Bank Strike Advisory
SBI Issues Customer Advisory Ahead of Three-Day Nationwide Bank Strike Starting September 28
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SBI said its nationwide network includes more than 79,000 Customer Service Point outlets, which customers can use for essential banking services during the strike.
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The apparent near-week disruption comes from the strike following September 26, the fourth Saturday and a regular banking holiday, and September 27, a Sunday—not from a five-day strike.
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Alongside the Finance Ministry’s direction to keep public-sector bank and regional rural bank branches open on September 27, the RBI cleared branches, ATM-linked counters and currency chests to operate that Sunday.
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SBI said it was making all possible efforts to provide essential services during the proposed strike and apologized for any inconvenience in its advisory.
India's State Bank of India is bracing for a three-day strike from September 28 to 30, 2026, and has urged customers to handle critical transactions before the walkout. SBI announced it will waive all ATM charges during the strike and keep digital services running to minimize disruption.
The strike by the United Forum of Bank Unions remains on despite SBI's efforts. The bank is directing customers to use its 79,000 Customer Service Points, ATMs, internet banking, YONO, mobile apps, and UPI for essential services during the three-day disruption.
Banks Waive ATM Fees to Ease Customer Pain
Major public-sector banks including State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, and Indian Bank have jointly announced free ATM withdrawals for September 28–30. The fee waiver is a direct response to expected branch closures during the strike.
This move prevents customers from paying transaction charges while branch staff are off work. Economic Times reported that the waiver applies across all ATM networks operated by these government-owned lenders, giving millions of Indians free cash access.
Digital Services Will Keep Customers Connected
SBI is keeping all digital channels fully operational during the strike. Customers can use internet banking, YONO (SBI's mobile app), mobile banking, and UPI for transfers, bill payments, and money moves without going to a branch.
The bank has also set up 79,000 Customer Service Points nationwide to handle essential banking needs. These automated and staffed outlets will offer services like cash deposits and basic account help when branch doors close.
Extra Banking Day on Sunday Before Strike Begins
India's Finance Ministry and RBI have ordered public-sector bank branches to open on Sunday, September 27, an unusual move to give customers a buffer day. This Sunday opening comes because September 26 is already a regular Saturday holiday in the banking calendar.
The Sunday opening, combined with Saturday's closure, means the actual disruption spans only three working days rather than a full week. Tribune India noted that currency chests and ATM-linked counters will also operate on September 27 to ensure cash availability before the strike kicks in.
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