By Kavita Mistry 
Starting December 2025, Kotak Mahindra Bank customers will be charged for transaction SMS alerts beyond a specified free limit. The bank has announced that it will begin levying a fee of Rs 0.15 per SMS after the first 30 free transaction alerts per month, citing rising operational costs involved in maintaining real-time alert systems.
New SMS Alert Charges Explained
Under the new policy, Kotak Mahindra Bank customers will receive up to 30 SMS alerts per month for free. These messages typically inform users about activities such as deposits, withdrawals, UPI transfers, or debit card payments.
Once the free limit is crossed, each additional SMS alert will cost Rs 0.15 per message. The bank says this move ensures that customers continue receiving timely transaction notifications, while the charges help offset communication and maintenance expenses associated with the alert infrastructure.
How to Avoid SMS Alert Charges
Customers can avoid paying SMS fees if their accounts meet certain minimum balance or salary criteria:
- For regular savings or salary accounts, maintaining a combined balance of Rs 10,000 or more — including the monthly average balance and term deposits — will make SMS alerts free.
- For Kotak 811 accounts, a lower threshold applies — customers need a combined balance of Rs 5,000 or more, which also includes monthly average balance and term deposits.
- Additionally, regular salary credit into the account will also exempt users from these charges.
Changes to Kotak Mahindra Debit Card Fees
Apart from the SMS alert changes, Kotak Mahindra Bank has revised annual and issuance fees for select debit cards effective November 1, 2025:
- The Privy League Black Metal Debit Card fee has been reduced from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1,500 per annum.
- The Privy League LED Debit Card fee has also been cut from Rs 2,500 to Rs 1,500 per annum.
These reductions are intended to make premium cards more accessible while offering enhanced lifestyle and travel benefits.
What Customers Should Know
While the new SMS charge policy introduces a modest fee structure, it encourages customers to maintain adequate balances and consider switching to digital notification channels like email or in-app alerts to stay informed at no extra cost.