Bank Strike Sept 28-30: Will UPI, ATMs, Cheques and Cash Services Work? Check Details

Bank customers with urgent branch-related work may want to complete it on Sunday, September 27.

As public sector banks and regional rural banks are set to remain open a day before a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. The strike is expected to primarily affect services that depend on physical branches and manual processing. Digital banking facilities such as UPI, mobile banking and internet banking are expected to continue operating, while private-sector banks are likely to see comparatively limited disruption.

The timing is significant as banks are also approaching the half-yearly financial closing on September 30.

Which banking services could be affected?

Customers may face disruption in services that require a visit to a bank branch or intervention by branch staff.

Cash transactions: Over-the-counter cash deposits and withdrawals may not be available at branches affected by the strike.

Cheque services: Cheque processing and other transactions requiring physical handling could face delays. Customers may also be unable to obtain fresh demand drafts from closed branches.

Passbook and account services: Physical passbook updates, account-related requests and other branch-based services may be delayed.

KYC and documentation: In-person KYC, account updates and document verification may have to wait until normal branch operations resume.

Loans: Loan applications, documentation and verification requiring branch staff could also be delayed.

Bank lockers: Access to physical lockers may not be available while the concerned branches remain closed.

Banking activities connected with the September 30 half-yearly financial closing could also face operational constraints.

What banking services are expected to continue?

The strike is mainly expected to affect physical branch operations, while several digital and self-service facilities should remain available.

UPI payments: Routine UPI transactions are expected to continue.

Mobile and internet banking: Customers should be able to use digital banking platforms for fund transfers, bill payments and other online transactions.

ATMs: ATMs are expected to remain operational, although cash availability may vary depending on location and replenishment.

Cash deposit machines: CDMs may continue to accept deposits at locations where the facility is available.

Private-sector banks are expected to face less impact, although customers should check their individual bank’s advisory before planning a branch visit.

Why will banks open on Sunday, September 27?

To minimise the disruption caused by the three-day strike, the government has allowed public sector banks and regional rural banks to operate on Sunday, September 27.

The Finance Ministry said public sector banks and regional rural banks would function normally that day. With approval from the Reserve Bank of India, bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests are also expected to remain operational.

The additional working day is intended to give customers an opportunity to complete urgent banking work before the strike begins on Monday.

For customers with pending paperwork, cash transactions or other services requiring branch staff, September 27 may be the last opportunity to complete such work before the strike, subject to the arrangements of individual branches.