Planning an ATM Visit? Know the Withdrawal Charges at Major Banks

Starting May 1, 2025, using ATMs in India will cost a bit more if you exceed your monthly free transaction limit. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed banks to increase the maximum charge for ATM transactions beyond the free quota to ₹23 per transaction. This change affects all customers across the country, whether you bank with a large private bank, a public sector bank, or even a cooperative or regional rural bank.

What Are the Free ATM Transaction Limits?

Here’s how the free transaction limits work:

• At your own bank’s ATMs: You get five free transactions every month.
  
• At other banks’ ATMs in metro cities: You get three free transactions every month.
  
• At other banks’ ATMs in non-metro cities: You get five free transactions every month.
  

This applies to both cash withdrawals and non-financial transactions like balance inquiries or mini-statements. Once you use up your free quota, each additional transaction will now cost up to ₹23—up from the earlier charge of ₹21.

Which Banks Are Included?

These rules apply to all commercial banks—big national banks, regional rural banks (RRBs), cooperative banks, authorized ATM network operators, card payment network operators, and even white-label ATM operators. So, no matter where you bank, the new limits and charges will affect you.

What Are the Charges at Major Banks?

Let’s take a quick look at how some of the top banks are implementing these new rules:

• Punjab National Bank (PNB):
  
  • At PNB ATMs: ₹10 plus taxes after free transactions.
    
  • At other bank ATMs: ₹23 plus taxes in metro cities, ₹11 plus taxes for non-financial transactions.
    
  • Note: PNB’s new charges for other bank ATMs start from May 9, 2025.
    
• HDFC Bank:
  
  • At HDFC Bank ATMs: Only cash withdrawals beyond the free limit are charged at ₹23 plus taxes. Non-financial transactions remain free.
    
  • At other bank ATMs: Both financial and non-financial transactions are charged after the free limit.
    
• IndusInd Bank:
  
  • At non-IndusInd Bank ATMs: ₹23 per cash withdrawal after the free limit.
    
• Yes Bank:
  
  • After the first five free transactions, ₹23 is charged for each additional transaction at Yes Bank ATMs.
    
  • Non-financial transactions at own ATMs are charged at ₹10 each.
    
• State Bank of India (SBI):
  
  • At SBI ATMs: ₹15 plus GST per transaction after the free limit.
    
  • At other bank ATMs: ₹21 plus GST per transaction after the free limit.
    
  • Customers with higher account balances enjoy more free transactions.
    
• ICICI Bank:
  
  • After five free transactions, financial transactions are charged at ₹21, and non-financial transactions at ₹8.50 plus GST—though new rates may be announced soon.
    

Why Are Charges Increasing?

Banks are facing higher costs to maintain and upgrade their ATM networks. The RBI’s decision to allow higher charges is meant to help banks cover these rising expenses and keep ATMs running smoothly for everyone.

Tips to Avoid Extra Charges

• Plan your ATM visits: Try to combine your withdrawals and avoid making too many small transactions.
  
• Use digital payments: For small purchases, consider using UPI, mobile wallets, or cards to reduce your need for cash.
  
• Check your bank’s website: Always confirm the latest charges and free transaction limits, as some banks may have special offers or exemptions.