Check Your Bank Balance via Missed Call or SMS
Checking your bank balance doesn’t always require an app, internet, or a trip to the branch. Most major banks in India offer simple services to get your account balance using a missed call or an SMS from your registered mobile number. In the following sections, you’ll find how the missed call method works, how to use SMS banking correctly, and the key tips to avoid common errors and charges.
Check Your Bank Balance via Missed Call in India
Missed call banking is one of the easiest ways to know your account balance, especially when you have limited connectivity or a basic phone. The idea is simple: you dial a bank-provided number from your registered mobile number, the call disconnects automatically, and the bank sends your balance details through SMS. This works across most banks and is commonly available 24×7.
To start, ensure your mobile number is registered with your bank account. Then find your bank’s official missed call balance enquiry number (only from the bank’s website, passbook, or official SMS/IVR—avoid random posts online). Give a missed call to that number; you don’t need to talk to anyone. Within a few seconds to a couple of minutes, you’ll usually receive an SMS showing your available balance (and sometimes the last few digits of your account number for reference).
If you don’t receive an SMS, the most common reasons are: you called from a number that isn’t registered, your SMS inbox is full, your network is temporarily down, or you used an incorrect enquiry number. Also note that some banks offer additional missed-call services like mini statement or cheque book request on separate numbers. For security, banks generally don’t ask for OTP, PIN, or account password for missed-call balance checks—if anyone asks, treat it as suspicious.
Get Account Balance by SMS: Steps and Key Tips
SMS banking lets you request your balance by sending a specific keyword or formatted message to your bank’s designated number. It’s useful when you can’t place a call, when missed call services are not available, or when you also want other details like mini statements. As with missed call banking, this usually works only from your registered mobile number, and your bank may require SMS banking activation.
The steps are straightforward. First, confirm that your bank supports SMS balance enquiry and check the exact SMS format (for example, a keyword like BAL, or a longer format such as BAL—this varies by bank). Next, open your messaging app and send the required text to the bank’s official SMS number. You’ll receive a reply SMS containing your balance or an error message explaining what went wrong (wrong format, not registered, service not active, etc.).
A few key tips can save time and money. Use the exact keyword and spacing your bank specifies—SMS banking can fail due to small format mistakes. Keep in mind that your mobile operator may charge for sending SMS, and some banks may apply SMS alert fees depending on your account/service plan. For safety, never include sensitive information like full account number, UPI PIN, debit card PIN, or OTP in an SMS request; legitimate formats rarely ask for them. If you change your phone number, update it with the bank first—otherwise missed call and SMS services will stop working.
Missed call and SMS banking are practical options for quickly checking your bank balance in India without relying on mobile data or apps. The key is to use only your registered number, follow the correct bank-approved format, and rely on official numbers from your bank’s website or documents. If either method fails repeatedly, visit your branch or call the bank’s customer care to confirm registration and activation.