US bank Chase has launched a SMS-based banking service that enables customers to access account information using their mobile hand sets.
The service, which does not require any software download, is available through all mobile phone carriers.
Once registered on the bank's Web site, users can text C-H-A-S-E to request balances for all their accounts and details on the last five transactions of their chequeing, savings and credit card accounts.
Ryan McInerney, head of marketing, Chase's Consumer Bank, says: "We're making it easy for customers to get their account information whenever and wherever they want, using the same text messaging they use every day."
"We selected these functions because they are what customers ask for most when they call us or check their accounts online," he adds.
Earlier this year Bank of America launched a mobile banking service that lets customers check account balances, pay bills and transfer money through Internet-enabled phone. Citi and Wells Fargo have also launched m-banking applications this year.
Meanwhile, UK bank Lloyds TSB recently set up a text message alert service which warns customers when they are within £50 of reaching their overdraft limit.