Verizon Wireless Launches Mobile Banking Services

With Verizon Wireless' mobile banking offering powered by Firethorn, customers can now access and manage their financial relationships while on-the-go for a seamless, real-time and secure user experience, including checking bank account balances, transferring funds between accounts within the same bank, and reviewing and paying bills for those bills already set up through the financial institution's online account service.

The Firethorn application is secure and utilizes both PIN and device lock- out capabilities, which are in addition to the security that is already incorporated by the financial institution. As another layer of security, customers will need to register with their financial institution's online banking service in order to use mobile banking.

Verizon senior vice president of consumer products Jim Straight said, "After announcing our relationship with Firethorn two months ago, we're making mobile banking a reality for our customers. And whether our customers prefer to bank at Wachovia, SunTrust, FirstBank or BancorpSouth, they can now do so wherever they go because Firethorn and their financial institution partners provide a secure, easy-to-use and flexible mobile banking application that delivers a superior customer experience."

Financial institutions that have joined the Firethorn network include: Wachovia, SunTrust Bank, Regions Financial, BancorpSouth, Synovus, FirstBank, Arvest Bank, and America First Credit Union.

Firethorn chief executive officer Tripp Rackley said, "Viewing balances, making transfers and paying bills on-the-go is an exciting first step for millions of Verizon Wireless customers. Together with Verizon Wireless and our financial partners, we are helping to define the market for mobile financial services."

The Firethorn application is currently available on several phones from Verizon Wireless, including the Chocolate and enV by LG, LG VX8700, LG VX8600, LG VX9400, and the Samsung SCH-a950. The companies expect to make the application available on additional devices in the coming months. Verizon Wireless customers can find the Firethorn application in the Get Going or Tools on the Go virtual shopping aisle of the Get It Now® virtual store by clicking on "Get New App" and then "Business/Tools."

The mobile banking application is free, but application download, usage or megabyte charges may apply. Customers should check with their financial institution for availability and instructions on how to access their accounts through the mobile banking application.