Core Viewpoint - Multiple banks are adjusting their transaction SMS notification services, including changes in pricing and minimum transaction amounts for notifications, which has raised concerns among personal customers regarding fund security [1][3][6]. Summary by Sections Service Pricing Adjustments - Ningbo Bank announced that starting from November 1, 2025, it will charge 2 yuan per month per account for transaction SMS services, with notifications starting at 0.01 yuan [3][4]. - Certain customer groups, including those over 60 years old, customers with an average monthly asset of 300,000 yuan or more, and social security cardholders, will continue to receive this service for free [3]. Minimum Transaction Amount Changes - Many banks have raised the minimum transaction amount for SMS notifications, with thresholds now commonly set between 100 yuan and 500 yuan, and some banks even raising it to 1,000 yuan [1][3][4]. - For example, Gansu Bank will stop sending SMS notifications for transactions below 200 yuan starting November 1, 2025, while Hunan rural commercial banks will increase the threshold from 200 yuan to 500 yuan starting October 23, 2025 [3][4]. Customer Reactions and Alternatives - The adjustments have led to dissatisfaction among customers, with concerns about the security of small transactions and the lack of notification for low-value transactions [6][10]. - Banks are encouraging customers to use alternative channels such as WeChat and mobile banking apps for free transaction notifications, providing detailed instructions on how to set up these notifications [6][8]. Industry Trends and Cost Management - The changes reflect a broader trend in the banking industry towards cost management and adapting to user behavior, as digital channels become more prevalent [8][9]. - Analysts suggest that the shift from SMS to digital channels is a strategic move to reduce costs associated with high-frequency, low-value transaction notifications [9]. Customer Communication and Rights - Banks are advised to ensure that customers are fully informed about these changes and have the ability to choose whether to opt-in or opt-out of services, maintaining transparency to avoid misunderstandings [10].

Core Viewpoint - Banks are adjusting their transaction alert SMS services, raising the threshold for notifications and introducing or increasing service fees, reflecting a trend towards cost reduction and digital transformation in the banking sector [1][7]. Group 1: Changes in SMS Notification Services - Many banks have raised the threshold for transaction alert SMS, with some banks setting the new minimum at 100 to 500 yuan [2][3]. - Specific banks, such as China Bank and Gansu Bank, have announced that transactions below certain amounts (100 yuan and 200 yuan respectively) will no longer trigger SMS notifications, encouraging customers to use mobile banking apps for alerts [3][4]. - Liaoning Zhenxing Bank has set its SMS threshold at 2000 yuan, indicating a significant increase in the minimum amount required for notifications [5]. Group 2: Introduction of Fees - Minsheng Bank has reinstated a fee of 2 yuan per month for SMS notifications, while Guangdong Lechang Rural Commercial Bank has returned to a standard fee of 3 yuan per month after previously offering discounts [6]. - Many banks emphasize that notifications through mobile banking apps or WeChat remain free, allowing customers to customize their alert thresholds and scenarios [6]. Group 3: Reasons Behind the Changes - The adjustments are framed as service optimizations, driven by the need for banks to reduce costs and increase revenue amid a challenging economic environment and narrowing interest margins [7]. - The shift in user behavior towards digital channels, such as mobile banking apps and WeChat, has prompted banks to raise the free threshold for SMS notifications, effectively pushing service focus from traditional SMS to digital platforms [7]. Group 4: Recommendations for Customers - Customers are advised to activate free notification channels through mobile banking apps and WeChat to minimize the risk of missing small transactions [8]. - It is recommended to customize alert thresholds and prioritize notifications for important transactions while reducing alerts for minor transactions [8]. Group 5: Observations on the Transition - The transition from universal SMS notifications to a tiered service model reflects both cost constraints and technological advancements, but it does not necessarily compromise user experience [9]. - Banks are encouraged to clearly communicate changes in service rules and provide seamless transitions for customers, especially for vulnerable groups [9].

Core Viewpoint - Several banks in China, including Gansu Bank, have announced changes to their transaction alert SMS services, reflecting a shift towards digitalization and cost efficiency in the banking sector [1][2]. Group 1: Changes in SMS Notification Services - Gansu Bank will stop sending SMS notifications for transactions below 200 RMB starting November 1, 2025, while customers can still receive alerts through mobile banking and WeChat [2]. - Other banks, such as Bank of China, have also raised the threshold for SMS notifications, with Bank of China setting it at 100 RMB for certain customers [2]. - Guangdong Huaxing Bank and Liaoning Zhenxing Bank have increased their SMS notification thresholds to 500 RMB and 2000 RMB, respectively [3]. Group 2: Fee Adjustments and Service Changes - Some banks are reinstating SMS service fees or increasing existing fees, such as Guangdong Lechang Rural Commercial Bank, which will charge 3 RMB per month for SMS services [4]. - Minsheng Bank has also stopped offering discounts on SMS services, implementing a fee of 2 RMB per month per card starting March 1 [4]. Group 3: Industry Trends and Motivations - The shift away from free SMS notifications is driven by cost considerations and the need for banks to optimize their service offerings amid economic pressures and narrowing interest margins [5][6]. - The increasing prevalence of digital channels for transaction notifications has led banks to raise the thresholds for free SMS alerts, encouraging customers to use mobile banking and other digital services [6].

