@StevieD, All these pointers are guidelines for better usability. Every website requires to study their user bases. In your case, if a majority of the bank’s users face a similar problem, then it is definitely not worth auto-focusing the cursor. But the general expectation is, if there is a field right on top, save the user a click.
Regarding checkout indicators, they are usually step wizards similar to this link. They usually have numbered steps. I think that should solve the progress indication problem?