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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Small Finance Banks – Responsible Business Conduct (Amendment) Directions, 2025 to strengthen financial inclusion and enhance customer‑friendly banking practices. The amendments update the framework for Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts, ensuring affordable and accessible services for all account holders.

Under the revised norms, small finance banks (SFBs) must provide BSBD accounts with free core facilities, including unlimited deposits, ATM/debit cards without annual fees, a minimum 25‑leaf cheque book, internet and mobile banking, and periodic account statements at no cost. Customers are allowed at least four free withdrawals per month, with digital payments excluded from withdrawal counts. Existing BSBD account holders can opt for the updated free facilities, and banks must allow conversion of regular savings accounts into BSBD accounts upon request.

The directions will come into effect on April 1, 2026, or earlier if adopted, promoting transparency, affordability, and wider access to basic banking services.