T-Mobile US is positioning itself as the consumer’s friend with a new mobile service that helps cost-conscious customers better manage their money, an initiative that is outside of the Isis mobile payment venture.

The new service was not developed by Isis, the venture backed by T-Mobile US, Verizon Wireless and AT&T, which enables consumers to make payments in shops and restaurants with a NFC-based smartphone.

Unlike Isis, T-Mobile US’ new service offers a physical card – a T-Mobile-branded, pre-paid Visa card – to consumers for retail purchases.

However, the emphasis of the T-Mobile service is much more about banking services than Isis where the accent is on transactions.

The operator is promising zero or reduced costs for a range of financial services used particularly by cost-conscious consumers.

Its account has no charge for activation, monthly maintenance, in-network ATM withdrawals, or for replacing lost or stolen cards. It also has no requirement for a minimum balance and promises lower overdraft fees.

The account enables T-Mobile US users to deposit pay cheques. They can also pay in cheques by taking an image of them on their smartphone camera and uploading to their account. Account holders can also make retail purchases, pay bills and withdraw cash for free from in-network ATMs.

In typically strident style, CEO John Legere set T-Mobile US in opposition to the existing set-up for budget-conscious consumers: “Millions of Americans pay outrageous fees to cheque cashers, payday lenders and other predatory businesses – just for the right to use their own money. Mobile Money shifts the balance of power for T-Mobile customers and keeps more money in their pockets.”

Users can register today (22 January) for their prepaid Visa card from T-Mobile US.  Cards will also be available from some of the operator’s shops and beginning in February will be available from Safeway supermarkets. The card is used in combination with the operator’s own smartphone money management app.