Essential Test Case Types for Testing Financial Applications

Financial applications are known for their complex nature, involving multi-tier functionality, large-scale integration, real-time and batch processing with a high rate of transactions per second. Given these intricacies, it’s crucial to conduct thorough mobile banking app testing to ensure that the product meets user requirements and remains secure. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fundamental aspects of testing financial applications. Practical examples of how to create efficient and manageable test cases will be provided along with the outline of crucial test cases to include when deploying the app. Let's get started!

Do & Don’t when writing test cases

Every type of test cases should encompass the following components: 

• Unique identifier: each test case should have a distinct identifier for easy identification and navigation through the kits
• Title & description: a concise title and a brief description help in quickly locating the test case among others
• Preconditions: while not directly related to the functionality being tested, preconditions provide information about the test case’s environment and previous outcomes, establishing the context for the specific test case
• Test steps: clearly outline the steps that the tester needs to follow in order to achieve the expected results
• Expected output: describe the desired outcome after executing the test

It’s advisable to avoid:

• Unclear formulations: Ensure that the test case instructions and expected outcomes are clear, concise, and unambiguous to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
• Dependencies on other test cases: Design test cases to be independent of each other, reducing reliance on the execution or results of other tests. This promotes flexibility and ease of maintenance.
• Excessive or insufficient information: Strike a balance by including all necessary details in the test case without overwhelming it with excessive information or omitting essential elements. This helps in executing and interpreting the test effectively.

Crucial test cases types when testing financial applications

When conducting testing for banking and financial applications, there are several essential types of test cases in QA that you cannot overlook. Let's directly outline these test case types and their significance.

Functional testing 

• Verify that new accounts are successfully created with valid data
• Assess how the app behaves when accounts are created with invalid data
• Test the login functionality with invalid data
• Verify that balance updates occur correctly after transactions
• Ensure regular payments are saved and executed at the specified time
• Verify whether bulk messaging can be sent and analyzed
• Ensure support requests are correctly handled

Database testing

• Validate the correct structure of data
• Ensure the correct format of field data
• Verify accurate calculation of computed fields
• Check if each table has the necessary constraints (foreign keys, primary keys and unique indexes)
• Check for any duplicate or redundant data within the tables
• Validate the appropriate usage and handling of null values
• Verify proper data handling during profile creation or updates
• Test app behaviour when the database server is unavailable
• Validate data persistence

Performance testing

• Evaluate app performance under different user loads
• Test performance under varying battery levels
• Validate performance across different devices types and models
• Check app performance under slow connection conditions
• Monitor app performance during transactions and changing internet speeds

Regression testing

• Validate the alignment of requirements with test cases
• Compare the current release with the previous release to identify any issues
• Verify compliance with relevant standards
• Regularly review and update regression test packs by removing test cases that are no longer relevant and adding new test cases

Accessibility testing

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) were developed by the W3C to establish a universally accepted standard for web content accessibility. These guidelines provide essential direction to individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide on enhancing web content accessibility for people with disabilities.

The current version is WCAG 2.1 while WCAG 2.2 is scheduled to be published to be release in Q3 2023. Each guideline has testable success criteria of three levels: A, AA, and AAA.

The guidelines revolve 4 principles:  operable, understandable and robust. 

1. Perceivable

• Provide descriptive alternatives for non-text content.
• Ensure multimedia content includes captions and alternative options.
• Develop content that can be flexibly presented through various methods, including assistive technologies, while retaining its intended meaning.
• Enhance visibility and auditory experience to make content more accessible to users.

2. Operable

• Ensure all functionality is accessible via keyboard input
• Allow users sufficient time to read and interact with content
• Avoid using content that may trigger seizures or physical reactions
• Facilitate user navigation and content discovery
• Improve usability for inputs other than keyboards

3. Understandable

• Ensure text is legible and comprehensible.
• Ensure content behaves consistently and predictably.
• Assist users in avoiding and rectifying errors.

4. Robust

• Optimize compatibility with existing and future user tool 

Security testing

• Verify the app’s response to multiple login attempts
• Evaluate the efficiency of the ‘’Forgot password’’ functionality in quickly recovering account details
• Assess the strength of password requirements
• Confirm that user IDs and passwords are encrypted
• Validate if the app utilizes a secure protocol, such as HTTPS
• Ensure password masking (e.g. hiding under dots or other symbols) during user input
• Implement safeguards to prevent indefinite user login sessions
• Test the app’s response when clearing the cache 

User acceptance testing

• Validate the intuitiveness and adjustability of navigation within the user interface
• Verify the coherence of font and colour schemes to ensure consistency across visual elements
• Check for consistent language usage across all application pages
• Ensure that all links and buttons have clear and descriptive titles
• Validate that error and warning messages are self-explanatory and easily understandable

Sample test cases for banking apps

While there is no universally applicable test case example for the banking industry, there are still various instances that can be referenced to conduct efficient testing. Here are a few examples of what can be tested in the banking domain.

Conclusion
Developing test cases for financial applications can present challenges due to factors such as the unique deployment environments, stringent compliance requirements, and intricate test scenarios involved. That's where the expertise of a seasoned testing team specializing in BFSI becomes crucial in ensuring the utmost quality of your financial software. 

With a proven track record spanning over 14 years, KMS Solutions has been a trusted partner providing financial technology consulting to numerous financial institutions. Our top-notch software testing services specifically enhance the security, compliance, and overall performance of financial software products and systems. Contact us now to witness the remarkable difference we can make for your business.