• Verify that the account nickname and other personal information, including transaction limits per day, can be updated.
• Verify that the account closure request can be submitted through the app.
• Verify changes are reflected in real time or after approval.
• Ensure that the transaction history for each account is displayed correctly, including the date, description, amount, and transaction type (e.g., deposit, withdrawal).
• Check the bank statement download functionality or generate PDF statements for each account.
• Verify that the account overview display respects the user’s selected currency and locale preferences.
• Check whether users receive alerts or notifications for important account events (e.g., low balance or large transactions).

Test Cases for Balance Enquiry

• Ensure the account balance is displayed correctly.
• Verify the updated balance is reflected immediately after a transaction is performed.
• Verify that the available balance and ledger balance are shown accurately.
• Verify the balance enquiry works during peak usage hours.
• Verify that the balance is not displayed when the session expires.

Test Cases for Fund Transfer

• Verify that the fund transfer can be completed successfully between your accounts.
• Verify that the fund transfer between accounts within the same bank is successful.
• Verify NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS fund transfers for external banks.
• Ensure a new beneficiary (payee) can be added successfully with the correct details, such as account number, branch, and IFSC Code.
• Verify the cooling period after adding a new beneficiary and confirm that the beneficiary is reflected once the cooling period is complete.
• Ensure that users can access the money transfer (Fund Transfer) section from the main menu or dashboard.
• Test that the user can view all the beneficiaries and select a beneficiary for money transfer.
• Test that the funds transfer verifies the available balance and transaction limits when transferring funds to other accounts, and aborts the transaction if the amount is insufficient or the transaction limit is exceeded.
• Check the banking app has an option to include a message or note with the money transfer.
• Ensure that users must enter a valid PIN (or GRID characters) or receive and verify an OTP (One-Time Password) before completing the transfer.
• Confirm that the transaction details, including the unique transaction ID, are accurately reflected in the user’s transaction history.
• Ensure the application enforces transaction limits and communicates them clearly to users.
• Test a successful fund transfer transaction with valid details.
• Verify the balance is deducted correctly from the account.
• Verify input validation for each field in the beneficiary addition form and application to prevent users from adding the same beneficiary more than once.
• Ensure that users receive a confirmation page or message after successfully adding a beneficiary.
• Confirm that users can delete beneficiaries from their list if they are no longer needed.
• Verify that duplicate transactions are not processed.
• Verify error handling for server or network failures.

Test Cases for Bill Payments and Recharges

• Verify that the banking app supports electricity, water, gas, and mobile bill payments and that appropriate menu options are available.
• Verify successful bill payment with a confirmation receipt.
• Verify that the failed payment shows an appropriate error message.
• Check that the app provides the user with an option to set recurring payments for all utility bills.
• Verify recurring bill payments are processed on time when set.
• Verify payment history is updated correctly in transaction details and account statements.
• Verify that refunds for failed transactions are processed and that the amount is reflected in the account.

Test Cases for Transaction History

• Verify that the savings account’s transaction history displays correct data.
• Verify that all transactions displayed are sorted by date.
• Verify that filters by date, amount, and transaction type are provided.
• Verify that the banking page allows downloading statements in PDF/CSV format.
• Verify extensive transaction history loads pagewise without performance issues.

Test Cases for Cards Management

• Verify card details are masked appropriately when displayed in the application.
• Verify that the card can be temporarily blocked/unblocked by sending a service request.
• Verify that card limit changes set in the savings account are applied successfully.
• Verify the international usage toggle works correctly.
• Verify PIN generation and change functionality for the debit/credit card.
• Verify that wrong PIN attempts are handled securely, and the card is blocked after a certain number of attempts.
• Verify that the app processes card replacement requests and that the customer can track them.

Test Cases for Notifications and Alerts

• Verify that transaction alerts are received instantly via email and SMS.
• Verify alerts are sent via SMS, email, and push notifications.
• Verify login alerts for a new device.
• Verify low balance alerts work as configured.
• Verify user can enable/disable notifications.

Test Cases for Profile and Settings

• Verify that account profile details can be viewed and updated.
• Verify that the mobile number/email change requires verification.
• Verify that the password change enforces security rules.
• Verify language and theme settings work correctly.
• Verify that the “logout from all devices” feature works.

