State Bank of India (SBI) has announced a major relief for customers ahead of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30, 2026. The country’s largest lender said it will waive ATM transaction charges during the strike period to ensure customers can continue accessing banking services without additional costs.
SBI said the move aims to prevent disruptions and make essential banking transactions easier for customers while bank employees remain on strike.
SBI ATM Transactions to Remain Free During Bank Strike
In a post on X, SBI confirmed that customers will continue to have access to banking services during the proposed strike. The bank said it has taken several steps to maintain smooth banking operations and support customers during the three-day period.
As part of these measures, SBI will waive ATM charges from September 28 to 30, 2026. This means customers will not have to pay transaction charges when they use an ATM of any bank during the strike period.
The decision could provide significant relief to customers who may depend more heavily on ATMs if regular branch services face disruption.
SBI Branches to Open on Sunday, September 27
Meanwhile, SBI has also announced that all its branches will remain open on Sunday, September 27. The move comes just one day before the proposed bank strike begins.
Customers will therefore get an additional opportunity to complete important banking transactions before the strike starts.
In addition, digital banking services will continue to operate normally. Customers can use UPI, IMPS, RTGS and NEFT for online payments and fund transfers during the strike period.
Government Orders Banks to Remain Open on Sunday
The government has also taken steps to reduce the impact of the three-day bank strike. To minimise disruption to essential banking services, public sector banks have been directed to remain open on Sunday.
The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of all bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and Currency Chests on Sunday, September 27.
The Finance Ministry said that all public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday.
Five-Day Banking Disruption Could Have Affected Customers
The proposed bank strike from September 28 to 30 comes immediately after the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27. As a result, customers could have faced difficulties accessing physical banking services for five consecutive days.
The government has taken advance measures to reduce this possible disruption and ensure that essential banking services remain available.
"In view of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30, coinciding with the preceding weekend holidays of September 26 and 27, the government has taken proactive steps to safeguard the banking needs of citizens," a Finance Ministry statement said.
Digital Banking Services to Continue During Strike
Despite the proposed strike, customers will still be able to use several digital banking services. Online payment systems such as UPI, IMPS, RTGS and NEFT are expected to continue operating as usual.
Therefore, customers who need to transfer money, make digital payments or complete other online banking transactions can use these facilities during the strike period.
SBI's decision to waive ATM charges also gives customers another option to access cash without paying transaction fees during the three-day strike.
Government Appeals to Bank Unions to Defer Strike
The Finance Ministry said the government has prioritised the welfare and convenience of bank customers. At the same time, the government and bank managements have appealed to the bank unions to postpone the proposed strike.
The government has also introduced measures to ensure that essential banking services continue without interruption.
The Finance Ministry said these steps will help limit the impact on economic activity that could arise from the timing of the strike. Without these measures, the combination of the September 26-27 weekend holidays and the September 28-30 strike could have resulted in a five-day disruption to physical banking services.