Described are methods of a mobile communication device for processing a balance information message from a service provider in response to a balance information query. A method includes obtaining a service provider identity from a SIM, determining a format of a balance information message and identifying a balance information message from the service provider according to the format of the balance information message. Also described is a mobile communication device that includes a transceiver, a controller, and a memory configured to store format information including a format of a balance information message. The controller is configured to generate a communication to the service provider for transmission via the wireless transceiver, the communication being based on format information including the format of a balance information query, and to determine whether an incoming message received by the wireless transceiver from the service provider conforms to the balance information message.