US bank Wells Fargo has launched a text message banking service which complements the browser-based mobile banking application it launched earlier this year.
The bank launched its mobile banking service in July, through which customers with Web-enabled phones can access account information via the bank's mobile banking URL.
The west coast bank is now offering consumer and small business customers both browser and text-based account access via mobile devices.
Customers first enroll online to activate the text banking service. They can then receive account information by sending text messages featuring "shortcut demands" to a Wells Fargo-specific short code number, 93557 (Wells).
Shortcut commands include 'bal' for primary account balance and 'bal all' for all account balances; 'act' for most recent account activity. Customers can also text 'help' for a list of available text commands and the phone number for customer services.
Eskander Matta, SVP of Wells Fargo's Internet services group, says: "We don't believe any one mobile banking method will ultimately provide all the functions customers demand, which is why we're offering two ways for consumers to bank with us through a mobile device."
"Mobile banking is all about giving customers the choices they demand and need," adds Matta. "Whether they want to use our browser-based mobile service or the text banking service, they can be assured that real-time banking updates are never farther away than their cell phone or other mobile device."