Santander has announced that it will discontinue five key text message alerts from May 12, 2025, affecting around 14 million customers. According to Express.co.uk, the bank is phasing out certain SMS notifications in an effort to push more users toward mobile and online banking.
Currently, Santander provides free text alerts for account activity, such as large deposits, withdrawals, and low balance warnings. These services help customers track their finances and avoid unexpected charges. However, starting in May, these notifications will no longer be available.
What Services Are Being Removed?
Santander customers will lose access to the following five non-regulatory alerts:
- Notifications for deposits above a set amount
- Alerts for withdrawals over a certain limit
- Weekly balance and transaction summaries
- Notifications when an account balance reaches a specific threshold
- Alerts when a balance falls below a certain amount
The bank has reassured customers that regulatory alerts—such as overdraft warnings—will still be sent. However, the removal of non-essential notifications has sparked concerns, especially among elderly customers and those less comfortable with digital banking.
Why Is Santander Making This Change?
Santander claims the decision is based on the increasing use of digital banking, as most customers now access their accounts through the mobile app or online banking. A spokesperson for the bank stated:
“These specific alerts were set up before mobile banking was widely used. Customers can now obtain a more accurate and up-to-date view of their account through mobile, online, or telephone banking.”
The bank estimates that 90% of affected customers have already transitioned to digital alerts via the app or online platform. However, consumer rights experts argue that not all customers will find digital alternatives as effective as text alerts.
Concerns Over Customer Impact
Critics warn that removing SMS notifications could make it harder for some customers to track their spending and avoid fees. Consumer rights specialist Martyn James emphasized the importance of text alerts:
“Text alerts are vital because people actually read them and act on them. Many customers don’t regularly check their online accounts or app notifications, making these alerts a key financial safety net.”
With banks closing more physical branches, some argue that financial institutions should be expanding—not reducing—access to essential banking services. It remains to be seen whether Santander will reconsider its decision, as consumer groups push for greater accessibility in digital banking.
