New Delhi: In a major relief to customers ahead of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30, the State Bank of India (SBI) has announced that it will waive ATM transaction charges during the strike period.
SBI said the move is aimed at ensuring that customers can access cash and banking services without disruption during the proposed strike by bank employees.
According to SBI, all ATM transactions will be free of charge from September 28 to 30, 2026. Customers using SBI or other banks’ ATMs will not be charged for ATM transactions during this period.
The bank also said that its digital banking services will continue to remain operational. UPI, IMPS, RTGS and NEFT services will function as usual, allowing customers to make digital payments and transfer funds during the strike.
SBI branches to remain open on Sunday
SBI has also announced that all its branches will remain open on Sunday, September 27, to facilitate banking transactions ahead of the proposed strike.
The decision comes after the government directed public sector banks to remain operational on Sunday in view of the possible disruption caused by the three-day strike.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests to remain fully operational on Sunday.
The Finance Ministry said that all public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) will function normally on September 27.
Government takes steps to minimise disruption
The proposed strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30. With September 26 and 27 falling on the preceding weekend holidays, the strike could otherwise have resulted in banking services being affected for five consecutive days.
The Finance Ministry said proactive measures had been taken to safeguard the banking needs of citizens and minimise disruption to economic activity.
The government and bank managements have also appealed to the unions to withdraw or defer the proposed strike and have taken steps to ensure the continued availability of essential banking services.
For customers, ATM services, digital payments and fund transfers are expected to remain accessible during the strike period, while SBI’s decision to waive ATM charges is intended to provide additional relief.
