Royal Bank of Scotland Group launches mobile banking

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group is launching a new mobile phone banking service which will be available to its 13 million customers with debit cards.

RBS and NatWest customers will be able to use their mobile phones to keep track of their money, at any time and in any place.

RBS and NatWest customers signing up to the new service will be able to access their account balance and view mini-statements on their mobile phone. They can also top up any mobile pre-pay phone and receive SMS balance alerts.

“Our focus is on providing excellent service to our customers and offering them a choice in how they manage their money. Mobile phone banking will give people another easy way to access account information and even greater flexibility in managing their money at any time,” said Paul Geddes, CEO of RBSG Consumer Banking.

“No matter where someone is they can check the balance of their account. Being able to view mini-statements will show when payments have either gone into or out of the account. This enables people to manage their accounts when and where they want, even when outside of the UK”.

The service is secure as data is not held on the customers’ phone and only a handset that is linked to the account can be used to access account information. The software is free and there is no monthly or annual fee but there may be a data charge from some network operators.

RBS plan to add extra services including making payments and moving money between accounts. This will be available to all current and savings accounts which have a debit card.

“We’re sure this service will be popular, particularly with young people such as students whose phones are central to their lives and also want the easiest way to keep track of their money. Most 18 – 25 year olds always have their mobile phone on them so, as well as texting, taking photos and listening to music they’ll be able to mange their money 24/7 too,” said Paul Geddes.

The service will be provided by MONILINK which is a joint venture between VocaLINK, the operator of the UK ATM network, and Monitise plc.