A new survey by marketing research firm Phoenix Synergistics has revealed that a "surprising number" (17 percent) of ATM users have already accessed their accounts with a mobile device rather than an ATM card.

Not surprisingly, the Optimizing Self-Service Banking study also has found particularly strong use of the technology among younger consumers.

Asked to rate the value of mobile access, nearly half of the survey's 1,000 respondents said they believe it would be valuable. An additional 20 percent said it would be "very" valuable.

Again not surprisingly, results showed that the service had a higher perceived among younger ATM users.

"As many financial institutions strive to maximize self-service financial activities, a key facet of this is expanding the utility of the ATM," Phoenix Synergistics CEO William McCracken said in a press release.

"Mobile phone access is poised to invigorate this long-time self-service banking option and contributes to a synergy between these channels. … Our findings indicate that this new feature has the potential for quick growth once implemented on a wide scale."