
Reserve Bank of India (Urban Co-operative Banks – Responsible Business Conduct) Amendment Directions, 2025
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Urban Co-operative Banks – Responsible Business Conduct (Amendment) Directions, 2025 to enhance customer-centric practices and strengthen basic banking services for underserved segments. The amendment revises existing responsible conduct norms for urban co-operative banks (UCBs), especially relating to Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts. These accounts must now offer a suite of basic facilities free of charge, including cash deposits, electronic receipts, unlimited deposits, ATM/debit cards without annual fees, minimum cheque leaves, internet and mobile banking, and periodic statements. Importantly, digital payments except ATM withdrawals won’t count against free transaction limits. UCBs must extend these benefits to existing BSBD account holders upon request and publicise account features clearly to customers. The amendment, effective April 1, 2026 (or earlier on adoption), aims to boost financial inclusion, transparency, and customer convenience in the urban co-operative banking sector.