SBI WhatsApp Banking: How to Register and Activate

Banking through WhatsApp sounds almost too good to be true, right? But State Bank of India has made it reality. You can check your balance, get mini statements, and handle basic banking tasks right from your WhatsApp chat. The setup isn’t complicated, but there are some specific steps you need to follow. Below, we have described how you can activate SBI Whatsapp banking on your smartphone or tablet.

Who Can Use SBI WhatsApp Banking?

Before jumping into registration, make sure you qualify. SBI WhatsApp banking is available for savings accounts, current accounts, loan accounts, NRI accounts, and proprietors of CC-OD accounts. You also need a mobile number registered with your SBI account and WhatsApp installed on that same number.

If your mobile number isn’t registered with SBI or you’ve changed it recently, visit your branch first. The registration won’t work otherwise, and you’ll waste time trying.

How to Register for SBI WhatsApp Banking

The registration process involves two main steps: sending an SMS to register, then connecting through WhatsApp.

Step 1: Send Registration SMS

1. Type “WAREG” followed by a space and your account number
2. Send this SMS to 7208933148 from your registered mobile number
3. Wait for a confirmation message

For example, if your account number is 12345678901, your SMS should read: “WAREG 12345678901”

Make sure you’re sending from the exact mobile number registered with your SBI account. If you send from a different number, the registration will fail.

Step 2: Connect on WhatsApp

After successful SMS registration:

1. Send “Hi” to +919022690226 on WhatsApp
2. Follow the instructions from the chatbot
3. Save this number in your contacts for future use

The WhatsApp number might take a few minutes to respond initially. Don’t panic if there’s a slight delay.

Services You Can Access with SBI Whatsapp Banking

Once registered, SBI WhatsApp banking offers several useful services:

Account Information:

• Check account balance
• Get mini statements
• View recent transactions

Service Requests:

• Request checkbooks
• Generate account statements
• Get account details

Quick Updates:

• Transaction alerts
• Account notifications
• Service confirmations

The chatbot interface is pretty straightforward. Just type what you need or follow the menu options it provides.

Alternative Ways to Access SBI Services

If WhatsApp banking doesn’t work for you, SBI offers other digital options:

• YONO SBI mobile app
• Internet banking through onlinesbi.sbi
• SMS banking
• Missed call banking

Each has its own registration process, but they offer similar basic services.

Is There Any Cost?

WhatsApp banking itself is free, but standard data charges from your mobile operator apply. If you’re on an unlimited data plan, you won’t notice any extra cost.

Do You Need to Visit Branch to Activate SBI WhatsApp Banking?

You might need to visit your SBI branch if:

• Your mobile number isn’t registered or needs updating
• Your account type isn’t supported
• You’re facing persistent registration issues
• You need to enable certain account features first

Don’t spend too much time troubleshooting online if basic issues persist. Sometimes a quick branch visit saves hours of frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use WhatsApp banking from multiple phones?

No, it only works with the registered mobile number and WhatsApp account.

What if I change my phone?

You’ll need to register again from your new device using the same mobile number.

Is there a transaction limit?

WhatsApp banking is mainly for information services, not transactions. For money transfers, use YONO or internet banking.

Can I register multiple SBI accounts?

You need to register each account separately using the same process.

What if my account is dormant?

Reactivate your account at the branch before attempting WhatsApp banking registration.

Final Thoughts

The whole process takes about 10 minutes if everything goes smoothly. Most people find it convenient once set up, especially for quick balance checks without opening separate banking apps. Just remember to keep your registered mobile number active and your WhatsApp updated.