Zhong Guo Zheng Quan Bao·2026-02-12 02:45Core Viewpoint - The adjustment of small transaction SMS notification services by banks reflects a strategic shift towards digital channels and aims to enhance customer service experience while managing operational costs in a low interest margin environment [1][4][5] Group 1: Bank Adjustments - Starting from March 16, 2023, China Merchants Bank will no longer send SMS notifications for transactions below 5,000 yuan unless customers opt for the service, which costs 3 yuan per month after a three-month free trial [2] - Other banks, such as CITIC Bank, have also adjusted their SMS notification services, with a minimum transaction threshold of 300 yuan for debit cards, while offering free services for certain customer categories [2][3] - Smaller banks like Xinjiang Rural Commercial Bank have increased their SMS notification threshold from 0 yuan to 100 yuan, aligning with industry trends [2] Group 2: Customer Experience Optimization - The adjustments are part of a broader trend initiated in 2025, where banks aim to optimize customer service by modifying the default transaction threshold for SMS notifications to 100 yuan [3] - Customers have expressed mixed feelings about the transition from free to paid services, with some finding the cost negligible while others feel unaccustomed to the change [3] Group 3: Digital Transformation - Banks are encouraging customers to utilize their apps and digital platforms for free transaction notifications, which helps reduce operational costs and allows banks to better manage customer interactions [4][5] - The shift from free SMS notifications to paid services is seen as a necessary outcome of the banking industry's digital transformation, reflecting a strategic move from traditional to digital service channels [5]