Nationwide has folllowed First Direct, offering text message service for current account holders.

The pilot service is available to FlexAccount holders to test. Under the service, customers can receive a monthly or a weekly text alert, showing a current balance and a mini-statement detailing the last five transactions on the account.

Jim Willens, Nationwide's retail operations director, said of the new service, "Nationwide places great importance on developing innovative new ways to further improve the services we provide to our members."

He added that feedback has been positive so far, "We have found that our members are very interested in this new service as it is free, convenient and saves them time."

Customers who hold a joint account with Nationwide can choose to have messages sent out to one or both account holders.

With almost 80% of the adult population in the UK now owning a mobile phone, Nationwide feels there is a large potential audience for the service.

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