From January 20, 2026, millions of savings account holders in India will need to follow updated minimum balance rules announced by the country’s largest public sector banks — State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda (BOB). While minimum balance requirements have existed for years, the coordinated timing of these changes has drawn attention, especially as many households already face rising living costs.
Why the Banks Are Making Changes
The banks describe this move as a recalibration, not a crackdown. Within the last ten years, the public sector banks have done massive investments in digital technologies, security, and regulatory adherence together with providing low-cost services to a large customer base. This has not contributed to their income but rather has increased their operational expenses and put their margins under further pressure, thus the practice of keeping low-balance or dormant accounts has turned financially unviable.
This situation for the customers will bring about the need for them to be more vigilant with their monthly balances and to have a clear picture of the impact of branch location and account type on banking costs.
The Broader Reason Behind the Decision
The changes come as PSU banks face increasing costs tied to digital transformation, including:
- Mobile banking platforms
- UPI infrastructure
- Real-time fraud monitoring
Unlike private banks, PSU banks serve a large number of low-ticket accounts, which often generate minimal revenue. Analysts say servicing these accounts has become costlier than the returns they bring, pushing banks to revisit minimum balance rules.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also urged banks to improve balance-sheet efficiency and align pricing with service costs. Although the RBI doesn’t set minimum balance figures, it expects banks to ensure pricing reflects the cost of services.
SBI’s Location-Based Minimum Balance
SBI continues to follow a location-based structure for minimum average monthly balance. From January 20, urban branches will require higher monthly balances than semi-urban and rural branches due to higher service costs.
Customers who fall short will face penalties, which vary based on the shortfall. Urban account holders may feel the impact more, especially if they use SBI accounts mainly for bills and EMIs.
PNB’s Automated Penalty System
PNB’s new rules introduce auto-debit penalties for accounts that don’t maintain the required balance. This depends on the account category and branch location.
While automation ensures uniform rule application, it also places responsibility on customers to track their balances more actively. Those used to keeping minimal balances may need to consolidate accounts or transfer funds periodically to avoid automatic penalties.
BOB Focuses on Average Monthly Balance
Bank of Baroda’s updated policy emphasizes average monthly balance rather than daily balance. This gives flexibility to customers whose incomes fluctuate across the month.
However, BOB has raised thresholds in some urban and semi-urban categories. Customers who use their savings account primarily for transactions may need to adjust their balance habits.
Who Is Exempt?
Not all customers will be affected. The following accounts are mostly exempt:
- Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts
- Government benefit-linked accounts
- Student accounts
- Senior citizen accounts
Customers unsure about their status are advised to check with their branch before the January deadline.
Penalties and Long-Term Impact
Penalties will depend on:
- Account type
- Branch location
- Degree of shortfall
Urban customers generally face higher charges due to higher service costs. Economists believe these changes may push customers toward zero-balance or simplified digital accounts, changing how PSU banks manage retail relationships.
What to Expect After January 2026
Experts say these rules may be fine-tuned periodically based on customer behavior and the rise of digital banking. Further adjustments may occur if transaction volumes increase without corresponding balance growth.
Customers are advised to:
- Review account type
- Update KYC
- Monitor monthly cash flow
As one analyst notes, “free banking is no longer truly free” — banks are now redistributing costs more transparently.
Disclaimer: This article is based on public information available as of January 2026. Minimum balance requirements, penalties, and exemptions may vary by bank, branch, and account type. Please consult official bank communications or visit your branch for accurate details.
