The Big Change for Salary Accounts
Starting from October 1, 2026, SBI has revised the rules for its Salary Package Account holders. The most significant change affects transactions at other banks' ATMs. Previously, these customers enjoyed 10 free transactions per month at non-SBI ATMs. This
limit has now been reduced to five. This new five-transaction cap applies nationwide, with the old distinction between metro and non-metro centres being removed for these accounts. It's crucial to note that this limit includes both financial (cash withdrawal) and non-financial (balance enquiry, mini statement) transactions.
What About Regular Savings Accounts?
For customers with regular savings accounts (not part of a salary package), the rules for free transactions remain largely unchanged. These account holders generally receive five free transactions per month at all centres. This limit covers transactions at both SBI and other bank ATMs combined. Once this limit is exhausted, charges will apply. Some specific SBI savings accounts, such as those for family pension accounts, may continue to offer unlimited free transactions at SBI ATMs as per their terms. The key is to check the specific benefits tied to your account variant.
Rules for Basic Savings Accounts (BSBDA)
SBI has also clarified the rules for its Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts, which are designed for financial inclusion and do not require a minimum balance. For these accounts, customers are entitled to four free cash withdrawals per month. This is a combined limit that includes withdrawals from ATMs (both SBI and other banks), branch cash withdrawals, and Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) transactions. Previously, AePS transactions were not always counted in this limit, but the new rules explicitly include them. After the four free withdrawals, a charge of ₹15 plus GST applies to each subsequent cash withdrawal.
Understanding the Charges Beyond Free Limits
Exceeding your free transaction limit will result in specific charges. For both salary and regular savings account holders, a cash withdrawal at another bank's ATM beyond the free limit will cost ₹23 plus GST. A non-financial transaction, like a balance check or getting a mini statement at another bank's ATM, will cost ₹11 plus GST after the free limit is used up. For BSBDA customers, any cash withdrawal beyond the fourth free transaction costs ₹15 plus GST, regardless of the channel used. It is also important to remember that a transaction declined due to insufficient balance can also attract a charge, typically around ₹20 plus GST.
How to Avoid or Minimise ATM Charges
Being strategic can help you avoid these extra costs. First, identify your account type—whether it's a Salary Package, regular savings, or a BSBDA—to know your exact limits. Plan your cash needs and try to make fewer, larger withdrawals instead of multiple small ones. Whenever possible, use SBI's own ATM network, as the number of free transactions is often higher. For salary account holders, transactions at SBI ATMs remain more generous, with some accounts offering unlimited free usage. Finally, embrace digital transactions. Payments via UPI, NEFT, RTGS, and debit card swipes at stores do not count towards your ATM withdrawal limits and remain free for most users.