Core Viewpoint - Several banks have raised the threshold for transaction alert SMS services, with some banks increasing the minimum amount to 1,000 yuan [1]. Group 1 - Gansu Bank has announced adjustments to its SMS alert service rules for personal customers [1]. - Over ten banks, including Bank of China, Minsheng Bank, and Huaxing Bank, have made similar adjustments to their transaction alert services this year [1].

Core Viewpoint - The recent adjustments in transaction notification services by various banks, including Gansu Bank, reflect a trend towards cost reduction and digital transformation, aligning basic services with changing user behaviors to enhance competitiveness [1][4][8]. Group 1: Changes in Notification Services - Gansu Bank announced that starting from November 1, 2025, it will no longer send SMS notifications for transactions below 200 RMB for certain personal customers, who previously received these notifications for free [3]. - Over ten banks, including major state-owned and joint-stock banks, have made similar adjustments to their SMS notification services this year, raising the threshold for transaction alerts [4]. - China Bank has set the new default transaction alert threshold at 100 RMB, while other banks like Guangdong Huaxing Bank and Liaoning Zhenxing Bank have increased their thresholds to 500 RMB and 2000 RMB, respectively [4]. Group 2: Fee Adjustments and Service Changes - Some banks have reinstated service fees for SMS notifications or increased existing fees, such as Guangdong Lechang Rural Commercial Bank, which announced a return to standard rates for SMS services [5]. - Minsheng Bank has also stopped offering discounts on SMS services, implementing a fee of 2 RMB per month per card starting March 1 [5]. Group 3: Industry Trends and User Behavior - The shift away from free SMS notifications is driven by cost considerations and the need for banks to optimize their service offerings in a challenging economic environment [8]. - As mobile banking and digital channels become more prevalent, banks are encouraging customers to use these platforms for transaction alerts instead of traditional SMS, which are seen as low-value services [8]. - Analysts suggest that while some users may initially feel a loss from the removal of SMS alerts, the overall impact is manageable, as most large transactions will still receive free notifications [8].

Core Viewpoint - Recent adjustments in transaction alert SMS services by various banks reflect a shift towards cost reduction and digital transformation, aligning basic services with changing user behaviors to enhance competitiveness [2][4][7]. Summary by Sections Changes in SMS Notification Services - Gansu Bank announced that starting from November 1, 2025, it will no longer send SMS notifications for transactions below 200 RMB for certain personal customers, who previously received these notifications for free [4]. - Other banks, including Bank of China and Minsheng Bank, have also raised the threshold for SMS notifications, with Bank of China setting the new threshold at 100 RMB [4][5]. Fee Adjustments and Service Changes - Some banks have reinstated SMS service fees or increased existing fees. For instance, Guangdong Lechang Rural Commercial Bank announced the cancellation of an 80% discount on SMS service fees, reverting to a standard charge of 3 RMB per month for personal customers [6]. - Minsheng Bank stopped offering discounts on SMS services for personal debit cards, implementing a fee of 2 RMB per month per card starting March 1 [6]. Industry Trends and Motivations - The trend of increasing transaction alert thresholds and fees is driven by cost considerations and the need for banks to optimize their service offerings in a competitive environment [7][9]. - Analysts suggest that the shift from traditional SMS notifications to digital channels is a response to changing user behaviors, as customers increasingly prefer mobile banking apps and other digital platforms for transaction alerts [9].

