管控成本、做活App，银行免费动账短信加速“退场”

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing threshold for free transaction SMS notifications by banks, indicating a shift from universal service to tiered offerings due to cost pressures and a push towards digital channels [3][4][10]. Group 1: Changes in SMS Notification Services - Since 2025, multiple banks have raised the minimum amount for free transaction SMS notifications, with China Merchants Bank increasing the threshold to 5000 yuan [3][4]. - Other banks, including China Bank and Minsheng Bank, have also adjusted their thresholds, generally ranging from 100 to 500 yuan for free SMS notifications [5][6]. - Smaller banks, such as Guangxi Pingguo Rural Bank, have set their thresholds at 200 yuan, aligning with the trend towards financial technology [5][6]. Group 2: Cost Implications of SMS Services - The cost of providing free SMS services is significant, with banks incurring substantial expenses due to high customer volumes and frequent usage [6][8]. - For instance, a bank with 100 million customers sending one free SMS per month could face operational costs exceeding 36 million yuan annually [8]. - Banks are now charging fees for SMS notifications, typically around 2 to 3 yuan per month per card, which helps cover the costs of SMS procurement [8][10]. Group 3: Digital Transformation and Customer Engagement - The increase in SMS notification thresholds is not solely driven by cost but also reflects banks' digital transformation strategies [10]. - Banks are encouraging customers to use digital channels like apps and WeChat for notifications, which have lower marginal costs compared to SMS [10][11]. - The shift aims to enhance service efficiency and customer engagement, with a potential future model of "large transactions free, small transactions paid" emerging in the industry [10][11].