Introduction to APIs

This topic describes useful information on APIs, what it is, what the benefits are, and some examples of implementation.

What is an API?

API is an acronym for Application Programming Interface. An API is a standard non-graphical interface that makes an application’s functionality available to other applications over a network. Imagine the possibilities if you could connect an application to another, with almost the ease of plugging in a USB-cable. In the case of USBs, through a widely accepted standard, you can connect different devices to your PC, adding capabilities and value.

Similarly, APIs also enable you to combine application functionalities and services via a standardized interface. With these digital building blocks, you can for instance retrieve account information or initiate a payment from your own connected application. Companies such as Apple, Spotify and Dutch railway operator NS show that providing strategically selected services to third parties can add great client value. For example, Google Maps uses the NS API to show departures times in real time.

ABN AMRO's goal is to provide clients with the ability to control their finances, so that they are in a position to make decisions that are right for them. This is done by developing products and services that are fast, simple, and personalized. By offering API products next to proprietary channels, you can leverage ABN AMRO's capabilities to reinvent your customer experience, automate your processes, and build a future-proof banking solution.

Possibilities of ABN AMRO APIs

Our APIs enable you to make processes easier and more efficient, increase transparency and insights into your financial value chain, and help you to innovate. The digital building blocks can serve multiple different purposes within your organization. The processes you optimize depend on your specific needs and wants.

What we offer:

• Create applications
• Real-time data & interactions
• Real-time access (24/7)
• Standardized format
• Connectivity
• Machine-to-machine
   

Benefits of using APIs:

• Improved experiences
• Real-time insights
• Reduce costs
• Reduce risks
• Increase revenue
• Increase efficiency

Examples

Read a few examples of how you could use the ABN AMRO APIs:

• Example: Credit management

  Starting point: 
  Reliable and timely data is required in order to have a good credit management. Use the Business Account Insight API to improve your process. See example of steps below: 

  1. Set credit limits:
  Determine your internal credit limits and keep track of debtor levels.

  2. Instant reconciliation: 
  A direct feed into your preferred system allows real-time, fully-automated reconciliation.

  Result: 
  Instant insight give you more control on amounts due. This helps to reduce risks and optimizes sales.

• Example: Customer care

  Starting Point:
  Reliable and timely data is needed to optimize customer care. Use the Business Account Payment API to improve your process. See example of steps below: 
  
  1. Settle complaint:
  A customer complaint on the delivered service is being settled via a payment return.

  2. Instant orders:
  A direct feed into your preferred system triggers a payment order and notifies the beneficiary party.

  Result:
  Having payment settlements leads to increased customer trust. The customer's experience will improve.

• Example: Optimize positions

  
  Starting Point:

  Reliable and timely data is needed in order to optimize cash pool positions. Use the combination of Business Account Payment API and Business Account Notification API to improve your process. See example of steps below: 

  1. Set balance limits:
  Determine your internal balance limits and receive a notification when a lower/upper limit is reached.

  2. Instant settlements:
  A direct feed into your preferred system triggers an automated payment to settle the balance.

  Results:
  Instant insights into balance details leads to more control on your cash positions, and lower risks.

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More information