If you’re an SBI (State Bank of India) customer, 2025 has brought some important updates that you cannot afford to ignore. The country’s largest public sector bank has rolled out new rules and stricter guidelines to make banking safer, transparent, and fraud-proof.
These rules directly affect every account holder. So, if you don’t follow them, you may face penalties or limited banking services. Let’s break down what exactly has changed and how it impacts you.
What Are the New SBI Bank Rules in 2025?
From April 1, 2025, SBI introduced several key changes. The aim is simple: protect customers, strengthen digital transactions, and make banking more accountable.
- Revised Minimum Balance: Different requirements for urban, semi-urban, and rural customers.
- Positive Pay System Mandatory: For cheques above ₹5,000, prior confirmation is required.
- Digital Verification Tightened: Biometric verification and two-factor authentication made compulsory for online banking.
- Interest Rate Linked to Balance: Savings and fixed deposit interest will now depend on the balance maintained.
- Strict Penalties: Not maintaining minimum balance or ignoring rules can lead to penalties or restricted services.
Positive Pay System – Now Compulsory
If you issue a cheque above ₹5,000, you’ll need to pre-confirm details such as cheque number, date, beneficiary name, and amount via SMS, NetBanking, or your nearest branch.
If you skip this step, the cheque will not clear. In fact, it could bounce, and you may have to pay a penalty. This move is aimed at reducing cheque fraud and ensuring secure transactions for pensioners, businesses, and individuals alike.
SBI has set different minimum balance requirements:
- Urban accounts: Highest balance requirement.
- Semi-urban accounts: Slightly lower requirement.
- Rural accounts: Lowest requirement, more flexibility.
If you fail to maintain the required balance, the bank will deduct a penalty. This step is meant to encourage customers to keep accounts active and well-funded.
Digital Banking Verification
With rising online frauds, SBI has tightened digital banking rules.
From 2025 onwards, every online transaction will need:
- OTP verification and
- Biometric authentication
This means safer NetBanking, UPI, and mobile banking transactions. The new system ensures unauthorized transactions are blocked, giving customers greater peace of mind.
Interest Rates and Service Updates
Interest rates on savings accounts and fixed deposits will now depend on the balance you maintain. Larger balances will earn higher interest, while lower balances will earn less.
- Other updates include:
- Clear and transparent service charges.
- Dedicated support for pensioners and senior citizens.
- AI-powered customer service and updated digital helpdesks.
Mandatory document updates for continued services.