The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implemented a series of significant banking rule reforms throughout 2025. These regulatory updates affected various aspects of the financial system including digital payments, cooperative banks, NBFCs, priority sector loans, and handling of inactive bank accounts. Here is the summary of Major RBI Regulatory Changes in 2025.
Revised Rules For Bank Savings Account
- From September 2025, all banks will calculate interest based on the amount of money in your account at the end of each day. This will help families earn fair interest on their savings.
- Banks can no longer levy hidden charges on digital transactions. Any service fee or penalty must be pre-disclosed to customers.
- All banks will now charge the same penalty — not different amounts for not maintaining minimum balance.
- Account declared inactive dormant only after 24 months of no activity.
- First statement/passbook free every quarter.
RBI revised locker rules summary
- Revised Agreements:
Banks must provide customers with a copy of a revised locker agreement, which defines the relationship as that of a lessor and lessee. - Biometric Access:
Biometric verification systems, such as fingerprint or iris scanners, are required in locker rooms to prevent unauthorized access. - Continuous Surveillance:
Security cameras must continuously record footage of the locker rooms, which must be stored for at least 180 days. - SMS/Email Alerts:
Customers receive SMS or email alerts every time their locker is accessed, improving traceability. - Prohibited Items:
Storing cash, firearms, explosives, drugs, or any other hazardous materials is strictly prohibited. - Bank Liability:
In case of robbery due to bank negligence, the bank is liable to pay an amount equivalent to one hundred times the annual locker rent.Key Changes in the New RBI Gold Loan Framework (Effective April 1, 2026)
- Tiered LTV (loan to value) Caps:
Up to ₹2.5 lakh: 85%
₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh: 80%
Over ₹5 lakh: 75%
Example: For a gold value of ₹1 lakh, the loan amount can now be up to ₹85,000. - Credit Assessment Exemption:
Loans up to ₹2.5 lakh are exempt from detailed income or credit assessments by lenders. - Pledged Gold/Silver Return:
Lenders must return pledged gold or silver on the same day the loan is closed, or within seven working days if there’s a delay. - Compensation for Delays:
If gold or silver is returned late, lenders must pay customers ₹5,000 per day in compensation. - Discontinuation of Loan Renewals:
The practice of renewing loans by paying only the interest is no longer permitted. Borrowers must make a full principal and interest repayment. - Bullet Loan Tenure:
Bullet repayment loans (where both principal and interest are paid at once) must be repaid within a 12-month period. - Stricter Audits:
Multiple gold loans to a single borrower will be subject to stricter audits.
RBI revises cheque payment rules
RBI is changing cheque payment rules by shifting from batch-based processing to a continuous, real-time clearance system, with the first phase beginning October 4, 2025, and Phase 2 in 2026. This new framework will significantly reduce the cheque clearing cycle from the current T+1 (up to two working days) to a few hours, even allowing for same-day fund availability and continuous, 24/7 settlement.
RBI revises ATM rules: Effective Date: May 1, 2025
- Previous Charge: ₹21 per transaction beyond free limits
New Charge: ₹23 per transaction beyond free limits. - Free Transactions at Own Bank ATMs: 5 per month, including financial and non-financial transactions.
- Free Transactions at Other Bank ATMs: 3 per month in metro centres and 5 per month in non-metro centres. It is applicable to all savings account holders across commercial banks, cooperative banks, regional rural banks, authorised ATM operators, and white-label ATM operators.
- Non-Financial Transactions: Activities such as balance enquiries, PIN changes, and mini-statements are counted within the free transaction limit.
RBI revises Minor savings account rules w.e.f. Apr 21, 2025
- Banks can continue to open accounts for minors of any age through a parent or guardian.
- When a minor turns 18, banks must get new signatures and instructions from them.
- With permission from banks, minors can also be given access to ATM/debit cards, internet banking, and cheque books.
- Minor accounts must always remain in credit. Banks are not allowed to let these accounts go into overdraft, whether operated by the child or a guardian.
Banks must follow full KYC (Know Your Customer) rules when opening minor accounts
Key Changes in Cheque Bounce Rules (2025-2026)
- Faster Notification:
Banks must inform customers of a cheque bounce via SMS and email within 24 hours of the event. - Account Freezes
Banks can now temporarily freeze cheque operations on an account after three consecutive bounced cheques. - Centralized Tracking
A centralized digital database is being implemented for real-time reporting and tracking of dishonored cheques, especially those above a certain value, to monitor defaulters and enable faster action.