Pay by Bank, a service powered by VocaLink and supported by U.K. banks and acquirers, has announced a partnership with Starling Bank that will launch the company's mobile payments technology to Starling Bank customers.

Starling Bank is the first challenger bank to commit to Pay by Bank, which enables customers to make real-time payments directly from the mobile banking app on their smartphone or tablet, according to a press release. 

"Starling Bank offers a unique proposition to customers with simplicity and security at the heart of what they do — making it a natural fit for Pay by Bank app," Rajiv Garodia, managing director of Pay by Bank app, said in a statement. "The fact that Starling Bank, which is known for its pioneering approach to banking and technology, has committed to Pay by Bank app, reflects growing recognition that the service is fast becoming the 'standard' for mobile payments."