NatWest customers will be able to check their bank balance and transactions by talking to their Google smart speakers or smartphones, as part of a new trial.
The trial of 500 customers will run for three months. To turn on the programme, users will be asked to say two digits of their six-digit online banking PIN to confirm their identity, and will then be given a verbal answer to the question they're asking. On a smartphone, the answer will also appear onscreen.
Where customers are unable to get an answer or need to speak to someone, a message will be sent to their phone with contact details of NatWest’s customer helpline.
The initial pilot lets customers ask eight questions as well as access over 15 banking tips, with the potential for more to be developed if the trial is successful.
Kristen Bennie, head of open experience at NatWest, says: "This technology will make it easier for people to bank with us and could bring particular benefits to those who have a disability as voice banking eliminates the need for customers to use a screen or keyboard."