SBI customers to pay more for withdrawals at other ATMs:Charges rise to ₹23 plus GST; ends unlimited free transactions for salary accounts

State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, has increased charges for transactions at non-SBI ATMs, effective December 1, 2025. Under the revised rules, cash withdrawals from other banks’ ATMs will now cost ₹23 plus GST after the free limit is exhausted, up from the earlier ₹21 plus GST. Charges for non-financial transactions, such as balance inquiries and mini statements, have also gone up. These will now attract a fee of ₹11 plus GST, compared to ₹10 plus GST earlier. Biggest impact on salary account holders The most significant change affects salary package and savings bank account holders. Until now, they enjoyed unlimited free transactions at non-SBI ATMs. Under the new policy, such customers will be entitled to only 10 free transactions per month, including both cash withdrawals and balance inquiries. Once this limit is crossed, the revised charges will apply. This move is expected to impact lakhs of salaried employees who frequently use ATMs of other banks. No change for regular savings account holders For regular savings bank account customers, the free transaction limits remain unchanged. They will continue to get five free transactions per month (financial and non-financial combined) at non-SBI ATMs, regardless of whether they are located in metro or non-metro areas. However, after exhausting the free limit: Why SBI increased ATM charges SBI said the revision was necessary due to an increase in interchange fees, which are charges paid by one bank to another when customers use ATMs outside their bank’s network. This is the first hike in ATM charges since February 2025. The bank also clarified that several customer categories will remain unaffected. Accounts exempt from the new charges How customers can avoid extra charges The revised charges are likely to affect millions of SBI customers, especially in smaller towns and cities where SBI ATMs are limited. Customers are advised to review their account details and contact their branch for clarification if required.