Dutch bank ING has trialled technology from US vendor Serverside that enables people to see what a customised card would look like on their mobile phones.
The bank used the app for a competition encouraging customers to put their holiday photos onto debit cards, with the chance to win EUR1000 in traveller's cheques.
The tool, used with a Nokia phone for the trial, enabled prospective cardholders to view how their card design would appear. Serverside says the application is ideal for generating ID cards in-branch and outdoor marketing events.
The firm also says it can help banks sign up customers in countries without broadband infrastructure but good mobile coverage.
Adam Elgar, president, Serverside, says: "Adding a mobile app to our card design and marketing platform extends the ways issuers can use our technology enormously. The mobile marketing space is a massive growth sector and one that Serverside simply had to move into. Now, with a card designer that fits into your back pocket, issuers can market card customisation anytime and anywhere."