Even though contactless payment is still very much on the rise in the UK, that hasn't stopped banks from continuing to innovate, with RBS Group customers now able to withdraw money without a credit or debit card.

RBS and NatWest - the RBS Group's main subsidiary - have rolled out upgrades to their smartphone banking apps that allow users to get up to £100 at a time up to their daily withdrawal limit, via a six-digit PIN code sent to the customer's mobile.

The unique code, which is valid for three hours at a time, is then punched into the cash point in the customary fashion, with users also able to use the service to send money to third parties.

"This has never been done anywhere in the UK, and yet is a really simple and secure way to help our customers get cash whenever and wherever they need it," said Ben Green, Head of Mobile at NatWest and RBS.

The app is password protected, so users need not worry that losing their device, or having it stolen, will leave their finances vulnerable to lowlifes. It is currently available for Android, iOS, and BlackBerry phones.

A spokesman for RBS said that the new system, dubbed GetCash, was "just as secure" as traditional methods of accessing money, and also provided a convenient solution for customer's with lost or forgotten cards.

"GetCash will offer customers an easy fix for lost and forgotten cards, a way to get cash quickly to family members or friends in need, or a choice of leaving their wallet at home in favour of their mobile phone," he said.

It seems like the days of queuing half an hour for counter service just to put £10 into a friend's account for a pesky bill is looking very 2010 - for people who bank with NatWest and RBS and own a smartphone at least.

PayPal recently launched a similar service for shoppers at select high street retailers.