According to a new study from Hitachi Consulting's Dove Consulting division, when asked which application they were most excited about using - mobile banking, mobile payment at point-of-sale or mobile person-to-person payments - nearly two-thirds of respondents chose mobile banking. Some 30% were excited about mobile point-of-sale and only a handful expressed real interest in mobile person-to-person payments.

Not surprisingly, the study, sponsored by PSCU Financial Services, also found that convenience is the most compelling feature for both mobile banking and mobile point-of-sale payments. Key conveniences for mobile banking included the ability to check balances and pay bills from anywhere, without the need for a PC. The major selling point for mobile payment at the point-of-sale was the prospect of no longer having to carry a wallet.

On the downside of all mobile payment services is the fear of fraud and lack of security, especially if the mobile phone were lost or stolen.

Click here for more detailed survey results.