HSBC Bank Malta plc customers can now top up their Vodafone prepaid account or go mobile card plan account anywhere and anytime by simply sending an SMS.

Customers can also opt to start receiving SMS alerts on their mobile phone each time certain transactions occur on their accounts, credit or debit cards.

This is the result of an SMS based system designed by HSBC in collaboration with Malta’s mobile telephony providers Vodafone and go mobile.

“The introduction of HSBC’s Mobile Services will make it easier for HSBC customers to keep in touch. With immediate top-up capability of their mobile phone credit, our customers will never face the situation where they run out of credit at that crucial moment,” said Martin Wilkins, HSBC’s chief operating officer.

Topping up one’s mobile phone is a simple matter. Any customer who registers for Mobile Services will receive a four digit PIN which, when topping up, must be sent via SMS to one of two numbers according to the amount of top up desired: 50619005 for an Lm 5 top-up or 50619010 for an Lm 10 top-up. Customer’s account with the bank will be debited with the relevant amount and the mobile phone topped up accordingly.

Customers can register for the service online, through HSBC’s Internet Banking service or by visiting one of HSBC’s branches.

As a special introductory offer, customers will enjoy an extra 10 per cent free credit each time these top up their mobile phone using Mobile Services.

This offer is valid until 17 May 2005.

“We are sure that our customers will appreciate the convenience of our Mobile Services, not only for the top-up function but also for the Information Alerts which will keep them in touch with what’s going on in their bank or credit card account,” concluded Mr Wilkins.