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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Payments Banks – Responsible Business Conduct (Amendment) Directions, 2025 to enhance basic banking services and promote financial inclusion. The amendments revise the existing responsible conduct framework for Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts offered by payments banks (PBs).

Under the updated directions, PBs must provide BSBD accounts with core free facilities, including unlimited deposits, electronic receipts, ATM/debit cards without annual fees, a minimum 25‑leaf cheque book, internet and mobile banking, and monthly account statements at no cost. At least four free withdrawals per month—including transfers and ATM transactions—are required, and digital payment transactions are excluded from withdrawal counts. PBs must offer these facilities upon customer request and allow conversion of existing savings accounts to BSBD accounts within seven days.

Effective April 1, 2026 (or earlier on adoption), the changes aim to make basic banking more affordable and accessible.