HDFC Bank Increases Minimum Balance to ₹25,000 for New Accounts from August 1

After ICICI Bank, now the country’s largest private bank, HDFC Bank, has also given a big shock to its customers. The bank has increased the minimum average monthly balance (MAB) limit for its new savings accounts. From August 1, 2025, it will now be mandatory for new accounts opened in metro and urban branches to maintain an average balance of ₹ 25,000 every month, which was earlier ₹ 10,000. However, the bank has clarified that this rule will apply only to new accounts, while the old rules will remain applicable to old customers.

On which accounts will these changes apply

HDFC Bank has made it clear that these changes will apply only to new accounts opened in metro and urban branches. This limit will remain ₹ 5,000 in semi-urban branches and ₹ 2,500 (quarterly average) in rural branches, in which no changes have been made. The new rules will apply to new accounts opened after August 1, 2025. The old rules will continue to apply to old account holders until the bank gives any new information.

What will be the penalty for not maintaining MAB

If customers keep less balance than the prescribed limit in new accounts, the bank will impose a penalty on them. This penalty can be up to 6% or a maximum of ₹ 600, depending on the shortfall. The bank has described this change as necessary to maintain the cost of maintaining accounts and the quality of service. According to the new rules, a balance of ₹ 25,000 will have to be maintained continuously in the accounts. Before this change, HDFC Bank’s MAB rules were as follows:

For urban branches: – ₹ 10,000

For semi-urban branches: – ₹ 5,000 (monthly average)

For rural branches: – ₹ 2,500 (quarterly average)

It is important to note that no change has been made in the limits for semi-urban and rural areas.

Special rules for classic account holders

HDFC Bank has different balance requirements for its ‘Classic’ customers. To fall into this category, you must fulfill at least one of these conditions. Maintain an average monthly balance of ₹1 lakh in a savings account or an average quarterly balance of ₹2 lakh in a current account. For salaried customers, HDFC Bank’s Corporate Salary Account must have a monthly net salary balance of ₹1 lakh or more.

This change will affect those who are planning to open a new savings account with HDFC Bank after August 1, 2025, especially in metro and urban areas.