State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest public-sector lender, has announced a major revision to service charges for IMPS transfers and ATM usage. These changes will impact millions of customers who rely on SBI for daily banking, digital payments, and cash withdrawals.
While SBI continues to promote digital payments and financial inclusion, the bank has now moved towards a selective charging model, under which high-value IMPS transfers and excessive ATM usage will incur fees. The changes aim to balance operational costs while keeping basic banking affordable for most users.
This detailed blog explains what exactly has changed, when the new charges apply, who is affected, who remains exempt, and how customers can minimize or avoid these charges altogether.
Overview of SBI Charge Revisions
To understand the overall impact, it is important to first look at the two broad categories where SBI has revised service charges.
SBI has introduced updates in the following areas:
- IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) transaction charges: effective February 15, 2026
- ATM / ADWM transaction charges: effective December 1, 2025
These revisions mainly affect:
- Customers are making high-value digital fund transfers
- Users who frequently withdraw cash from other banks’ ATMs
- Certain salary and current account holders
Small-value digital transactions and basic banking services continue to remain largely unaffected.
What Is IMPS and Why Does It Matter
IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) is a real-time interbank fund transfer system that allows customers to send money instantly, 24×7, including weekends and bank holidays. IMPS can be used through:
- Mobile banking applications
- Internet banking portals
- Bank branch counters
Because of its speed and reliability, IMPS has been a preferred option for urgent transfers and higher-value payments. Until now, SBI allowed free IMPS transactions on digital channels, regardless of the amount. This policy changes from February 2026.
Revised SBI IMPS Transaction Charges (Effective February 15, 2026)
Under the revised structure, low-value digital IMPS transfers remain free, while higher-value transactions attract a nominal service fee. Branch-based IMPS transactions follow a separate pricing structure, which largely remains unchanged. The revised SBI IMPS Transaction Charges will be effective from February 15, 2026.
SBI IMPS Charges: Slab-wise Table
| Transaction Amount Slab | Digital Channels (App/Web) Service Fee | Branch (Offline) Channel Service Fee |
| Up to ₹1,000 | Free | Free |
| ₹1,001 to ₹25,000 | Free | ₹4 + GST |
| ₹25,001 to ₹1,00,000 | ₹2 + GST | ₹4 + GST |
| ₹1,00,001 to ₹2,00,000 | ₹6 + GST | ₹12 + GST |
| ₹2,00,001 to ₹5,00,000 | ₹10 + GST | ₹20 + GST |
What This Means for Customers
- Digital IMPS transfers up to ₹25,000 remain completely free
- Charges apply only when the transaction amount exceeds ₹25,000
- Branch IMPS charges do not see any increase
- All applicable charges are subject to GST
For most retail users who make small or medium-sized transfers, the impact will be minimal.
Also Read: SBI Cut FD Rates After Repo Rate Cut
SBI IMPS Charges: Who Is Exempt?
Despite introducing new charges, SBI continues to protect certain customer groups by offering full fee waivers.
SBI has confirmed that IMPS charges will remain waived for select salary, pension, and special savings account categories.
Accounts Eligible for IMPS Fee Waiver:
- Defence Salary Package (DSP)
- Police Salary Package (PMSP)
- Indian Coast Guard Salary Package (ICGSP)
- Central Government Salary Package (CGSP)
- Railway Salary Package (RSP)
- Pension accounts, including Shaurya Family Pension Accounts
- CSP / SGSP / SUSP
- SBI Rishtey: Family Savings Account
Customers holding these accounts can continue using IMPS without any charges, both online and at branches.
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SBI ATM & ADWM Transaction Charges
In addition to IMPS, SBI has revised charges related to ATM and ADWM usage, especially at other banks’ ATMs after free limits are exhausted.
These changes came into effect earlier, from December 1, 2025, and are particularly relevant for customers who rely heavily on cash withdrawals.
Revised ATM / ADWM Charges
| Transaction Type | Revised Service Charge |
| Cash Withdrawal (Other Bank ATM) | ₹23 + GST |
| Non-Financial Transaction (Other Bank ATM) | ₹11 + GST |
| Cardless Cash Withdrawal | Free (SBI & Other Banks) |
Non-Financial Transactions Include:
- Balance enquiry
- Mini statement
- PIN generation or change
These charges apply only after free monthly limits are exceeded.
Changes to Free ATM Limits by SBI Account Type
SBI has also rationalized the number of free ATM transactions, depending on the type of account held.
Updated Free Transaction Rules
| Account Category | New Transaction Rules |
| Salary Accounts | Maximum 10 free transactions per month at other bank ATMs |
| Current Accounts | No free transactions; charges apply from the first transaction |
| KCC (Kisan Credit Card) | Unlimited free transactions at other bank ATMs |
| BSBD Accounts | No change in existing free limits |
Key Highlights Customers Should Know
|
IMPS vs UPI: Which Is Better After the Revision?
With IMPS no longer completely free, many customers may compare it with UPI.
| Feature | IMPS | UPI |
| Charges | Applicable above ₹25,000 | Mostly Free |
| Transaction Limit | Up to ₹5 lakh | Usually ₹1–5 lakh |
| Availability | 24×7 | 24×7 |
| Best Use Case | High-value urgent transfers | Daily retail payments |
Also Read: SBI Amrit Kalash Calculator
How SBI Customers Can Reduce or Avoid Charges
Customers can easily minimize banking costs by following a few practical steps:
- Use UPI for routine payments
- Split large IMPS transfers when possible
- Prefer SBI ATMs over other bank ATMs
- Track free ATM transactions every month
- Check eligibility for salary or family account benefits
Conclusion
SBI’s decision to revise IMPS and ATM charges marks a clear shift toward a more usage-based banking model, where everyday, low-value transactions remain affordable while higher-value and excess usage attract nominal fees. For most customers, especially those who rely on UPI or make small IMPS transfers, the impact will be minimal. However, users who frequently transfer large amounts via IMPS or withdraw cash from other banks’ ATMs will need to be more mindful of the new slabs and limits.
The key takeaway is simple: plan your transactions smartly. By using UPI for routine payments, staying within free IMPS limits, and preferring SBI ATMs, customers can continue to bank efficiently without incurring additional costs. Salary, pension, and SBI Rishtey account holders also retain significant benefits, ensuring that essential banking remains accessible and cost-effective even after the revisions.
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