Lloyds TSB says it’s launched Britain’s first ‘balance on demand’ mobile banking text service. The service is charged at £2.50 a month, with text messages charged at standard network rates. Customers who want to check their balance text BAL and part of their account number to a special SMS code. The £2.50 charge – free on certain accounts – also gives access to the bank’s other mobile services, including transfers and text alerts. [Sources: Telegraph.co.uk; Moneywise.co.uk]