Allied Irish Bank (AIB) has launched a text-based mobile top-up service which allows online banking customers to purchase air time directly from their bank accounts.
The AIB text top-up service operates through the bank's Web banking facility.
To use the service, customers need to register their mobile phone details online. They then send a free message containing the top-up value to the bank. AIB in turn sends a return text requesting two random digits of the customer's login code. Once confirmed the top up is processed, with the amount debited from the customer's online banking account.
Billy Andrews, general manager, AIB e-business and payments, says: "AIB customers can already top-up their phones via ATM, Internet or phone banking and the added facility of text top-up enhances the bank's service and provides customers with extra choice."
The service is available on all mobile telephone networks in the Republic of Ireland and also operates while customers are abroad.