SBI adds new security feature to its debit cum ATM cards: Here is how it works

In a bid to make cash withdrawals safer, the State Bank of India has added a new security feature to its debit cum ATM cards. With this new feature, you can block transactions on your SBI ATM card via SMS to ensure that no fraud or illegal transactions occur in case it is lost or misplaced.  

You can even block your cards through customer care call, net banking, and the SBI Quick app -- which allow for switching on or off usage of the card at the point of sale (PoS) and automated teller machines (ATM), and stopping international usage, besides blocking. 

Multiple benefits 

The SMS option comes with multiple benefits, allowing customers to obtain their bank account balance, mini statement, or send a request for cheque books, past six months' account statement, home loan and education interest certificates, etc using this option. 

Attempt to curb ATM frauds 

This facility is aimed that curbing the ATM frauds which have been on the rise. The bank has alerted its customers to be cautious and not to ignore SMS alerts regarding balance enquiry or mini-statement when the request is not initiated by them. 

Talking about the new security feature, the bank tweeted, "Introducing a new feature for our customers' safety. Now every time we receive a request for #BalanceEnquiry or #MiniStatement via ATMs, we will alert our customers by sending an SMS so that they can immediately block their #DebitCard if the transaction is not initiated by them." 

How to use feature? 

To use this service, SBI customers need to send an SMS from their mobile phone number which is registered with the bank. In case you have not registered a mobile number with the bank, first register by sending SMS to 09223488888 with text REG<space>Your Account Number.