GTBank Increases SMS Alert Fee to ₦6 Amid Telecom Tariff Hike Starting May 1

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has announced an increase in its SMS transaction alert fee from ₦4 to ₦6 per message, effective Thursday, May 1, 2025. This adjustment comes in response to recent tariff hikes by telecommunications service providers.​

In a notice sent to customers on Wednesday, April 30, the bank stated:​

“Dear Valued Customer, please be informed that effective Thursday, May 1, 2025, the SMS transaction alert fee will increase from ₦4 to ₦6 per message. This adjustment is due to a recent increase in telecom rates as communicated by the telecommunication service providers.”

The new fee applies to all customers who receive transaction alerts via SMS. GTBank emphasized the importance of SMS alerts in monitoring account activities and preventing fraud.​

his fee adjustment aligns with similar moves by other banks in Nigeria, such as Ecobank, which has also increased its SMS alert fee to ₦6 per message, effective May 1.

The Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) 2017 Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions stipulates that fees on alerts should not exceed ₦4 per SMS and should be restricted to customer-induced transactions. It remains to be seen how the CBN will respond to these recent fee increases by banks.

Customers concerned about the increased charges may consider switching to email alerts, which are typically free, or using the bank's mobile app for real-time transaction notifications.​