SBI to charge customers for SMS alerts

State Bank of India (SBI) customers will have to pay Rs 60 per year for getting SMS alerts, a move which is likely to be followed by other public sector lenders. "With effect from quarter ending June 2013, SMS charges of Rs 15 inclusive of service tax per quarter will be recovered," SBI said in an announcement.

The country's largest bank, which has about 18.5 crore customers, did not specify whether the charges are for special alerts only or even debit or credit card transaction alerts sent as per regulatory guidelines will also come under this.

Private sector banks ICICI and HDFC are already charging Rs 60 per year, excluding service tax, for sending special SMSes other than withdrawal and deposit alerts to its customers.

SBI to charge customers for SMS alertsNew Delhi (PTI): State Bank of India (SBI) customers will have to pay Rs 60 per year for getting SMS alerts, a move which is likely to be followed by other public sector lenders."With effect from quarter ending June 2013, SMS charges of Rs 15 inclusive of service tax per quarter will be recovered," SBI said in an announcement. The country's largest bank, which has about 18.5 crore customers, did not specify whether the charges are for special alerts only or even debit or credit card transaction alerts sent as per regulatory guidelines will also come under this.Private sector banks ICICI and HDFC are already charging Rs 60 per year, excluding service tax, for sending special SMSes other than withdrawal and deposit alerts to its customers.