HSBC and First Direct are to let customers check their bank accounts via mobile phone.

The Mobilink service has been developed with the same company that handles Link cash machines and is a Java-based system that allows users to check their balances and look at a mini-statement from any Java-enabled handset.

In addition customers can top up mobile phone credit on up to five different handsets.

"This is particularly good for parents who have kids with pay-as-you-go mobiles," said Jonathan Etheridge, head of e-futures at First Direct.

"Children always need more credits and this can be done as needed from the phone at no charge. The other services are still being priced, but should not cost more than calling the bank via your mobile anyway."

Etheridge explained that statement and balance checking would cost around 20p to 30p each.

First Direct said that this is the first in a series of announcements around using the mobile phone as a micropayment device.

The new service does not have the ability to transfer funds, which lessens the security risk. When customers activate the service their password is sent to their house rather than to a device.