When we open a new bank account with any of the banks in India. We are asked to give a lot of information about us. And one of the major pieces of the information is our mobile number.
In the banking industry, this number is termed as “Registered Mobile Number”.
If you wish you can change your mobile number in the bank account. In this guide, we will discuss everything you should know about the registered mobile number. And the way how you can change it.
What is Registered Mobile Number?
The registered mobile number is the number that the account holder has given to the bank. This number is used by the bank to communicate with the account holder. Whenever any transaction is done with the account the bank sends the SMS alert to the customer on this mobile number.
For Example, Mr. Amir has opened a bank account with the State Bank of India. And he has given 0123456789 as his mobile number.
So here the State Bank of India will take this number as the registered mobile number of Mr. Amir. Whenever the bank account is used for any transaction.
The bank will send an SMS alert to Mr. Amir regarding the transaction on the registered mobile number.
Importance of Registered Mobile Number
Now we know the meaning of the registered mobile number, so let us now understand why this number is important. It is always recommended to keep the mobile number up to date with the bank account.
1. SMS Alerts
Whenever the account used for any transaction the bank will send an SMS alert to the customer. And to do this the bank uses the registered mobile number.
This is the major reason why this number is so important.
In case the account is being used in an unauthorized manner. As soon as the account holder gets the SMS alert. He or she can block further transactions.
This will help in saving the balance that is there in the account.
But in the other case if the registered mobile number is not up to date. The account holder will not know about the unauthorized use of the account.
This does not mean that the bank will stop sending SMS alerts if you don’t update the number regularly.
Even if you don’t update the number in your account. The bank will be sending the SMS. But the SMS will be sent to your old mobile number which you are not using anymore.
So you won’t be up to date with the transaction happening in your account.
2. SMS Banking
SMS Banking saves a lot of time for the account holders. With the help of SMS keywords, we can perform various actions with the bank account.
What can we do with SMS Banking?
- Check bank account balance.
- Retrieve mini statement
- Request a new cheque book.
- Block the debit card.
- Unblock the debit card.
- Stop the cheque payment.
These are some of the actions that can be done with the help of SMS banking. There are special keywords assigned for every task or action.
The account holders can get the list of the keywords on the official website of their bank.
But there is one thing that should be understood.
These keywords for SMS banking will only work if the SMS is sent from the registered mobile number. So if your number is not up to date with the account.
Then you can not use the SMS banking services.
3. Missed Call Banking
Missed call banking helps the account holders to complete certain tasks just by giving a missed call. There will be a separate phone number for every task.
This phone number will be given by the bank which the account is held by the account holder.
You can find the missed call phone numbers by visiting your bank’s official website.
What Can We Do with Missed Call Banking?
- Check the account balance.
- Get details of the last few transactions.
These are the major things that can be done with the help of the missed call banking. And both of them are related to the bank account balance.
But you can use this service only if you have access to your registered mobile number.
The bank’s system is designed to work in such a manner. When you give a missed call the bank’s system first checks if there are any accounts linked to that number.
If yes then you will receive an SMS from the bank if not then you will get receive any response.
In case you hold multiple accounts with the same bank. Then you can use this service only for the primary bank account.
However, most of the banks allow changing the primary bank account as well.
4. One-time Password
The one-time password which is also known as OTP is sent by the bank to the account holder. This is sent when the account is being used for making any kind of transaction or change.
There was a time when the OTPs were only sent when you are doing an online payment using the ATM card or Internet Banking.
But these days the OTP is more than that.
You will receive an OTP when you are doing any online payment, changing the passwords, PINs, etc.
And these days the updated thing is even if you are withdrawing money from an ATM machine. You will have to authenticate yourself with the OTP.
So if you want to keep receiving the OTP from your bank. Then you will have to make sure that your mobile number is up to date. That is because the OTP is sent only to the registered mobile number.
Also, keep in mind that you should never share your OTP with anybody. And no one from the bank will ever contact you asking for the OTP.
Usually, people receive calls from unknown phone numbers who pretend like they are bank officials. But they are not the bank officials but the scammers.
So you should never share your PINs, Passwords, and OTP with anyone. If you feel like your credentials are exposed to someone. Then you should immediately change it.
5. Unified Payment Interface (UPI)
Unified Payment Interface is also very popularly known as UPI in India and around the globe. This is a groundbreaking technology that the Indian Banking system has with it.
This technology is one among those many things that help the Indian Banking system stand out from the crowd. Almost everybody in India knows about the UPI and has experienced it.
But if you want to use the UPI for money transfers in India. Then you can not do without the registered mobile number.
Because when you install any UPI application on your smartphone and attempt to register. The first thing that the app asks you to enter is the registered mobile number.
After entering your mobile number you have to select the name of your bank. Then there will an SMS sent from your smartphone in the background.
This is done to check if there is any bank account linked with the entered mobile number. Then you can start using the UPI by setting your UPI PIN number.
Even if you try to change your UPI PIN number the bank will send you an OTP. So it is impossible to use the UPI system without having access to your registered mobile number.
