In 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) along with important banks decided to bring forth a major change in savings bank account rules that shall directly impact how the money is handled by the customers. These changes are aimed at enhancing transparency, easing penalties, and promoting digital banking. Here’s a sub-guide to new things and their effect on your wallet.
Minimum Balance Rules Relaxed
Some leading banks like PNB, Bank of Baroda, Indian Bank, Canara Bank, among others, have done away with maintaining an Average Monthly Balance (AMB). This means customers shall not be penalized for withdrawal below the specified minimum. However, some of them, including State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank, have increased the minimum limits for urban and rural accounts, respectively:
- For urban accounts: ₹5,000 per month
- For rural accounts: ₹2,000 per month
Aadhaar and PAN Linking Now Mandatory
Starting from April 2025, it will be mandatory to link Pan with Aadhaar for all savings account holders-the new KYC norms laying down the same. Noncompliance may result in restrictions on the account or delays in transactions.
ATM Withdrawals and Security Updates
Positive Pay System (PPS) has been introduced to make transaction a secure affair. This demands customers who pay huge values with cheques to confirm with their respective banks about the validity of details so as to avoid any sort of frauds. In addition, ATM withdrawal limits and charges have been revised, mostly in regard to non-home branch withdrawals.
Aadhaar Update Charges Revised
If you’re updating your Aadhaar details for banking purposes, here’s what you’ll pay:
| Update Type | New Charges (₹) |
|---|---|
| Demographic (Name, Address) | 75 |
| Biometric (Fingerprint, Iris) | 125 |
| Aadhaar Reprint | 40 |
| Home Enrolment (1st Person) | 700 |
| Home Enrolment (Additional) | 350 |
Interest Rates and Digital Banking Push
Banks are offering tiered interest rates based on account balance and digital activity. Customers using mobile banking and UPI may be rewarded with better rates and fewer service charges. This could be an impetus to keep digital adoption high and paperwork low.
Endnotes
The final reform of the 2025 savings account is architected to allow flexibility for clients with minimal punitive action in case of undue exercise of such flexibility. Being aware of the parameters, whether you are a student, senior citizen, or a salaried professional-will help you to save more and avoid unnecessary costs.