HSBC and First Direct are to launch a mobile banking service this summer to allow customers to access account details in real-time and top-up pre-pay phones.

Customers of the banks will be able to access account details via the MoniLink system run by UK cash machine network Link.

While other banks currently offer text messaging services that provide account balance updates sent out intermittently, this will be the first time a UK bank provides real-time access statements and balances via a Java application.

'We already have a text banking service which sends out around 3.3m texts a month,' said Jonathan Etheridge, head of e-futures at First Direct.

'But we recognise that the mobile phone is a platform that will be an important channel for the future. It will be like using a cash point on your mobile phone.'

The MoniLink system, which will be available to all HSBC and First Direct debit card holders later this year, will also allow people to top-up pre-pay phones and potentially other third party payments.

'Customers will be able to move money instantly to top-up phone accounts. There are no definite plans but we hope we will be able to use it for other low-value payment services in the future,' said Etheridge.

The Java application and phone will be linked to an individual's card and a five-digit pin number will be used to authenticate customers.