RBI Sets New Minimum Balance Rules for Bank Accounts, Effective January 15, 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced new minimum balance requirements for bank accounts, effective January 15, 2026. Savings account holders must now maintain ₹5,000 in metro cities, ₹3,000 in semi-urban areas, and ₹1,000 in rural regions, while current accounts face higher standardized thresholds. The move aims to bring uniformity across banks, reduce hidden penalty charges, and improve transparency in how account maintenance fees are applied.

This change will particularly affect urban customers who face a steep increase, while rural thresholds remain modest. Special zero-balance accounts like Jan Dhan Yojana remain exempt.

Effective Date: January 15, 2026
Savings accounts now require different minimum balances depending on region.

Key Highlights

• Savings Accounts: ₹5,000 (Metro), ₹3,000 (Semi-urban), ₹1,000 (Rural)
• Current Accounts: Higher standardized thresholds
• Objective: Standardize norms, reduce hidden charges, ensure transparency

Comparison Table

Account Type	Old Rules (varied by bank)	New Rules (RBI standard, Jan 2026)
Savings – Metro	₹2,000–₹3,000	₹5,000
Savings – Semi-urban	₹1,000–₹2,000	₹3,000
Savings – Rural	₹500–₹1,000	₹1,000
Current Accounts	₹5,000–₹10,000	Higher, standardized by RBI

Implications for Account Holders

• Uniform penalties for falling below minimum balance
• Digital banking users must adjust to higher thresholds
• Rural customers face modest increases; metro customers see larger jumps
• Transparency in communication of charges

Actionable Steps

• Check your bank’s notifications for updated guidelines
• Adjust monthly budgets to maintain required balances
• Explore zero-balance accounts (Jan Dhan, special schemes remain exempt)
• Set SMS/email alerts for low balances