Barclays Bank has become the first of the big British banks to introduce "screen-phone" banking with a service that includes innovative links with retailers.
The service is provided via a larger version of a normal phone, featuring a built-in 8cms by 5cms screen. Information is carried over a fixed telephone line. Customers using the device will get access to their Barclays and Barclaycard accounts and a variety of other services, including shopping, ticket purchasing, weather forcasts and local information.
They will be able to check balances, view mini statements and search for past transactions. More complex transactions, such as switching money between accounts and paying bills, will involve speaking to an operator.
Barclays has linked up with a number of providers including Victoria Wine; Entertainment Express, part of Kingfisher, the retailing group; Scoot, the business director service; Ticketmaster and the Meteorological Office. Entertainment Express will deliver CDs and videos to homes at a £1 discount on high street prices.
A pilot scheme involving 2,000 customers will run for six months. The screen-phone costs £99 and there is a £5 a month service charge.
