About the SMS Alerts service

Alert notifications will be sent via Short Message Service ("SMS") to all existing DBS credit and debit card cardholders based on the pre-determined criteria as attached.

Types of alert notification provided are as follows:-

  1. First card usage alerts;
  2. Transactions alerts, both local and overseas; and
  3. Suspicious or irregular transaction alerts.

General FAQ:

Q1: Why is this service put in place?

A1: In compliance with MAS guidelines, DBS is continuously introducing measures that will offer enhanced levels of security on card transactions. These measures will provide every cardholder with greater protection against any potential fraudulent activity. This is in addition to existing measures whereby robust fraud detection systems are used to monitor and detect unusual or suspicious card usage.

Q2: How do I apply for this SMS Alerts ("Alert") service?

A2: All cardholders, main or supplementary (where applicable), who hold a DBS credit or debit card in good standing ("Cardholders") will automatically be enrolled in the SMS Alerts ("Alert") service.

Q3: How can I opt out of this service?

A3: Cardholders who do not wish to participate in the Alert service can opt out of this service by calling our Customer Centre at
1800 111 1111, or by completing the SMS Alert Opt Out form found on the DBS website and returning it to us.

Q4: Can I make changes to the pre-determined criteria?

A4: Cardholders may request to amend the pre-determined criteria in relation to their existing DBS card account(s). Notwithstanding the aforesaid, any amendment shall be at the sole discretion of DBS.

Q5: Do I have to pay for this SMS transaction alert?

A5: This SMS transaction alert service is provided to you free by DBS for enhanced security.

Q6: Is this service applicable to overseas transactions?

A6: Yes it is applicable. The Cardholder shall ensure that his/her mobile phone and number is able to receive text messaging both in Singapore and overseas. The Cardholder shall be responsible for any fee imposed by his/her respective mobile phone service provider.

Q7: When will DBS cease this service?

A7: DBS shall cease to provide the Alert service:

  1. if these Terms and Conditions are not complied with;
  2. if the card account is closed;
  3. upon the death or contractual incapacity of the Cardholder;
  4. upon written instruction, or authenticated verbal instruction through the Phone Banking channel;
  5. in the event of improper operation of the card account by the Cardholder; or
  6. at its own discretion.

FAQ Specific To Transactions Alerts:

Q1: When will I receive a SMS transaction alert?

A1: A SMS transaction alert would be sent if a transaction, of an amount greater than the alert threshold amount maintained with the Bank, is approved.

Q2: What is the minimum transaction amount before an SMS transaction alert is received?

A2: The minimum transaction amount varies and is set at the discretion of DBS.

Q3: Can I change my SMS alert threshold amount?

A3: Yes, Cardholders can request to change this limit by calling our Customer Centre at 1800 111 1111, or by completing the SMS Alert Threshold Change form found on the DBS website and returning it to us.

Q4: Why didn't I receive my SMS transaction alert?

A4: As an SMS transaction alert is telco-dependent, there may be delays or non-receipt of such SMS transaction alerts. To ensure you receive timely SMS alerts, please ensure your current mobile number is updated in our bank records.

Q5: Why did I receive an alert when I did not make any transaction on my Debit/Credit Card?

A5: For security concerns, please call our 24-hour DBS Customer Service Hotline at 1800 111 1111 or +65 6327 2265 (Overseas) for clarification on the alert that you received.

Q6: What kind of transactions will trigger a SMS alert?

A6: A SMS alert will be triggered (based on threshold amount) on all local and foreign retail purchases, cash advances, e-commerce and mail orders.

Terms and Conditions Governing the DBS Alert Service ("Terms and Conditions")

  1. Every SMS alert ("Alert") is sent to the DBS/POSB credit or debit cardholder ("Cardholder") based on a set of pre-determined criteria.
  2. Each Cardholder will be automatically enrolled in the DBS Alert Service ("Alert Service").
  3. Cardholders who do not wish to participate in the Alert Service can opt out of the Alert Service by contacting the DBS Customer Centre or completing the form found on the DBS website.
  4. Cardholders may request to amend the pre-determined criteria in relation to their existing DBS card account(s). Notwithstanding the aforesaid, any amendment is at the discretion of DBS.
  5. The Cardholder shall be responsible for the accuracy and truthfulness of the data provided by him/her to DBS. The Cardholder must immediately inform DBS of any change in his/her particulars.
  6. The Alert Service is subject to these Terms and Conditions and the terms and conditions of the Cardholder's agreement with his/her mobile phone service provider.
  7. Each Alert sent to Cardholders is not encrypted and may include details pertaining to his/her transaction(s).
  8. The Cardholder shall ensure that his/her mobile phone and number is able to receive text messaging both in Singapore and overseas. The Cardholder shall be responsible for any fee imposed by his/her respective mobile phone service provider.
  9. The Cardholder shall be responsible for the security of his/her mobile phone. DBS shall not be liable in any way to any party should any Alert be viewed or accessed by persons other than the respective Cardholder.
  10. The Cardholder acknowledges and agrees that the sending of any Alert by DBS or its receipt by the Cardholder may be delayed or prevented by factor(s) outside DBS' control.
  11. DBS shall not be liable for any or all losses, damage, expenses, fees, costs (including legal costs on a full indemnity basis), that may arise, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from (a) the non-delivery, the delayed delivery, or the misdirected delivery of an Alert; (b) the non-receipt of an Alert; (c) inaccurate or incomplete content in an Alert; (d) reliance on or use of the information provided in an Alert for any purpose; or (e) any third party, whether authorised or not, obtaining Cardholder account information contained in the Alert by accessing the Cardholder's mobile phone.
  12. An Alert does not constitute a record of the card account or card transaction to which it pertains. DBS does not assume any additional responsibility or obligation under these Terms and Conditions in respect of the use of, or any transaction or eventuality involving the card account. The Alert Service does not free the Cardholder from the responsibility of safeguarding the physical security and authorised use of his/her card or card account, and it does not entail that DBS will automatically be liable for any unauthorised transaction that may be charged to the card account.
  13. The use of Alert Service does not automatically entitle the Cardholder to the lost/stolen card liability. Cardholders are still required to comply with the lost/stolen card liability terms in accordance with the applicable DBS Card Agreement.
  14. DBS may amend these Terms and Conditions including methods for the use of the Alert Service, as well as the channel for provision or use of the Alert Service, without notice.
  15. DBS may charge a fee for such a service by giving one month's prior notice to the Cardholder.
  16. DBS shall cease to provide the Alert Service:
    1. if these Terms and Conditions are not complied with;
    2. if the card account is closed/terminated/suspended;
    3. upon the death or contractual incapacity of the Cardholder;
    4. upon request of the Cardholder pursuant to clause 3;
    5. in the event of improper operation of the card account by the Cardholder; or
    6. at its own discretion.
  17. Unless expressly provided otherwise, a person who is not a party to these Terms and Conditions may not enforce any of its terms under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act (Chapter 53B) and notwithstanding any term herein, the consent of any third party is not required for any variation (including any release or compromise of any liability) or termination of these Terms and Conditions.
  18. These Terms and Conditions are governed under Singapore law and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Singapore courts.