In today’s fast-paced world, managing your bank account on the go is a necessity. Whether you’re traveling, working, or simply prefer quick access to your finances, knowing how to get your SBI balance through SMS can save you both time and effort. This article will walk you through the exact process of how to use the State Bank of India’s SMS banking service to check your balance. Let’s dive into it!

Introduction

With the rise of digital banking, most banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI), have introduced SMS banking services for easier access to account information. One of the most significant benefits of SMS banking is that it eliminates the need for an internet connection, making it accessible even in remote areas or for those who do not own a smartphone.

Using this service, SBI customers can check their balance, view mini statements, and even request services like cheque books, all by sending a simple SMS. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can get your SBI balance via SMS, the prerequisites for using this service, and the benefits it offers.

What Is SBI SMS Banking?

SBI SMS Banking is a convenient service offered by the State Bank of India that allows customers to perform various banking tasks through their mobile phones, using SMS. Without the need for internet access, this service lets you check your account balance, view recent transactions, request a mini statement, and much more. It’s an ideal solution for people who don’t have access to the internet or prefer simple, no-fuss banking solutions.

Why Choose SMS Banking Over Internet Banking?

Many people prefer SMS banking over internet banking for several reasons:

No Internet Required: Unlike internet banking, SMS banking doesn’t require an active internet connection. This is particularly beneficial for users in areas with poor or no internet access.
Simple and Fast: SMS banking is easy to use and delivers immediate results. You don’t need to log in to any platform, making it a quick way to check your balance.
Available 24/7: Whether it’s a public holiday or after banking hours, the SMS service is available round the clock.
Accessible for All Phone Users: Not everyone has access to a smartphone, but SMS banking works on any mobile phone with basic texting capabilities.

How to Register for SBI SMS Banking

Before using the SMS service, you need to register your mobile number with your SBI account. If your mobile number is not linked to your account, follow these steps to register it:

Visit your nearest SBI branch: Fill out the mobile number registration form provided by the bank.
Through an ATM:
- Insert your SBI debit card and select the “Mobile Registration” option.
- Choose “Mobile Banking” and follow the instructions to register your mobile number.
Using Internet Banking: If you’re already using SBI’s internet banking, log in to your account and link your mobile number via the “Profile” section.

Once your mobile number is linked, you’re all set to use SMS banking.

How to Get SBI Balance Through SMS

Now that your mobile number is registered, checking your SBI balance is just a message away. Follow these steps to get your balance instantly:

Open the SMS application on your mobile phone.
Type BAL and send it to 09223766666.
Within seconds, you will receive an SMS from the bank showing your account balance.

The format is simple, and there’s no need to include your account number or any other personal information in the message, ensuring both ease and security.

What Are the Prerequisites for Using SBI SMS Banking?

Before you can start using the SBI SMS banking service, ensure the following conditions are met:

Registered Mobile Number: Your mobile number must be linked to your SBI account.
Sufficient SMS Balance: Make sure you have enough SMS credits or an active plan on your mobile to send text messages.
Correct Format: Use the right format when sending an SMS to avoid errors or delays in response.

By meeting these basic prerequisites, you can enjoy hassle-free SMS banking from anywhere.

Benefits of Getting SBI Balance Through SMS

The ability to check your balance through SMS comes with a range of benefits:

Convenience: You can check your balance from anywhere without needing an internet connection.
Time-Saving: There’s no need to visit the branch, ATM, or even open an app. Just a simple SMS is enough.
Security: Since the service is linked to your registered mobile number, it ensures security while providing quick access to information.
24/7 Availability: The service is operational at all times, meaning you can access it even outside of traditional banking hours.

How to Check SBI Mini Statement Via SMS

In addition to checking your balance, you might also want to review your recent transactions. To get a mini statement through SMS, follow these simple steps:

Open the SMS app on your phone.
Type MSTMT and send it to 09223866666.
Within moments, you’ll receive a message detailing the last five transactions in your account.

This feature is incredibly useful if you need a quick snapshot of your account activity without logging in to internet banking or using a mobile app.

Is There a Charge for SBI SMS Banking?

One of the best things about SBI’s SMS banking service is its affordability. While the bank does not charge for providing account information via SMS, your mobile service provider may deduct a nominal SMS fee according to your mobile plan. It’s best to check with your provider for exact rates. Despite these minor charges, the convenience and accessibility of the service make it a great tool for all SBI account holders.

What Should You Do If You Don’t Receive an SMS Response?

In rare cases, you may not receive an SMS response from SBI after requesting your balance. Here are some steps you can take:

Check Network Connectivity: Ensure that your mobile phone has a strong network connection before sending the SMS.
Verify SMS Format: Double-check that you have typed the correct format and sent it to the right number.
Try Again Later: Sometimes there may be temporary service outages. Wait for a while and try sending the SMS again.
Ensure Sufficient SMS Balance: Make sure you have enough SMS credits or an active plan to send texts.

Additional Services You Can Access Through SBI SMS Banking

Aside from checking your balance, SBI SMS banking offers a range of other services.

Here are some key ones:

Checkbook Request: Send the message CHQREQ to 09223588888 to request a chequebook.
Block ATM Card: In case of theft or loss, you can block your ATM card by sending BLOCKXXXX (where XXXX is the last four digits of your card number) to 567676.
Activate/Deactivate UPI: You can enable or disable your UPI services via SMS by sending specific commands provided by SBI.

This versatility makes SMS banking an indispensable tool for SBI customers.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get my SBI balance after sending the SMS?

Ans – You will typically receive a response within a few seconds of sending the SMS, depending on your network connectivity.

2. Can I check the balance of multiple SBI accounts through SMS?

Ans – Yes, if your mobile number is linked to multiple accounts, you will receive the balance details for all accounts associated with that number.

3. Is SBI SMS banking safe to use?

Ans – Yes, SBI SMS banking is safe as it uses your registered mobile number, ensuring that only you can access the information.

4. What should I do if I change my mobile number?

Ans – If you change your mobile number, you will need to update the new number with the bank to continue using SMS banking.

5. Are there any limits on the number of SMS requests I can make per day?

Ans – There is no official limit on how many times you can request your balance or mini statement through SMS.

6. Can I use SBI SMS banking while traveling abroad?

Ans – Yes, as long as your mobile number is on roaming and you can send text messages, you can use SBI SMS banking services from abroad.

Conclusion

SBI SMS banking offers a straightforward and efficient way to manage your account on the go. Whether you’re checking your balance, viewing recent transactions, or requesting additional services, it simplifies banking by eliminating the need for internet access or app downloads. With just a few clicks, you can get your SBI balance through SMS, making it a valuable service for anyone seeking convenience and speed in their daily banking.

Was this article helpful?

YesNo