This Private Bank Will Now Charge for SMS Alerts - Check How Much You’ll Pay

Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced a new charge for SMS alerts, set to take effect from December 1, 2025. While the move aligns with similar policies across banks, it won’t affect all customers, only specific account holders will have to pay.

Here’s the Breakdown

Customers will receive 30 free SMS alerts every month, after which a fee of ₹0.15 (15 paise) per SMS will apply. These alerts include messages about transactions and account updates that the bank sends for security and transparency.

Who Will Be Charged

Only customers who don’t maintain the required minimum balance will need to pay. For regular savings accounts, the minimum balance is ₹10,000, while for Kotak 811 accounts, it’s ₹5,000. Those maintaining this balance, along with salary account holders and term deposit customers, are exempt from the SMS fee.

Other Recent Updates

Kotak Mahindra Bank has also revised debit card fees from November 1, 2025. The Privy League Black Metal Debit Card annual fee has dropped from ₹5,000 to ₹1,500, and the Privy League LED Debit Card fee has been reduced from ₹2,500 to ₹1,500.

While the new SMS alert charge might seem minor, it encourages customers to maintain their minimum balance and stay informed through other free digital channels like email or the Kotak app.