Green Dot, one of the largest suppliers of prepaid debit cards in the US, has launched what it claims is the world's first truly mobile bank account.
Named GoBank, the service offers smartphone users the ability to check their balance without logging in; money transfers via SMS and email; mobile bill payment; and a range of account alerts.
Cash deposits and withdrawals can be made at one of 40,000 compatible ATMs, and the firm has already struck its first deal with a retailer - Walmart - to enable deposits in-store.