To use the service, consumers need to download an application onto their phone. As with online banking, once registered and authenticated, customers will have secure access to their account.

A&L cuurent account customers that register for the service will be able to check bank accounts and recent transactions using their mobile handsets. Customers with a pre-pay mobile phone account will also be able to use the service to buy airtime.

The bank says it intends to extend the range of services available using Monilink to include funds transfers, bill payments and the ability to access other accounts.

Commenting on the new service Ian Tandy, director of e-commerce at A&L, says: "Using a mobile phone for banking will enable customers to have an even better handle on their finances, with up to the minute detail, accessed through a secure channel.

"The security built into this technology ensures that all details are automatically deleted from the phone once read, giving customers peace of mind and confidence in the service."

Monilink is offered in the UK through mobileATM Limited, a 50:50 joint venture between Morse and Link. HSBC and first direct were the fisrt banks in the UK to provide banking services over the MoniLink network.