Bank Strike: Public sector banks have announced a three-day nationwide strike scheduled for September 28-30, 2026. To make sure customers don’t face difficulties accessing cash and banking services during this strike—which is being held to advocate for demands like 5-day banking and the Old Pension System (OPS)—major public sector banks have made an important decision.
Leading public sector banks such as State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda (BOB), Union Bank of India, and Indian Bank have eliminated all ATM transaction fees from September 28-30, even once your free monthly limit runs out.
How will the ATM charge waiver benefit you?
During September 28-30, you’ll be able to withdraw cash as frequently as you need from any bank ATM throughout the country without paying any extra charges or fees.
Normally, RBI guidelines allow you five free ATM transactions monthly at your own bank, three at other banks’ ATMs in metro areas, and five in non-metro areas. During these three strike days, no charges will apply even after you’ve used up these free transactions.
Bank of Baroda shared on ‘X’: “Your satisfaction matters to us. We’re waiving ATM transaction charges for all customers at any bank ATM across India from September 28-30, 2026.”
Banks will open on Sunday, September 27
To address the overlap between the strike and the regular weekend closure, the government and banks have implemented an important solution:
Banking services on September 27 (Sunday): Following government instructions, public sector banks will operate their branches on Sunday, September 27, right before the strike begins on September 28. This gives customers the chance to handle their essential banking needs beforehand.
Online services stay active: SBI and Bank of India have encouraged customers to use ATMs and ADWMs for cash needs and digital platforms including YONO, internet banking, mobile banking, and UPI for non-cash transactions while the strike is happening.