Is it easier to keep money in the account now? RBI’s new rules on bank minimum balance and penalty, know what will be the effect on your pocket:

New Delhi. For crores of customers having savings accounts in banks. Minimum Balance Rules 2026 It has become a topic of discussion these days. Often people are worried about the fact that money is being deducted from their account in the name of not having ‘minimum balance’. Amidst the news going on on social media, it is important to understand what the latest guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) say and what is the right way to avoid penalty.

Understand in the reporter style of Amar Ujala, what impact these technical rules of banking will have on your everyday life.

What is the mathematics of minimum balance? Different rules for city and village

Minimum balance is the minimum amount that you have to maintain in your bank account at all times. If you do not do this, the bank imposes a penalty on you.

Metro and urban areas: Here it is often mandatory to maintain a balance of ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.

countryside: Here the limit is lower, usually between ₹500 to ₹2,000.

shift: The new trends of 2026 show that many banks are now relaxing the calculation of ‘Average Monthly Balance’ (AMB) to provide relief to the customers.

Strict instructions from RBI: Control on penalty!

Although banks decide their own rules, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given some strict guidelines for transparency:

Mandatory to inform: If your balance falls below the prescribed limit, the bank will immediately inform you through SMS or email.

Opportunity for improvement: Before deducting the penalty, the bank will have to give a certain time to the customer so that he can deposit money in the account.

No negative balance: Banks cannot take your account ‘negative’ (below zero) in the name of penalty.

Zero balance account: the best way to avoid penalties

If you can’t keep a certain amount of money in the account every month, you have BSBDA (Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account) The option is:

Zero Balance: There is no penalty even if there is ₹0 in this account.

Features: In this you get basic facilities like Rupay debit card, free deposits and withdrawals.

Objective: Its main objective is to connect every section of the society with the banking system.

Important tips for account holders: Save your money like this

Understand Average Balance: Most banks look at the average monthly balance instead of the daily balance.

Keep alerts on: Keep your mobile number linked with the bank so that you can immediately know if the balance decreases.

Account Upgrade/Downgrade: If your income is low, then visit your home branch and apply for conversion of regular account to ‘Basic Account’.