Bank strike September 28-30: SBI waives ATM charges during strike period

SBI has waived ATM transaction charges during the September 28-30 bank strike. Here’s how customers can withdraw cash, make digital payments and complete essential banking services during the strike

September 25, 2026 / 15:33 IST

Customers looking to withdraw cash during the three-day bank strike from September 28 to 30 can use ATMs without worrying about ATM transaction charges, with State Bank of India (SBI) announcing a waiver of ATM charges during the strike period. Customers can also rely on UPI, mobile banking and internet banking for routine transactions while branch services may be affected.

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has decided to go ahead with the three-day bank strike from September 28 to 30 after talks with the government did not result in progress on the demand for a five-day banking week.

SBI waives ATM charges during bank strike

SBI has announced that ATM transaction charges will be waived from September 28 to 30. This will allow customers to use ATMs for cash withdrawals during the strike period without incurring the applicable ATM transaction charge covered by the waiver.

The charge waiver can be useful for customers who need cash while bank branches are affected by the strike. However, ATM cash availability can vary depending on the location and when the machine was last replenished.

September 27 will be a working day for banks

Customers who have branch-related work pending can use September 27 to complete it.

Public sector banks and regional rural banks have been directed to remain open on Sunday, September 27. This gives customers an opportunity to visit their bank before the three-day strike begins.

Those who need to submit documents, make a branch-level request or require assistance from bank officials should consider completing such work before September 28.

UPI payments will continue

Customers do not necessarily have to depend on cash for everyday payments during the strike.

UPI can be used to make merchant payments, transfer money and carry out other supported transactions. This means customers can continue making many routine payments without visiting a bank branch.

Those who regularly use UPI should ensure that their mobile banking or UPI app is working and that their linked bank account has sufficient funds.

Mobile and internet banking can be used

Mobile banking and internet banking will remain useful for customers who need to carry out routine transactions during the strike.

Depending on the bank and service, customers can use digital banking channels to check account balances, transfer funds, pay bills and manage other banking requirements.

Customers can also use NEFT, RTGS and IMPS through the channels supported by their bank for fund transfers.

What customers should do before September 28

Customers who have work that requires a branch visit should try to complete it by September 27, when public sector banks and regional rural banks have been directed to remain open.

For cash requirements between September 28 and 30, customers can use ATMs, with SBI having announced a waiver of ATM transaction charges during the strike period.

For routine payments and fund transfers, customers can use UPI, mobile banking and internet banking instead of visiting a branch.

The UFBU’s three-day strike is scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30. The unions have been seeking implementation of a five-day banking week, while talks with the authorities have so far not resulted in a resolution on the demand.