U.S Bank has launched a new feature that allows it clients to check balances and make payments by speaking a command to an Amazon Alexa device.

The Minneapolis-based bank has made the service available to its clients after a successful employee pilot.

To use this new feature, the bank’s customers must have an Alexa device such as Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Tap, plus the Alexa App on their smartphone.

The bank said using Amazon’s voice-controlled AI assistant, its customers can make pay their credit cards bills; ask payment due dates and the amount due; and also check account transaction history.

U.S. Bank head of omnichannel banking Gareth Gaston said: “Voice technology is going to be central to the future of digital interaction. We’ve all become accustom to speaking to our devices for simple things like getting directions to a restaurant or placing a call.

“Now, voice services such as Amazon Alexa are making it easy to check an account balance or hear a payment due date without picking up a phone or logging in to internet banking. It’s a great example of innovation coming home for U.S. Bank customers.”

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U.S Bank chief innovation officer Dominic Venturo said: “We’ve been working with voice for many years, understanding its potential both in terms of biometrics and in voice directed commands. It’s that culture of innovation and collaboration, combined with a commitment to security and doing what’s right for our customers that allows us to earn their trust, and ultimately, their business.”