BRANCH-free banking is a step closer thanks to the National Australia Bank's introduction of banking by text.
NAB customers can text instructions to their bank via its new SMS banking service.
Bank spokeswoman Felicity Glennie-Holmes said the service made it easier for customers to manage their money.
"Via SMS, customers can request their account balance, transfer money between linked NAB accounts and receive a mini-statement, showing their last five transactions, direct to their mobile,'' Ms Glennie-Holmes said.
"With SMS banking you will never have another one of those `Oh, no' moments.
"You can instantly check to see if there is enough money in your account to pay that bill, buy those groceries or treat yourself to a new pair of shoes.''
The service is free until November 1, after which users will be charged 25c for an account balance or mini-statement, and 40c to transfer funds.
The service is available on personal accounts, including transaction, savings, investment and credit card accounts.
