Citi Debuts Text Banking

Joining the ranks of large banks that offer customers mobile phone text alerts, which includes Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Fifth Third, Citi has rolled out text banking. Citi's Text Banking service provides updates for all Citi credit card accounts and accounts linked to a Citibank ATM or debit card, including checking and savings accounts, home equity lines and loans, personal lines and loans, and mortgages.

"With two-thirds of U.S. cell phone owners already using text messaging, this gives our customers one more way to stay connected to their accounts," said Liza Landsman, managing director, internet and mobile, Citi North America Consumer, in a statement. "Customers can see recent activity, find out when their next credit card payment is due, or make sure they have enough in checking before making a debit card purchase."

Citi's mobile banking offerings also include a downloadable iPhone app a mobile version of citi.com that customers can access from their smartphones' browser.