Core Viewpoint - The adjustment of transaction notification SMS services by banks reflects a trend towards cost control and digital transformation, with many banks now charging fees for what was previously a free service [1][5][6] Group 1: Changes in SMS Notification Services - Multiple banks have announced changes to their SMS notification services, including raising the threshold for free notifications or implementing service fees [1][2] - Guizhou Rural Credit Cooperative will start charging 2.5 yuan per month for SMS notifications from October 2025, while still offering free services for certain accounts [1] - Other banks, such as Liaoning Zhenxing Bank and Guangdong Huaxing Bank, have also raised the minimum transaction amount for free SMS notifications [2][3] Group 2: Industry Trends and Motivations - The current wave of adjustments is primarily driven by smaller financial institutions following the lead of larger banks [3] - The adjustments are seen as a response to narrowing net interest margins and profitability pressures, aiming to reduce costs associated with low-value notification services [5][6] - The shift towards digital channels, such as WeChat notifications, is becoming more prevalent, providing free alternatives to traditional SMS services [4][5] Group 3: Digital Transformation and Customer Experience - The transition from SMS to digital notification services is viewed as a necessary evolution in the banking industry, enhancing customer engagement and service efficiency [6] - Digital channels offer more real-time and comprehensive transaction notifications, integrating various banking services and improving customer experience [6]

Core Insights - Several banks in China have announced adjustments to their transaction SMS alert services, indicating a trend towards cost management in the banking sector [2] Group 1: Service Adjustments - Guangdong Huaxing Bank has stopped sending SMS alerts for transactions below 500 yuan since September 16 [2] - Hubei Bank has raised the threshold for SMS alerts on personal debit card transactions to 100 yuan [2] - Bank of China has adjusted the default transaction alert threshold for customers enjoying lifetime free SMS notifications to 100 yuan [2] Group 2: Cost Management - The adjustments to SMS alert services are seen as a measure for refined cost management by banks [2] - Most banks have adopted a fee-based model for this service, with charges typically ranging from 1 yuan to 4 yuan per month [2] - Some banks offer a free trial period for the service, which subsequently transitions to automatic renewal [2] Group 3: Alternative Notification Methods - Several banks have indicated that some transaction alerts will now be provided through mobile banking applications [2] - Users can receive real-time transaction information by enabling notification features in their mobile banking apps [2]

Core Viewpoint - The adjustment of transaction SMS alert services by multiple banks is seen as a measure for refined cost management, aiming to balance cost control and customer experience while promoting digital service transformation [1][2]. Group 1: Service Adjustments - Several banks, including Guangdong Huaxing Bank and Hubei Bank, have announced changes to their transaction SMS alert services, raising the minimum transaction amount for SMS notifications to 500 yuan and 100 yuan respectively [1][2]. - China Bank has also adjusted the default transaction threshold for SMS notifications to 100 yuan for customers enjoying lifetime free SMS alerts [1]. Group 2: Cost Management - The long-term provision of free transaction SMS services can increase operational burdens for banks, prompting them to set higher transaction thresholds to manage costs effectively [2]. - The adjustments reflect banks' efforts to cope with narrowing net interest margins and profitability pressures, aiming to reduce expenditures on low-value alert services [2]. Group 3: Digital Transformation - Banks are encouraging customers to utilize mobile banking and online channels for transaction alerts, which can provide real-time notifications without incurring additional costs [2]. - The shift towards digital services is intended to enhance customer experience while controlling costs, indicating a strategic move towards digital transformation in banking [2]. Group 4: Future Recommendations - Experts suggest that banks should leverage data analysis and intelligent technologies to develop wealth management products that better meet customer needs, enhancing service precision and efficiency [3]. - The integration of advanced technologies like AI and blockchain is recommended to optimize risk control processes and reduce operational costs [3].

Core Viewpoint - The adjustment of transaction SMS alert services by multiple banks is seen as a measure for refined cost management, with a shift towards mobile banking notifications for transaction updates [1][2]. Group 1: Service Adjustments - Several banks, including Guangdong Huaxing Bank and Hubei Bank, have raised the threshold for transaction SMS alerts, with Guangdong Huaxing Bank stopping alerts for transactions below 500 yuan and Hubei Bank increasing the threshold for personal debit card alerts to 100 yuan [1]. - China Bank has also adjusted its default transaction alert threshold to 100 yuan for customers enjoying lifetime free SMS notifications [1]. Group 2: Cost Management - The long-term provision of free transaction SMS services can increase operational burdens for banks, prompting them to adjust alert thresholds as part of cost management efforts [2]. - The adjustments are primarily aimed at addressing the pressure from narrowing net interest margins and profitability challenges, reflecting banks' efforts in refined operations to reduce expenditures on low-value alert services [2]. Group 3: Digital Transformation - Banks are encouraging customers to utilize mobile banking and online channels for transaction notifications, balancing cost control with customer experience [2]. - Experts suggest that banks should transform physical branches into customer experience centers and focus on high-value professional services, integrating online and offline services [3]. Group 4: Future Recommendations - Banks are advised to leverage data analysis and smart technologies to develop wealth management products that meet customer needs, enhancing service precision and efficiency [3]. - The introduction of advanced technologies like AI and blockchain is recommended to optimize risk control processes and reduce operational costs [3].