Major Rule Changes In January 2026: How They Affect Your Salary, Loans And Daily Finances

January 01, 2026, not only marks the advent of a new calendar year, but also brings several changes in rules and regulations. From taxpayers, employers to bank customers will be impacted by these changes spanning from the 8th pay commission, credit rating, new Income Tax Forms and many more.

A look at the major changes in January, 2026:

Credit To Revise Once In Every 15 Days

One of the key changes will be in how credit scores are updated. Credit bureaus will now be required to refresh customer data every week instead of once every 15 days, making credit histories more dynamic and responsive.

Reduction In Loan Interest Rates

Several major banks, including SBI, PNB and HDFC, have already reduced loan interest rates, a move that is expected to benefit borrowers in the new year. Revised fixed deposit (FD) interest rates will also come into effect from January 2026.

PAN To Become Inoperative For Not Linked With Aadhaar

Starting January 01, 2026, PAN-Aadhaar linkage will be mandatory to access most banking and government services; failure to comply could lead to denial of services.

8th Pay Commission Becomes Effective

The 8th Pay Commission is expected to come into force from January 1, 2026, following the conclusion of the 7th Pay Commission on December 31. This is likely to bring a revision in pay structures for central and state government employees.

In addition, dearness allowance (DA) is set to rise from January 2026, providing a salary boost amid persistent inflation. Some states, including Haryana, are also expected to review and raise minimum wages for part-time and daily-wage workers.

Key Changes For Farmers

In states such as Uttar Pradesh, farmers are being issued unique IDs that will be mandatory to receive installments under the PM-Kisan scheme. Without the ID, beneficiaries may not receive the credited amounts.

Under the PM Kisan Crop Insurance Scheme, farmers will now be eligible for compensation if crops are damaged by wild animals. However, losses must be reported within 72 hours to claim insurance benefits.

New Income Tax Return Forms

A new income tax return (ITR) form is likely to be introduced in January, pre-filled with details of banking transactions and expenditure, simplifying compliance but increasing scrutiny.

Revision In LPG and ATF Prices

Prices of LPG and commercial gas cylinders will be revised from January 1, while aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices will also be updated the same day, changes that could have a ripple effect on household budgets and airfares.

HDFC Bank Changes Debit Card Lounge Access Rules

HDFC Bank has revised the rules for complimentary airport lounge access on its debit cards, moving to a voucher-based system and raising the minimum spending requirement. The changes will come into effect from January 10.

Until now, eligible debit cardholders could enter airport lounges by swiping their physical card. Under the new system, lounge access will be granted only through digital vouchers, issued to customers who meet the spending criteria.

Once eligibility is confirmed, the bank will send an SMS or email with a link to claim the voucher. Customers will need to complete OTP verification using their registered mobile number. After successful verification, a voucher code or QR code will be issued, which must be shown at the lounge for entry.