Archive · 18 Jun 2025
RBI Mandate: ATMs to Dispense More 100 and 200 Notes
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) wants ATMs to give out more Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes.
By September 2025, 75% of ATMs must offer these notes.
Banks are worried because they might not have enough of these smaller bills to fill the machines.
Filling ATMs with smaller notes means they run out faster and need to be refilled more often, costing the banks more money.
The RBI's goal is to make it easier for people to get the notes they need.
Right now, ATMs often have mostly Rs 500 notes, which can be less convenient for users.
RBI mandated 75% of ATMs to dispense Rs 100 or Rs 200 notes by September 30, 2025.
Banks and ATM operators express concerns about meeting the deadline due to supply constraints.
The move aims to improve customer access to lower denomination notes.
ATM operators may face increased operational pressure and higher costs from more frequent replenishment.
Share of Rs 500 notes in circulation increased from 25.4% in March 2020 to 40.9% in March 2025.
- Who
- RBI, banks, and white label ATM operators.
- What
- RBI mandated ATMs to dispense Rs 100/200 notes more frequently.
- When
- By September 30, 2025, with a further increase by March 31, 2026.
- Where
- Across India.
- Why
- To improve customer access to lower denomination notes.
Banks and ATM Operators
RBI and Consumers
Availability of Notes
Banks and ATM Operators
Concerned about supply constraints.
RBI and Consumers
RBI's goal to improve customer convenience.
Cost of implementation
Banks and ATM Operators
Increased operational costs from more frequent replenishment.
RBI and Consumers
Improved access to lower denomination notes for public
- RBI Mandate
- 75% ATMs to dispense Rs 100/200 notes by Sept 30, 2025
- Deadline 2
- 90% ATMs to dispense Rs 100/200 notes by March 31, 2026
- Rs 500 Note Share (March 2020)
- 25.4%
- Rs 500 Note Share (March 2025)
- 40.9%
- Rs 100 Note Share (March 2020)
- 17.2%
- Total ATMs (March 31, 2025)
- 255,885
- White Label ATMs
- ~36,000