SBI ATM Charges: SBI Waives ATM Charges During Three Day Bank Strike

SBI ATM Charges: State Bank of India (SBI) has announced a temporary waiver of ATM transaction charges for customers during the proposed three day bank strike. The relief will be available from September 28 to September 30, 2026.

The decision comes as bank unions have called for a nationwide strike over various demands, including the long pending five day work week. Branch based banking services could be affected during the strike period, making digital channels and ATMs important alternatives for customers.

Under the temporary arrangement, SBI customers will not have to pay the usual charges for ATM transactions during the three day period, including when they use ATMs operated by other banks. Normally, charges can apply once the permitted number of free monthly transactions has been exceeded. SBI’s existing schedule lists charges for transactions beyond the applicable free limit.

The waiver is intended to make cash access easier while bank employees remain away from branch duties. SBI has also advised customers to make use of mobile banking, internet banking, WhatsApp banking and UPI for routine transactions.

The proposed strike follows a wider demand from bank employee unions for a five day banking week. The United Forum of Bank Unions has maintained its strike call for September 28 to 30, while the government has appealed to unions to reconsider the action and continue discussions.

For customers, the ATM charge waiver provides an additional option during the strike period. However, branch dependent services may still face disruption, so customers with urgent banking work may want to complete it before the strike dates.