Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced a revision in its SMS alert charges, effective from December 1, 2025.
The private sector lender informed customers through official communication and SMS notifications, urging them to review the updated fee structure for account-related alerts.
What’s Changing?
As per the updated policy, Kotak Mahindra Bank will revise its SMS alert fees for certain account holders who receive transaction and balance-related notifications via text messages.
The move aligns with the bank’s efforts to encourage customers to switch to digital and app-based notifications, which remain free of cost.
New SMS Alert Charges (Effective December 2025)
| Service Type | Previous Charge | Revised Charge (From Dec 1, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Alerts (Domestic) | ₹15 per quarter | ₹25 per quarter |
| SMS Alerts (International) | ₹25 per quarter | ₹35 per quarter |
| In-App / Email Alerts | Free | Free |
Note: The revised rates are exclusive of GST, which will be applied as per prevailing tax rules.
Who Will Be Affected
The revised charges apply to savings and current account holders who have opted to receive SMS alerts for account activities such as:
Fund transfers (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS)
ATM withdrawals
Debit card transactions
Account balance updates
UPI transactions
Customers who rely on mobile app push notifications or email alerts will not be charged for these services.
Kotak Encourages Digital Alternatives
Kotak Mahindra Bank, like several other lenders, is gradually shifting toward digital-first communication to reduce operational costs and promote sustainability.
Customers are encouraged to:
Enable push notifications via the Kotak Mobile Banking App
Register email IDs for instant e-alerts
Check account activity through Net Banking or WhatsApp Banking
These options not only offer real-time updates but also avoid SMS alert charges altogether.
Why Banks Revise SMS Alert Charges
Banks periodically adjust SMS charges due to:
Rising telecom costs
Increasing transaction volumes
Maintenance of secure message delivery systems
Transition to app-based alerts as the preferred mode
Customer Advisory
Kotak Mahindra Bank customers are advised to:
✅ Check the updated schedule of charges on the official Kotak Bank website
✅ Switch to digital notification modes if they prefer to avoid recurring SMS fees
✅ Ensure their mobile number and email are updated for uninterrupted alerts
How to Manage Kotak SMS Alerts
You can modify or disable SMS alerts using:
Kotak Mobile App: → Service Requests → Alerts → Manage Notifications
Net Banking: Settings → Communication Preferences
Customer Care: Call 1860 266 2666 for assistance
Conclusion
With SMS alert charges being revised from December 1, 2025, Kotak Mahindra Bank joins other major lenders in digitally modernizing customer communication.
While SMS alerts remain optional, switching to mobile or email notifications is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for customers who wish to stay informed without extra charges.
FAQs:
Q1. When will the new Kotak Mahindra Bank SMS alert charges come into effect?
The revised SMS alert charges will be applicable from December 1, 2025.
Q2. How much will Kotak charge for SMS alerts?
Kotak Mahindra Bank will charge ₹25 per quarter for domestic SMS alerts and ₹35 per quarter for international SMS alerts (plus GST).
Q3. Will I be charged if I use the Kotak Mobile App for alerts?
No. Push notifications and email alerts remain completely free of cost.
Q4. Which customers will be affected by these revised charges?
Savings and current account holders who have opted for SMS-based transaction alerts.
Q5. Why is Kotak revising SMS alert charges?
The revision accounts for increased telecom costs and aims to promote digital alert channels as a sustainable, cost-efficient alternative.
Published on : 8th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit : This article is based on a report by Express Web Desk.