Most major banks in India still require customers to maintain a minimum average balance (MAB) in savings accounts. Failing to do so attracts penalty charges.
In January 2026, many people are checking their bank account rules again because some banks have quietly adjusted limits, waived penalties in certain cases, or introduced zero-balance options. Knowing the current minimum balance helps you avoid unnecessary charges.
Why Minimum Balance Still Matters
Banks use minimum balance to cover operational costs. If your average balance falls below the limit, they charge penalties ranging from ₹100 to ₹600 per month (depending on the shortfall and bank).
Understanding the exact rule for your bank saves money every month.
State Bank of India (SBI) Rules
SBI has different minimum balance requirements for different types of accounts and branches.
Metro/urban branches require higher balance, while rural branches have the lowest.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) Current Limits
PNB has kept a uniform minimum balance across most regular savings accounts.
The bank offers penalty waiver for senior citizens and certain special accounts.
HDFC Bank Minimum Balance
HDFC Bank has one of the highest minimum balance requirements among the three.
However, it provides many zero-balance account variants for students, women, and salaried customers.
Comparison of Minimum Average Balance (Jan 2026)
Here’s a quick comparison of regular savings accounts in metro/urban branches:
| Bank | Minimum Average Balance (Metro/Urban) | Rural/Semi-Urban | Senior Citizen Concession | Penalty for Shortfall (Typical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBI | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | No penalty in many cases | ₹100 – ₹500 |
| PNB | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | Often waived | ₹100 – ₹300 |
| HDFC Bank | ₹10,000 | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | Partial concession | ₹150 – ₹600 |
Zero-Balance & Special Accounts
All three banks offer zero-balance accounts under certain categories (students, pensioners, women, rural, salary accounts).
Opening the right variant can help you avoid minimum balance worries completely.
Tips to Avoid Penalties
Maintain balance above the limit for all 12 months. Use salary accounts or upgrade to premium variants that offer higher limits with added benefits.
Monitor your account regularly through mobile banking.
SBI, PNB, and HDFC continue to enforce minimum balance rules in 2025-26, but the amounts and penalties differ significantly. Choosing the right account type can help you save hundreds of rupees every year.
Log in to your net banking or visit your branch today to confirm the exact minimum balance requirement for your account. Switch to a zero-balance variant if eligible – it’s a simple step that saves money every month!