Core Viewpoint - Banks are increasingly charging for services that were previously free, such as transaction SMS notifications, as they face declining profits and need to find new revenue sources [1][3][9]. Group 1: Changes in Banking Services - Users have reported that banks are inviting them to participate in activities that lead to charges for services that were once free, such as SMS notifications for account transactions [1]. - Many banks have raised the threshold for free SMS notifications, with China Bank increasing the trigger amount from 0 to 100 yuan, and Hunan Rural Credit raising it from 200 to 500 yuan [3]. - Some banks, like Guizhou Rural Credit, have started charging for SMS services, while Minsheng Bank has ended free SMS notifications for transactions over 300 yuan, now charging 2 yuan per month [3][6]. Group 2: Broader Trends in Banking Fees - The trend of banks withdrawing free services is not limited to SMS notifications; many banks are adjusting various service fees, including ATM withdrawal fees and card delivery fees [4][6]. - For example, China Agricultural Bank has canceled free cash withdrawal policies for certain credit cards and increased fees for cross-bank withdrawals [6]. - Local banks, such as Lujiang Rural Commercial Bank, have also begun charging for ATM withdrawals, previously free [8]. Group 3: Reasons Behind Fee Increases - The banking industry is facing pressure on profits due to reduced loan demand and lower interest rates, leading to a decline in net interest margins [9][11]. - The net interest margin for commercial banks dropped from 1.69% in Q1 2024 to 1.43% in Q1 2025, significantly below the historical average of 2.44% [11]. - As banks look to cut costs, they are reducing the number of physical branches and staff, which has led to a focus on previously overlooked fees like SMS and delivery charges [11][12]. Group 4: Financial Implications of Fee Changes - Charging for SMS notifications can provide significant profit margins for banks, with a potential net profit margin of 87.5% based on the cost of sending messages [13]. - The shift from free to paid services is seen as a necessary measure for banks to maintain profitability in a challenging economic environment [14]. Group 5: User Adaptation Strategies - Users are encouraged to adapt to these changes by utilizing remaining free services and considering alternative notification methods, such as app notifications instead of SMS [15]. - Planning transactions to maximize free services and opting for electronic statements can help users mitigate the impact of these fee increases [15].