Latest Blog Articles

In 2026, the mantra 'return of capital' takes centre stage as Budget 2026 reshapes the investment landscape. With debt funds losing tax edges and inflation subtly eroding idle wealth, mastering the 'Trifecta of Safety'—sovereign guarantees, credit ratings, and tax efficiency—is critical. This deep-dive explores five bedrock instruments, from the EEE benefits of PPF and SSY to the psychological fortress of FDs and the 8.05% yield of RBI Floating Rate Bonds, helping you secure real growth without market-induced sleepless nights.

From February 15, 2026, SBI will charge IMPS fees for online transfers above ₹25,000, while keeping small-value transactions free. ATM charges at other banks apply after free limits are exhausted. Salary and select accounts remain exempt from IMPS fees. Using YONO and SBI ATMs can help customers avoid extra charges.

SBI ATM withdrawal limits in 2026 depend on your debit card type, ranging from ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh per day. OTP is mandatory for withdrawals above ₹10,000. Free ATM transactions are limited each month, especially at other banks. Using YONO cardless cash and tracking free limits helps avoid charges.

SBI will introduce IMPS charges for digital transfers above ₹25,000 from February 15, 2026, while ATM charges at other banks were revised from December 1, 2025. Small IMPS transfers and UPI remain free. Salary, pension, and SBI Rishtey accounts continue to enjoy fee waivers.

Dormant bank accounts and unclaimed deposits are now closely monitored by RBI. Use the UDGAM portal to search across banks for forgotten funds. To reclaim money, submit KYC at any branch. Banks must follow strict AML rules before reactivation. RBI’s compliance focus ensures customer protection, fraud prevention, and safe recovery of old bank balances.

The RBI Continuous Cheque Clearing System 2025 introduces near real time cheque processing, replacing batch based CTS. Cheques deposited between 10 AM and 4 PM can be cleared the same day, with deemed approval if no response by 7 PM. This upgrade reduces delays, improves cash flow, and aligns cheque payments with faster digital systems.

The State Bank of India (SBI) has initiated a shift in the financial landscape, simultaneously lowering both its Fixed Deposit (FD) and lending rates effective December 15, 2025. This move, following the RBI's repo rate cut, presents a mixed scenario: borrowers benefit from reduced EMIs on loans, while savers see a dip in returns, such as the popular Amrit Vrishti scheme, which is now at 6.45%. This signals the closing window for high-yield FDs.

The RBI has adjusted the repo rate to 5.25%, a standard maneuver in monetary policy management. Such fluctuations are routine administrative responses to inflation data and liquidity requirements. The banking system will absorb this 25 basis point change over the coming weeks, altering lending rates and deposit yields as per standard operational protocols. It is simply the mechanics of the financial cycle continuing as expected, with the usual adjustments to capital costs and credit availability occurring in the background.

Effective December 2025, Kotak Mahindra Bank is introducing new usage-based SMS alert charges. Customers will receive 30 free SMS alerts monthly, after which a fee of ₹0.15 per message will apply. Critical communications like OTPs remain free.

Punjab National Bank has set November 30, 2025 as the final deadline for customers to update their KYC details. Customers with pending or outdated KYC must update it online or at a branch to avoid account restrictions, including blocked transactions and service disruptions. Keep identity proof, address proof, PAN/Form 60, and your registered mobile number ready for a smooth KYC update.