The SMS alert charges for banks in Nigeria have been increased by 50 per cent starting today, May 1, 2025, in response to the recent changes in telecom service rates approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Ecobank are among the banks affected by this increase, with GTBank notifying customers through official communications. GTBank’s SMS transaction alert fee has gone up from N4 to N6 per message, while Ecobank has raised its rate from N5 to N6.
GTBank stated in an email sent to customers on April 30 that the hike is due to revised rates from telecom service providers.
“Please be informed that effective Thursday, May 1, 2025, the SMS transaction alert fee will increase from N4 to N6 per message. This adjustment is due to a recent increase in telecom rates,” the bank stated. It added that while SMS alerts are crucial for account monitoring and fraud prevention, customers who prefer to opt out can do so by submitting a form on its website.
Similarly, Ecobank noted that the decision was made after “careful consideration,” stating, “We understand that this change may cause some inconvenience and want to assure you that the decision was made after careful consideration. We remain committed to delivering the best possible service.”
SMS alerts are important for customers to receive real-time updates on their account transactions, which helps enhance security and customer experience. However, many banks also offer email alerts as a free alternative.”
