diff --git a/app.py b/app.py
index 2f2dfe4..b8fe9a6 100644
--- a/app.py
+++ b/app.py
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ def sms_guard():
     con = db(); now = int(time.time())
     ip = request.headers.get("X-Real-IP") or request.remote_addr or "?"
     # balance: refuse if house SMSPool balance below $5
-    st, b = sms_api("balance")
+    st, b = sms_api("request/balance")
     bal = jf(b) or {}
     try: bal = float(bal.get("balance", 0))
     except Exception: bal = 0