New Minimum Balance Rules 2025: ICICI Bank vs SBI vs HDFC Bank vs PNB vs Axis Bank vs Bank of Baroda

New Minimum Balance Rules 2025: ICICI Bank vs SBI vs HDFC Bank vs PNB vs Axis Bank vs Bank of Baroda

As of October 2025, India's major private and public sector banks have revised their minimum balance rules in response to regulatory guidance and customer demand. Here is an updated comparison of the minimum average balance (MAB) requirements and their implications for account holders across leading institutions.

ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank revised its minimum balance rules in August 2025, following feedback on high balance requirements for urban areas. The bank now mandates a monthly average balance of ₹15,000 for metro and urban branches, ₹7,500 for semi-urban branches, and ₹2,500 for rural branches. However, special zero-balance facilities remain available for salary accounts, student accounts, PMJDY, and other government-linked schemes. Penalties usually apply for non-maintenance in regular accounts.​

Click here to check the official PDF.

State Bank of India (SBI)

SBI continues to lead in customer-friendly policies, having maintained a zero minimum balance requirement for all regular savings accounts. There are no penalties for non-maintenance of balance, making SBI highly attractive for customers seeking flexibility and ease of banking. SBI's move is widely regarded as an industry benchmark, adopted by many other public sector banks.​

HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank's savings account minimum balance depends on account variant and branch location. For most regular savings accounts, the required balance is ₹10,000 for urban/metro areas, ₹5,000 for semi-urban, and ₹2,500 for rural (quarterly). The bank also offers zero-balance variants, such as Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBDA) accounts and salary accounts. Customers can also link a Fixed Deposit to meet minimum requirements.​

Click here to check the official PDF.

Punjab National Bank (PNB)

From July 2025, PNB has removed all minimum balance requirements across its regular savings accounts, following SBI’s example. No penalties or charges are levied for non-maintenance of balance, providing a significant relief for a vast segment of retail banking customers. Zero-balance policy covers nearly all standard account types.​

Axis Bank

Axis Bank's minimum balance depends on the account type and location: ₹12,000 for urban/metro, ₹5,000 for semi-urban, and ₹2,500 for rural branches for its “Easy” savings account. The bank offers zero-balance options for basic savings accounts and salary accounts. Higher-tier accounts often require higher minimums.​

Bank of Baroda (BoB)

Effective July 2025, Bank of Baroda has eliminated minimum balance charges for most standard savings accounts, joining SBI and PNB in making basic banking more accessible. Most regular savings accounts require no minimum balance, with zero penalties for shortfall. Premium account categories may have separate requirements.​

Minimum Balance Requirement Table