State Bank of India (SBI) customers have received some relief ahead of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to September 30,
2026. The country's largest lender has announced a waiver of ATM transaction charges during the strike period, according to a post shared by the bank on X. SBI has also said that its branches will remain operational during the proposed strike. The development comes amid uncertainty over banking operations as employee unions have maintained that they intend to proceed with the three-day strike. There is also a separate dispute over Sunday, September 27, which the government has directed Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to observe as a working day. SBI has announced that customers using ATMs during the three-day strike period will not have to pay the ATM transaction charges covered under the bank's waiver. The waiver will apply from September 28 through September 30, providing customers with an additional option for accessing cash while the proposed strike is underway. However, customers should check the specific terms communicated by their respective banks, as the availability and applicability of individual services may vary depending on operational arrangements. The announcement is particularly relevant for customers who may need cash or other ATM facilities while bank employees participate in the proposed strike. SBI Branches To Remain Open, Digital Banking Available Despite the proposed strike, SBI has reiterated that its branches will continue to remain open. The bank has also urged customers to make use of alternative banking channels for routine transactions and services. "Banking doesn’t stop. Your needs don’t have to wait. Even during the proposed strike period, SBI continues to keep essential banking services accessible through ATMs, YONO, Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, WhatsApp Banking and 24×7 Contact Centre services. For Seamless banking. Hassle-free access. Whenever you need it. Please call: 1800 1234 | 1800 2100," the post states.
Banking doesn’t stop. Your needs don’t have to wait.
Even during the proposed strike period, SBI continues to keep essential banking services accessible through ATMs, YONO, Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, WhatsApp Banking and 24×7 Contact Centre services.
For Seamless… pic.twitter.com/P1FTsjtSws— State Bank of India (@TheOfficialSBI) September 24, 2026
Customers can therefore continue to access several services without necessarily visiting a physical branch. ATM facilities, mobile banking, internet banking and WhatsApp banking will remain available, while payment and fund-transfer options such as UPI, IMPS, NEFT and RTGS can also be used for eligible transactions.
SBI has advised customers to complete any important branch-dependent work ahead of the proposed strike and rely on digital and self-service channels wherever possible.
Why September 27 Has Become A Point Of Dispute
The banking situation has also become complicated by the government's direction to PSBs and RRBs to keep their branches open on Sunday, September 27.
Several employee organisations have objected to the move and have sought a withdrawal of the decision. Representatives of NOBW, NOBO, AIGBWO and AIGBOO, along with Girish Chandra Arya, financial sector in-charge at BMS, met the secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to raise the issue.
According to the information shared by the employee organisation, the representatives sought either cancellation of the Sunday working-day directive or compensatory leave and double pay for employees who report for duty.
The representatives said the DFS secretary responded positively and assured them of a favourable resolution.
