Arizona State Credit Union has become the first credit union in the state to offer mobile banking to its members.

Using a Web-enabled mobile device, members now have the ability to stay connected with their finances when they are on the go. The Arizona State Credit Union mobile banking site offers the same features as the online banking site.

"Arizona State Credit Union serves three major universities -- Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University," said Paul B. Stull, senior vice president of marketing for Arizona State Credit Union, Phoenix. "This is a group that likes convenience and mobile banking is a perfect fit.

"We believe that cell phones with enhanced capabilities will continue to develop and we want our members to think of us first when they use their phones for payments or other financial transactions," he said. "Establishing ourselves as a leader now will have significant return later."

Arizona State Credit Union is a $1.3 billion full-service non-profit financial cooperative with a statewide branch network serving the people of Arizona.

Members enrolled in online banking can use the mobile banking features by visiting http://go.azstcu.org from their Web-enabled mobile device.

Mobile banking lets members check important information from the main Web site, such as branch hours, locations and up-to-the-minute rates, and access their personal banking site to pay bills, transfer funds and check balances.

In addition to the ability to access their account, mobile banking lets members receive text message alerts without using their phone's browser.

Members can call a designated phone number, enter their PIN and within moments receive a text message with their account balance and transaction history.

"Being tied to a computer to make payments or check balances is becoming old-fashioned," Mr. Stull said. "Being able to use a mobile device is now the ultimate convenience.

"Arizona State Credit Union was challenged with meeting the needs of members who wanted to have their financial information at their fingertips," he said. "Mobile banking can deliver more than that.

"We believe in providing an outstanding member experience and mobile banking is another step in meeting our members' expectations."

More than 135,000 Arizonans are members of Arizona State Credit Union. It is locally owned and operated and welcomes membership from both business and individual members.

The service is free for users. There isn't any advertising within the mobile application.

Arizona State Credit Union has been promoting the service through Web banners and messages placed on its Internet banking platform.

"In addition, the service has been featured on our in-house video messaging system, which is displayed at our branch offices across the state," Mr. Stull said.