#CASHTAGS are a thing: you can now bank on Twitter

India's ICICI bank has launched a bank-by-Twitter service.

The catchily-named “icicibankpay” service requires users to register a mobile phone number with the Bank and then follow the @ICICIBank Twitter account, in order to receive a one-time password as a direct message. Once the password's been confirmed, users can fire off cashtags like “#Pay <space> @<twitter account of the recipient> <space> <Amount>” to transfer funds. Payees need to be an ICICI customer, with a registered Twitter account.

There's also a “#TopUp <space> <10-digit mobile no.> <space> <OperatorCode> <space> <Amount>” to top up pre-paid mobile phone services and “#ibal” to be advised of an account balance.