This is also one of the major reasons why you should have your mobile number up to date in the bank account.
How to Check Which Mobile Number is Registered with Bank Account?
If you don’t remember which mobile number is registered with your bank account. Then there are three easy methods to check it.
One is an offline method. If you wish to follow this method then you will have to visit the home branch of your bank. First I will explain the online methods. And then I will explain to you the offline one.
Checking Mobile Number Using Internet Banking
You can use the internet banking service to check which mobile number is registered with your bank account.
First, you have to visit the official website of your bank and log in to your internet banking account.
Then click on My Accounts & Profile.
The system will ask you to enter your Profile Password, enter it and click on the “Continue” button.
Now scroll down and look for “Mobile Number”. The number that is registered with your bank account will be displayed to you.
You can follow this method for all the banks that are operating in India. Only a few steps will be different. But your registered mobile number will be mentioned in the profile or contact details section of all the banks.
For more clarity, I have included the screenshots of some more Indian Banks below.
IndusInd Bank
IDFC FIRST Bank
Canara Bank
Axis Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
Checking Mobile Number Using Mobile Banking
Just like internet banking you can also use the mobile banking app of your bank. The app can help you to check which is the number that is registered with your account.
To check you have first open, the mobile banking app of your bank. And then login into your account.
Once you have logged in to your account go to the profile section. Your mobile number will be mentioned there.
The steps are very similar to the internet banking method. So I am very sure you won’t face any difficulties in following this method.
You can see in the screenshot above the SBI YONO app in which the mobile number is displayed.
I could not get more screenshots for the purpose of examples. That is because most mobile banking apps don’t allow to take screenshots.
Things to Keep in Mind
Your complete mobile number that is 10 digits will not be displayed in internet banking or mobile banking. Only a few digits of the number will be displayed.
The other digits will be marked as XXX. And this is very important for the security of your bank account. Because if all the digits are displayed then your mobile number might get exposed.
Checking Mobile Number by visiting the Branch
If you fail to know your number using internet banking and mobile banking. Then the only choice left with you is this offline method.
This the reason why I am explaining this method at the last.
You have to visit the home branch of your bank along with your bank passbook and identity proof document. The bank officials will help you out with your mobile number.
But only after verification of your identity as the real account holder. So first you will be asked to show your bank passbook.
And then your identity proof document. Once the bank officials are convinced of the verification they will tell you the number.
How to Change My Mobile Number in the Account?
I have explained the process to be followed in the major banks of India below. Select your bank to learn the process.
Steps to Change Mobile Number in State Bank of India
If you hold your account with the State Bank of India, then you can change your mobile number online. This can be done using the internet banking portal of the bank. (SBI Online)
- Visit the official website of the State Bank of India and log in to your internet banking account.
- Click on “My Accounts & Profile”.
- Select “Profile”.
- Click on “Personal / Mobile” from the Profile section.
- Enter your Profile Password and click on the “Submit” button.
- Click on “Change Mobile Number – Domestic only (Through OTP/ATM/Contact Centre)”.
- Enter your new mobile number.
- Re-enter your new mobile number and click on the “Submit” button.
- Select “OTP on Both Mobile Numbers” and click on the “Proceed” button.
- Select your bank account number and click on the “Proceed” button.
- Now select any one of your active debit cards and click on the “Confirm” button.
- Enter your debit card details for the validation and click on the “Proceed” button.
- You will receive OTP and Reference numbers on both your old and new mobile numbers.
- Forward the OTP and Reference number as per instructions given in the SMS.
- The bank will change or update your mobile number shortly.
There are 3 ways you can change or update your mobile number in the State Bank of India online
- OTP on both mobile numbers.
- IRTA. (Internet Banking request approval through ATM)
- Approval through Contact Center.
How OTP on Both Mobile Numbers Work?
If you have chosen By OTP on both the mobile numbers, Then you will receive the OTP along with the reference number on the old and new mobile number.
You need to send SMS from BOTH (old and new) mobile numbers in the following format ACTIVATE <8 digit OTP value> <13 digit reference number> to 567676 within 4 hrs. e.g. ACTIVATE 12345678 UM12051500123.
How IRATA Works?
Internet Banking request approval through ATM Then you will receive a 10 digit reference number. Follow the instruction below.
- Go to a State Bank Group ATM.
- Swipe your ATM card which is linked to an account that you can view in your Internet Banking login and enter your card PIN.
- Choose ‘Services’ ->’ Others’ then choose the ‘Internet Banking Request Approval’ option.
- Enter the 10-digit INB reference number and Confirm.
How Approval through Contact Center Works?
If you have chosen Approval Through Contact Center.
- Then you will receive a reference number and the contact center person will call you within the next 3 working days on your new mobile number only.
- Kindly ask for the reference number from the contact center person before sharing your personal details.
- Kindly do not share the reference number with anybody.
- The contact center will verify your identity overcall by asking for certain information.
- On successful verification of information, the mobile number will be updated immediately in the bank’s records.
You can refer to this YouTube video by Humsafar Tech.
