Public sector banks are set to observe a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026. The strike is being held over various demands, including five-day banking and restoration of the Old Pension System (OPS).
To reduce inconvenience for customers during the strike period, several major public sector banks have announced measures related to ATM services. State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda (BOB), Union Bank of India and Indian Bank have waived ATM transaction charges for customers during the three-day period.
No ATM Charges From September 28 to 30
Under the announced arrangement, customers can withdraw cash from ATMs of any bank across India without paying additional transaction charges during September 28-30, even if they have already exhausted their regular monthly free transaction limit.
Normally, RBI rules provide five free ATM transactions per month at a customer’s own bank. At other banks’ ATMs, customers are generally allowed three free transactions in metropolitan areas and five in non-metropolitan areas.
The special waiver during the strike means customers will not be charged for additional ATM transactions during these three days.
Bank of Baroda also announced the measure on X, stating that ATM transaction charges would be waived for all customers using any bank ATM across India from September 28 to September 30, 2026.
Public Sector Banks to Open on September 27
The strike period follows the regular weekend closure, so an additional arrangement has been made for customers.
Public sector bank branches will remain open on Sunday, September 27, 2026, ahead of the strike. This will give customers an opportunity to complete important banking work before the three-day strike begins.
Customers who need branch-based services can therefore use the Sunday opening to complete their essential banking requirements.
Digital Banking Services to Continue
While branch operations may be affected during the strike, digital banking services are expected to remain available.
SBI and Bank of India have advised customers to use ATMs and ADWMs for cash withdrawals. For non-cash transactions, customers can continue using digital services such as YONO, internet banking, mobile banking and UPI.
Customers who have important banking requirements during September 28-30 can therefore plan ahead and make use of available ATM and digital banking facilities.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the information provided regarding the September 28-30, 2026 bank strike and the related banking arrangements. ATM charges, branch operations and digital service availability may be subject to changes or bank-specific conditions. Customers should confirm the latest information with their respective bank before relying on these arrangements.