Payment
via SMS
How to pay via SMS
SMS payments represent one of the many options for paying for goods using the function of the phone to send SMS. Paying this way is simple and anyone who owns a mobile phone can do it. Payment via SMS has a few advantages that you won’t find with other payment options. Since everyone has a phone these days, you should know some basic information.
Did you know that ...SMS payments are regulated by the European Union. The change, to which a large number of countries, including the Czech Republic, have not yet adapted, began on January 13 , 2019. This regulation caused quite a lot of confusion, as operators could no longer provide payment services, or were limited. The only payments you can make are those allowed by law.
In everyday life, you will come across the word SMS several times a week, but very few know what this abbreviation means. SMS stands for Short Message Service and is one of the most widespread types of communication. It is slowly being replaced by free apps.
The way in which SMS can be used, according to law, is the possibility of buying a ticket using SMS. Just send a code to the given number and you should right away receive an SMS with the ticket.
SMS payments have been used for a long time, unfortunately, the content you can pay for has been narrowed down due to the regulation. You can still pay via SMS for games, in-game currency, or applications that you can download via phone.
One of the most common transactions using SMS is ticketing. The reason is simple, you can buy a whole-day pass and prove yourself to potential checks by sending a message on your phone. What you have to be aware of is that the ticket is valid only after you receive a confirmation SMS.
There are disadvantages to SMS paymentsJust as there are advantages to SMS payments, there are also disadvantages. One of the disadvantages we have already mentioned is the limitation of the amount you can pay. This number is clearly established by law and cannot be increased, only decreased. If you know that your transaction may exceed the given amount, it is better to use a bank account. When entering the contents of the SMS message, you might make a mistake while entering a number or a code. This error can result in an invalid transaction. Another disadvantage is that some payments may be additionally charged by operators. Alternatively, some apps or games have an already determined surcharge that you would not have to pay while using any other payment method. Perhaps the worst disadvantage is the risk of losing your phone.
As we have already mentioned, the types of goods that you can purchase using SMS are regulated by the European Union. In addition to fare tickets, you can also purchase gift vouchers in any amount so they do not exceed the permitted limits. There is a huge number of coupons you can buy. You can use them to pay for games, memberships, or subscriptions to apps. For example Netflix, or you can support your favorite creator on Twitch.
An interesting fact is that you can contribute to a good cause with the help of charitable contributions. Limits set by law apply to this activity as well. You can also use your bank account for charity.
If we were to compare both methods, we will find that SMS payments are not very versatile. It is therefore difficult to choose which method is better, as they were not intended for the same type of payment. Yes, payments using a bank account are versatile; you can set the limit yourself, and most payments you can make via SMS can be done through a bank account as well. Both payment methods are secure and the chances of your personal information being leaked are close to zero. Even so, you can consider the advantage of paying by SMS to be that you don’t have to write your card number anywhere. Regretfully, there is a legal cap on SMS payments that cannot be exceeded. One payment must not exceed 1200 crowns, and the sum of your payments can’t exceed 7200 crowns per month.