Test Cases for Customer Support and Service Requests

• Verify that in-app chat functionality is available for the user.
• Verify support ticket creation and tracking.
• Verify that FAQs and help articles load correctly and that all topics are covered.
• Verify that escalation to human support through the chatbot works.
• Verify that the app provides call-back request functionality and that it works in practice.
• Ensure that users can access the service request section of the application from the main menu or dashboard.
• Test creating different types of service requests, including account statements, fund transfers, bill payments, account closure, and credit/debit card authorization, depending on the application’s offerings.
• Verify that each service request type has a dedicated form with appropriate fields relevant to the request being raised.
• Check input validation for each service request form, checking for valid data entry and proper error handling for invalid entries.
• Test whether users receive a confirmation email with the details of their service request, including the service request ID.
• Verify that users can track the status of their service requests, whether they are pending, in progress, or completed.
• Validate canceling a pending service request before it is processed.
• Check if users can apply for new cards and block old ones using service requests.

Security Test Cases for a Banking App

All banking apps and their components must be tested for security, as it is the most critical aspect. Various test cases for security testing are:

Authentication and Access Control

• Verify that brute-force attack prevention is possible for the banking app.
• Verify that session hijacking is not possible.
• Verify that tokens are securely generated and stored, and only relevant users can access them.

Data Security

• Verify sensitive data is encrypted at rest and in transit using advanced encryption methods.
• Check that no sensitive data is stored in plain text or is easily accessible.
• Verify that screenshots are restricted on sensitive screens, and copying text is prohibited.

Vulnerability Testing

• Verify the banking app’s protection against SQL injection.
• Validate that the banking app protects against cross-site scripting (XSS).
• Check if man-in-the-middle attacks are successfully prevented by the app.
• Verify API endpoints are secured.

Performance Test Cases

• Verify banking app performance with a high number of concurrent users.
• Ensure response time for balance enquiry and fund transfer is not too high.
• Verify the banking system behavior during peak hours and record its response time and throughput.
• Verify application database performance under heavy load.
• Verify the graceful degradation of the banking app during outages.

Usability Test Cases

• Verify that app navigation is intuitive, and the app is easy to navigate.
• Verify error messages are user-friendly and are descriptive.
• Verify font size and contrast meet accessibility standards such that text on the website or mobile app is easily readable.
• Verify the app works well for elderly and disabled users.
• Verify that the onboarding flow is simple and clear, and that users understand it without any difficulties.

Compatibility Test Cases

• Verify that the app works without any hiccups on different devices and screen sizes.
• Validate the working of the banking app on multiple OS versions.
• Ensure backward compatibility of the app after updates.
• Verify the app works on low-end devices.

Compliance and Regulatory Test Cases

• PCI-DSS
• GDPR
• ISO 27001
• Local banking regulations

• Data privacy consent management.
• Audit logs for various transactions.
• Regulatory reporting accuracy.
• User data deletion on request.

Best Practices for Writing Banking App Test Cases

1. Write clear, detailed, and traceable test cases by thoroughly understanding the requirements.
2. Cover positive, negative, and edge cases for the banking app wherever applicable.
3. Include security and compliance scenarios as a priority and test encryption, password policies, biometric logins, account locking, and data confidentiality.
4. Keep test data realistic and anonymized, covering various account types and scenarios.
5. Prioritize high-risk and high-impact areas.
6. Maintain strong collaboration with developers and business teams to understand various workflows and test them with all possible scenarios.
7. Focus on financial accuracy by verifying balance updates, interest calculations, transaction records, and payment limits precisely.
8. Test user experience (UX) to ensure layouts are responsive and accessibility features work.
9. Include adding beneficiaries, scheduling payments, viewing history, and handling failures gracefully while testing the workflows.
10. Automate repetitive tests (like login, basic transactions) and focus manual effort on complex scenarios.
11. Verify adherence of banking app to regulations, secure data handling, and clear user disclosures.

Conclusion

Testing a banking application is a complex and mission-critical process that requires a detailed understanding of requirements, workflows, and knowledge of the banking domain. It also requires a deep understanding of business workflows, security requirements, regulatory standards, and user expectations. Detailed and well-designed test cases help ensure that the banking app is secure, reliable, compliant, and user-friendly.

By covering functional workflows like login, fund transfer, and bill payments, as well as non-functional aspects like security, performance, and usability, QA testers can significantly reduce risks and deliver high-quality banking applications that users can trust.

In an era where digital banking is the norm, robust testing is no longer a quality activity, but a business necessity.