SBI ATM Charges Hike: New Rules for Salary Accounts and Cash Withdrawals Effective December 1
SBI ATM Charges: A significant update has emerged for millions of customers of the country’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI). If you frequently rely on ATMs for cash withdrawals, this new rule might impact your monthly budget. The bank has hiked transaction charges specifically for using non-SBI ATMs. These changes have already come into effect starting December 1, 2025.
Major Blow to Salary Account Holders
The most drastic change in this revision affects customers with Salary Packages. Previously, salary account holders enjoyed the privilege of unlimited free transactions at any bank’s ATM. This meant they could withdraw cash or check balances without worrying about transaction counts.
However, from December 1, 2025, this unlimited benefit has been discontinued. Salary account holders are now capped at 10 free transactions per month at non-SBI ATMs (including both financial and non-financial usage). Once this limit of 10 is exhausted, the new increased charges will apply. This move is expected to affect millions of employees who frequently used ATMs of other banks for convenience.
Revised ATM Charges: A Breakdown
SBI has stated that the revision in service charges was necessitated by the increase in interchange fees—the amount banks pay to each other for the use of ATM networks. The charges apply once the free limit is crossed.
Here is a detailed look at the new fee structure:
| Transaction Type | Old Rate (excl. GST) | New Rate (excl. GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Withdrawal (Non-SBI ATM) | ₹21 | ₹23 |
| Non-Financial (e.g., Balance Check) | ₹10 | ₹11 |
Note: The applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be charged over and above these rates.
Impact on Regular Savings Accounts
For regular savings bank account holders, the number of free transactions remains unchanged. You will still get 5 free transactions per month at non-SBI ATMs, regardless of whether you are in a metro or non-metro city.
However, the cost of exceeding this limit has increased. If you cross the 5 free transactions, you will now pay ₹23 + GST instead of the earlier ₹21 + GST for cash withdrawals. Similarly, checking your balance or getting a mini statement at a non-SBI ATM will now cost ₹11 + GST.
Exemptions: Who Remains Unaffected?
Not everyone will feel the pinch of this hike. SBI has kept certain categories and transaction types exempt from these revisions:
- SBI ATMs: Transactions made using an SBI debit card at SBI’s own ATMs remain completely free.
- BSBD Accounts: Basic Savings Bank Deposit account holders will continue to operate under existing rules without the hike.
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Farmers holding KCC accounts are exempt from the revised fees.
- Cardless Cash: Digital withdrawals using facilities like YONO Cash at SBI ATMs remain unlimited and free.
Tips to Save on Banking Charges
With the cost of banking going up, experts suggest adapting to digital methods to save money:
- Prioritize SBI ATMs: Leverage SBI’s massive network of over 63,000 ATMs to avoid interchange charges entirely.
- Go Digital for Balance Checks: Do not use ATMs for non-financial queries like balance inquiries. Use the YONO app, Net Banking, or UPI apps to check your balance for free.
- Plan Withdrawals: Salary account holders should plan their cash needs to stay within the new 10-transaction limit at other banks.
This revision marks the first major hike since February 2025 and is likely to impact customers in smaller towns where finding a specific bank’s ATM can be challenging. Customers are advised to be mindful of their transaction limits to avoid unexpected deductions.