Steps to Change Mobile Number in Canara Bank
If you hold a bank account with Canara Bank, then there is no option to change the mobile number using internet banking. You will have to visit the branch of the bank and submit an application letter.
So to change your mobile number, write an application to the branch manager of your Canara Bank home branch.
The subject of the letter should be “Change of Mobile Number”.
Explain the reason why you are changing the mobile number, mention your bank account number, and your new mobile number.
After completing check the application if there are any mistakes.
If you find no mistakes then sign the application letter.
Now take any of your identity proof documents. You can use Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License, and Passport for this purpose.
Get a xerox or photocopy of your identity proof document.
You have to make the photocopy self-attested by signing on it.
At last, visit your Canara Bank home branch and submit the application letter and the photocopy to the bank officials.
Show the original copy of your identity proof document. Upon successful verification of your document, the officials will take your request. And your mobile number will be updated shortly.
Steps to Change Mobile Number in IndusInd Bank
IndusInd Bank allows the account holders to update or change the mobile number online. But to do this you will need access to your internet banking account.
If you have already activated then visit the official website of IndusInd Bank and follow the instructions given below. And in case if you have not activated it yet.
Then you can easily get it activated within 5 minutes on the official website. And then follow the instructions given below.
- Visit the official website of IndusInd Bank and login into your account.
- Click on “Update Contact Details”.
- Look for “Mobile Number” under the Personal details section.
- Click on “Edit” under mobile number.
- Select the country code from the drop-down menu.
- Enter your new mobile number.
- Select the mode of authentication. (Debit Card or OTP)
- The bank will send you an OTP on your registered mobile number.
- Enter the received OTP and click on the “Submit” button.
Here if you select the debit card method you will be asked to enter your debit card details for the purpose of authentication.
I recommend you choose OTP for authentication as it makes the process very easy. That is because there is no need to enter multiple details of your debit card.
Steps to Change Mobile Number in HDFC Bank
There are two ways to update your mobile number in your HDFC Bank account. The first one is by visiting the branch of the bank and filling up the application form.
And the second method is using the ATM machine of the HDFC Bank. I recommend you follow the ATM machine method as it will save a lot of your time.
But here you have to make use of the ATM machine which is operated by HDFC Bank itself. No other bank ATM machines can be used for this purpose.
For example, You can not use a State Bank of India ATM machine, to update your mobile number in your HDFC Bank account.
To change your mobile number in your HDFC Bank account using the ATM Machine, follow the instructions given below.
- Visit any ATM Machine operated by HDFC Bank.
- Insert your debit card into the machine.
- Choose the language of your choice.
- Enter your 4 digits debit card PIN number.
- Select “Main Menu” → “More Options”.
- Select the “Change Registered Mobile Number” option.
- Enter your New Mobile Number and tap on the “Confirm” button.
- Reenter your new mobile number and tap on the “Confirm” button.
- Your request will be taken and will be processed by the bank.
At the end of the process, you will see a message on your screen telling you it will take 2 working days. But if everything is fine and there are no bank holidays. Then the number will get updated within 24 hours.
We referred to a YouTube video by MallicK TecH to learn this process before writing this article. You can also watch the video below.
If you want to support the creator of this video then you can do that by subscribing to the YouTube channel.
How to Write Letter to Change Mobile Number in Bank Account?
There are many banks which do not allow the account holders to update or change mobile number online. So, in that case, you will have two options with you.
The first one is to fill out the form designed by your bank. And the second one is you can submit a handwritten or typed application form to the bank.
You can refer to the below-inserted sample application letter to change the mobile number in your bank account.
To Section: In this section, you have to mention as branch manager, and then write the name of your bank, and branch name below that.
From Section: In this section write your name and address.
Date Section: Mention the date on which you are writing the application letter.
Subject: This is the reason why you are writing an application letter to the branch manager. Mention “Change of Mobile Number in Bank account” here.
Body Section: Here you have to explain that you want to change your mobile number in the bank account. Clearly make mention of your name, bank account number, and your new mobile number. Along with that you also have to make mention of the identity proof document whose photocopy you are attaching with the application letter.
Closing Section: In this section write “Thanking You” or “Your Faithful” or “Yours Sincerely” and write your name below that.
This is how you can write an application letter to change your mobile number in your bank account.
Will Bank Charge Me?
No, the bank will not charge you anything for changing your registered mobile number. This will be done free of cost for you.
Irrespective of the method you are following. That means no matter if you are changing the mobile number online or offline. You don’t need to pay anything to your bank.
How Much Time does it take to Update?
If your bank allows changing the mobile number online. Then it will be updated instantly. In case if you are using the ATM machine to do it then it will take a maximum of 2 working days to update.
And in other cases, if you are submitting an application letter to your bank. Even then it will take a maximum of 2 working days.
The fun fact is 80% of the time irrespective of the method or way. Your number will be updated within the end of the day of your request to the bank.
Conclusion
This is everything that you should know about the registered mobile number and how you can change it. If you don’t find your bank above don’t worry. The process you have to follow will be very similar. And soon we will add more banks to this guide. If you need even more information then you can call the customer are of your bank.