In a major relief for savings account holders, four major government banks have scrapped the penalty charges for not maintaining minimum balance. This decision marks a positive shift in India’s banking sector, especially for account holders who often struggle to meet the average monthly balance requirements.

💼 What Is the Minimum Balance Rule?
Most banks in India require customers to maintain a minimum average monthly balance (AMB) in their savings accounts. Failure to do so generally results in penalty charges, which vary depending on the bank and the type of savings account.

However, over the years, banks have reportedly collected crores of rupees in penalties from customers for not maintaining this balance. This has been a subject of public criticism, prompting some banks to revise their policies in the interest of customer welfare.
🏦 These 4 Government Banks Have Waived the Penalty
The following public sector banks have now completely removed the penalty for non-maintenance of minimum balance in savings accounts:
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State Bank of India (SBI)
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Punjab National Bank (PNB)
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Canara Bank
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Indian Bank
This means account holders in these banks no longer need to worry about maintaining a specific balance to avoid fines. Whether your account balance drops below the earlier required threshold or remains zero for a few months, you won’t be penalized.
🎉 Why This Is Good News for Customers
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No penalty deductions if your account has low or zero balance.
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Greater financial flexibility for students, pensioners, and low-income account holders.
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Encourages more people to open and maintain bank accounts, supporting financial inclusion.
🔍 What You Should Do
If you hold a savings account in any of these banks, check with your local branch or the official website to:
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Confirm the updated terms for your account type.
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Learn about any other applicable charges (like SMS alerts, debit card fees, etc.).
This change ensures that customers are not unfairly penalized during times of financial stress or inactivity, making banking more customer-friendly and inclusive.
Author Profile

- My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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