Punjab National Bank (PNB) has issued an alert for customers whose bank accounts have remained unused for several years. According to the bank, certain accounts that have had no customer-initiated activity for more than three years and have a zero balance may be closed after November 10, 2026.
The bank has advised affected customers to update their Know Your Customer (KYC) details and request account reactivation before the deadline if they wish to continue using their accounts.
In a notice dated October 26, PNB said the measure is intended to prevent the possible misuse of long-inactive accounts and reduce related security risks.
Which PNB Accounts Could Be Closed?
The latest notice applies to accounts that meet both of the following conditions:
- No customer-initiated transaction or operation for more than three years as of September 30, 2026.
- A zero account balance.
Customers who have not used their accounts since before September 30, 2023, and have no money in them could therefore be affected.
However, the notice does not mean that every inactive PNB account will be closed. Both conditions must apply for an account to fall within the specified category.
For instance, a customer who opened a savings account several years ago but has not used it for more than three years and has maintained a zero balance should check whether the account is covered by the notice.
How to Keep Your PNB Account Active
Customers whose accounts meet the specified conditions have until November 10, 2026, to complete the necessary formalities.
PNB has advised customers to visit their bank branch, submit updated KYC documents and request that their accounts be reactivated.
Depending on the circumstances, customers may need to provide a written application along with valid identity and address proof. Accepted documents can include Aadhaar, a passport, a driving licence or a voter ID. PAN or Form 60 may also be required.
The bank will verify the submitted documents and complete the necessary checks before restoring the account to operative status.
PNB’s general guidelines also allow reactivation requests at non-home branches, subject to the applicable verification requirements. Customers who are uncertain about their account status should contact the bank before the deadline.
When Does PNB Classify an Account as Inoperative?
According to PNB’s general guidelines, a savings or current account is classified as inoperative when there have been no customer-induced transactions for a continuous period of 24 months.
Such activity can include financial transactions, such as deposits and withdrawals, as well as certain non-financial actions initiated by the customer. Examples may include authenticated balance enquiries, cheque book requests, changes to transaction limits and KYC updates through permitted banking channels.
However, the latest closure notice applies a separate criterion: the account must have remained unused for more than three years and have a zero balance.
This means that an account becoming inoperative after two years does not automatically make it eligible for closure under the November 10 exercise.
What Should PNB Customers Do Before November 10?
Customers who maintain multiple bank accounts, including old salary accounts or accounts opened for previous employment, should review their status and check whether any fall within the category mentioned in the notice.
Those with accounts that have remained unused and have a zero balance should contact PNB to confirm whether action is required. If they want to continue using an affected account, they should complete the required KYC and reactivation procedures before the deadline.
For assistance, customers can call PNB’s toll-free customer care numbers, 1800-1800 or 1800-2021, or visit their nearest branch.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on the information provided in the source material. Account closure policies, KYC requirements and reactivation procedures may be subject to official bank rules and updates. Customers should verify their account status and the latest instructions directly with Punjab National Bank before taking action.