🔑 Key Takeaways

  • From October 1, 2026, SBI Salary Package Account holders get five free monthly transactions at other-bank ATMs and ADWMs.
  • Both financial and non-financial transactions count towards the five-transaction limit.
  • After the free limit, cash withdrawals cost ₹23 plus GST per transaction.
  • Non-financial transactions after the limit cost ₹11 plus GST per transaction.
  • SBI says its own ATM limits and charges are unchanged.
  • The revision does not change the terms for accounts other than Salary Package Accounts.

What Changed in SBI’s ATM Rules

State Bank of India (SBI) has reduced the free monthly transaction limit at other banks’ ATMs and Automated Deposit-cum-Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs) for holders of SBI Salary Package Accounts.

The change took effect on October 1, 2026. The monthly free limit at other-bank machines is now five transactions, down from 10. The limit applies to SBI debit card holders using another bank’s ATM or ADWM in India.

This is not a change to every SBI customer’s ATM allowance. SBI’s public notice specifically refers to Salary Package Accounts and transactions at other banks’ machines.

What Counts Towards the Five Free Transactions?

Both financial and non-financial transactions count towards the monthly limit.

A cash withdrawal is a financial transaction. Non-financial transactions can include services such as a balance enquiry or mini statement. So, even if you withdraw cash only once, several account checks at another bank’s ATM can use up the remaining free transactions.

Transaction at another bank’s ATM/ADWMMonthly free limitCharge after free limit
Cash withdrawalIncluded in five transactions₹23 + GST per transaction
Non-financial transactionIncluded in five transactions₹11 + GST per transaction

The charges apply after the free monthly limit is used. GST is additional, so the final debit may be higher than the base charge.

Which SBI Customers Are Affected?

The revised limit applies to SBI Salary Package Account holders using their SBI debit card at other banks’ ATMs or ADWMs in India.

SBI says the number of monthly free transactions and applicable charges for accounts other than Salary Package Accounts remain unchanged. If you have a regular SBI savings account rather than a Salary Package Account, this particular revision does not change your account’s limit.

SBI also says the existing free transaction limits and charges for SBI debit card holders using SBI ATMs and ADWMs remain unchanged.

What About Cardless Cash Withdrawals?

SBI’s public notice says cardless cash withdrawals at SBI or other-bank ATMs and ADWMs will continue to be unlimited and free until further notice.

This statement relates to the cardless cash withdrawal service described in SBI’s notice. Customers should still check SBI’s official instructions and any service eligibility requirements before using it.

How to Avoid Unexpected SBI ATM Charges

    A few simple habits can help you keep track of the new limit:
  • Use an SBI ATM when convenient, since this notice does not change SBI ATM limits.
  • Avoid repeated balance enquiries at other banks’ machines if you can use SBI’s official digital channels.
  • Count both cash withdrawals and non-financial transactions at other-bank ATMs.
  • Review your account statement if an ATM charge appears.
  • Contact SBI if a charge does not seem consistent with the applicable tariff.

The key detail is that the five-transaction limit is shared by financial and non-financial transactions. Checking your balance at an ATM may count just like a withdrawal for the purpose of this limit.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many free other-bank ATM transactions do SBI salary account holders get?
From October 1, 2026, SBI Salary Package Account holders get five free monthly transactions at other-bank ATMs and ADWMs.
Q: Do balance enquiries count towards the five transactions?
Yes. The limit includes both financial and non-financial transactions, so a balance enquiry at another bank’s ATM counts.
Q: What does SBI charge after the free limit?
SBI lists ₹23 plus GST for each cash withdrawal and ₹11 plus GST for each non-financial transaction after the monthly free limit is used.
Q: Does the change apply to all SBI savings account holders?
No. SBI says accounts other than Salary Package Accounts are unchanged by this revision.
Q: Have SBI ATM transaction limits also changed?
SBI says the existing monthly free transaction limits and applicable charges at SBI ATMs and ADWMs remain unchanged.

Conclusion

The change for SBI Salary Package Account holders is limited but worth keeping in mind: the free monthly limit at other-bank ATMs and ADWMs is now five transactions, and both financial and non-financial transactions count.

Check your transaction history if you regularly use another bank’s ATM. If you are unsure whether your account is a Salary Package Account, confirm it with SBI before assuming the revised tariff applies.