Archive · 26 Sep 2026
SBI Waives ATM Fees as Bank Strike Threatens Disruptions
Bank employees in India have planned a three-day strike from September 28 to 30, 2026.
The State Bank of India says customers will still be able to use banking services.
It will not charge fees for ATM transactions during those three days.
This waiver applies even when customers use another bank’s ATM.
SBI branches will also open on Sunday, September 27.
Digital services such as UPI, IMPS, RTGS, and NEFT are expected to keep working.
Other public-sector banks and Regional Rural Banks will also operate on Sunday.
The government hopes these steps will prevent major problems for people who need banking services.
SBI will waive charges for ATM transactions from September 28 to 30, 2026.
Customers can use any bank’s ATM without paying transaction fees during the strike period.
SBI branches will remain open on Sunday, September 27, while UPI, IMPS, RTGS, and NEFT services continue.
Public-sector banks and Regional Rural Banks have been directed to operate normally on Sunday.
The United Forum of Bank Unions has called a nationwide strike, while the government and bank managements have appealed for it to be deferred.
- Who
- The State Bank of India, the Ministry of Finance, public-sector banks, Regional Rural Banks, and the United Forum of Bank Unions are involved.
- What
- SBI will waive ATM transaction charges and keep key banking services operating during the proposed nationwide bank strike.
- When
- The strike is scheduled for September 28–30, 2026; Sunday banking operations are planned for September 27.
- Where
- Across India, including SBI branches and ATMs.
- Why
- To maintain access to essential banking services and reduce disruption caused by the strike and surrounding weekend holidays.
Government and Bank Managements
Bank Unions
Whether the strike should proceed
Government and Bank Managements
The government and bank managements have appealed to the unions to defer the proposed strike and have arranged Sunday operations to protect customer access.
Bank Unions
The United Forum of Bank Unions has called a nationwide three-day strike from September 28 to 30, 2026; the article does not state the unions’ reasons or demands.
- ATM fee waiver
- All ATM transactions will be free from September 28 to 30, 2026.
- ATM coverage
- Customers will not be charged for transactions at any bank’s ATM.
- Sunday operations
- SBI branches and public-sector banks are scheduled to remain open on September 27.
- Digital services
- UPI, IMPS, RTGS, and NEFT will continue operating as usual.
- Strike dates
- The proposed nationwide bank strike is scheduled for September 28–30, 2026.
- Additional institutions
- Regional Rural Banks will also function normally on Sunday.
- Government response
- The government and bank managements have appealed to unions to defer the strike.