Easy Steps for Transferring Money Without Mobile Internet at Five Major Banks
In the face of increasing mobile internet disruptions in Russia, SMS banking has emerged as a valuable alternative for ordinary residents. This service, offered by major banks such as Sberbank, VTB, Alfa-Bank, Gazprombank, and Tinkoff, allows users to manage their finances even in isolated areas with no internet connection.
To use SMS banking, the service must be connected in advance through the app or in the bank office while the internet is working. Each bank has its activation process, with Sberbank and VTB requiring users to register their mobile phone number with the bank and activate SMS alerts or services through the bank's mobile app, internet banking, or by visiting a branch. Alfa-Bank and Tinkoff, on the other hand, have a stronger mobile-first approach, with SMS notifications and banking operations integrated into their mobile apps and web interfaces.
SMS banking allows for money transfers, balance inquiries, and transaction alerts via SMS commands sent to dedicated short numbers provided by the bank. The command format varies by bank, with Sberbank using keywords like "BAL" (balance) and VTB using commands like "p1" for transfers. Some banks, like Alfa-Bank and Tinkoff, do not charge for SMS alerts but may have commissions for payment transactions depending on the service used.
Commissions for SMS banking services also vary by bank and service used. Sberbank charges approximately 3% for payments when sending money to wallets, while VTB charges a commission of 1.5% with a minimum of 200 rubles and maximum of 3,000 rubles for transfers. Gazprombank (or Agroprombank) charges around 1.5% with a minimum fee of 60 rubles for transfers, but specific SMS banking commissions aren't detailed.
It is essential to keep all receipts and confirming messages, as they can serve as evidence in disputed situations. Experts advise connecting SMS banking in advance and regularly checking its functionality to avoid being left without access to funds at the most crucial moment.
In a time when mobile internet disruptions have intensified, causing significant difficulties for ordinary residents, making it impossible to pay for goods and services in small shops, rural centers, and remote villages, SMS banking offers a reliable solution. Some shops report up to 40% of lost revenue in a week due to mobile internet disruptions, highlighting the importance of alternative payment methods like SMS banking.
As the number of requests to connect SMS banking options has almost tripled from May to July 2025, it is clear that more and more Russians are turning to this service as a means to manage their finances amidst mobile internet disruptions. For precise SMS command formats and current commissions specific to SMS banking features, it is recommended to consult each bank’s official website or customer support, as SMS banking terms can change frequently and vary by region or service type.
Personal-finance management can be maintained even in areas with no internet connection through SMS banking, a service provided by banks such as Sberbank, VTB, Alfa-Bank, Gazprombank, and Tinkoff. To activate this service, users need to register their mobile phone number with the bank and follow the bank's activation process, which may involve registering for SMS alerts or visiting a bank office.
