The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Commercial Banks – Responsible Business Conduct (Amendment) Directions, 2025 to strengthen basic banking services and promote financial inclusion for customers of commercial banks. These amendments update the framework for Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts, ensuring affordable and customer-friendly facilities. The revised directions require banks to offer BSBD accounts with core free services such as unlimited deposits, ATM/debit cards without annual fees, internet and mobile banking, a minimum 25-leaf cheque book, and periodic account statements at no cost. Banks must provide at least four free withdrawals per month, with digital payments excluded from withdrawal counts. Existing BSBD account holders can request newly introduced free features, and customers may convert regular savings accounts to BSBD accounts within seven days of request. The amendments, effective April 1, 2026 or upon earlier adoption, aim to deepen financial inclusion and improve access to essential banking services for all.


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