U.K. payment systems provider VocaLink has announced that Pay by Bank app, the company's mobile payments service, will soon be available to customers of HSBC and its subsidiary, first direct.

Pay by Bank app allows users to make 'digital debit' payments for goods and services via their banking app, with payment directly from their current account, according to a VocaLink announcement. HSBC and first direct join existing Pay by Bank member FIs Barclays, Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds Bank.

"We're delighted to formally welcome HSBC and first direct on board as they begin integration of Pay by Bank app into their mobile banking apps," Pay by Bank Managing Director Rajiv Garodia said in the announcement. "We now have six of the UK's biggest financial institutions, alongside a growing number of retailers and merchant acquirers, committed to delivering Pay by Bank app to their customers. This widespread support will usher in a new era of 'digital debit' mobile payments ... "

Pay by Bank app allows users to make a purchase via their bank app. Payment is made directly from the customer's bank account and uses secure digital "tokens", meaning that no financial details are revealed to the retailer. Verification is handled by the user's existing, trusted bank app, VocaLink said.