In a move to enhance customer convenience and transparency in banking services, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a new set of rules for ATM operations in 2025. One of the most impactful changes is the mandate of 11 essential ATM services that must now be offered free of charge across all banks in India. These services are designed to make everyday banking more accessible while ensuring customers are not burdened with hidden fees for basic transactions.
The new framework applies uniformly to all scheduled commercial banks, regional rural banks, and cooperative banks. It aims to bring uniformity across the banking system, especially benefiting rural and low-income customers who often rely heavily on ATMs for day-to-day financial needs.
The 11 Free ATM Services Announced by RBI
The RBI’s directive includes services that were previously charged by several banks, thereby significantly increasing the value of ATM access for customers. From balance inquiries to mini statements and PIN changes, these now come at zero cost, even if the transaction is carried out at another bank’s ATM.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 11 free ATM services every customer can now avail:
| Free ATM Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Cash Withdrawal | First 5 transactions free at own bank ATMs per month (metro areas) |
| Balance Inquiry | Checking account balance without any fee |
| Mini Statement | Getting a brief history of recent transactions |
| PIN Change | Option to change ATM or debit card PIN at no cost |
| Fund Transfer (Linked Accounts) | Internal account transfers using the ATM |
| Cheque Book Request | Placing a cheque book request through an ATM |
| Mobile Number Update | Updating your registered mobile number via ATM |
| Aadhaar Linking | Linking Aadhaar to bank account via ATM |
| Card Blocking Request | Blocking your lost or stolen card immediately via ATM |
| Deposit Account Statement Request | Requesting printed account statements at the machine |
| UPI ID Registration and Support (Select ATMs) | Managing UPI ID and linking with bank accounts |
These services are now mandated to be free regardless of whether they are used on the customer’s home bank ATM or another bank’s ATM, although the number of allowable transactions per month may still be capped in urban regions.
Why These Rules Are a Game-Changer
The new RBI policy is expected to particularly help customers in rural and semi-urban areas where branch access is limited and digital literacy remains low. Many users rely on ATMs not only for cash but also for managing everyday banking needs. Making these services free improves financial inclusion, reduces dependency on physical bank branches, and promotes digital banking habits among the masses.
Additionally, these rules eliminate the confusion surrounding extra charges for non-financial ATM services. Until now, customers were often unaware that even checking a balance on an out-of-network ATM could trigger a fee. With this standardization, the RBI ensures greater clarity and fairness.
Implementation Timeline and Compliance
Banks have been instructed to implement these changes in full by 1 August 2025. RBI has also warned that non-compliance may attract financial penalties. Customers are advised to monitor bank communications via SMS or email and update their ATM usage habits accordingly.
Banking Ombudsman offices will accept complaints if any bank continues to charge for these services after the deadline. This move also supports RBI’s broader agenda of customer-centric banking reforms and technological modernization across the sector.