ATM Rules Changing From April 1, 2026: HDFC Bank, PNB, Bandhan Bank & Others Revise Cash Withdrawal Rules

From April 1, 2026, several banks are set to roll out changes to ATM usage rules, cash withdrawal limits and digital cash access services, making it important for customers to understand what will change for their accounts. While some lenders are revising the number of free transactions allowed each month, others are changing daily withdrawal caps or introducing cardless cash withdrawal options through QR codes.

ATM Rules From April 1, 2026: Check Key New Rules in HDFC Bank, PNB, Bandhan Bank & More

Here is a simple look at what each bank has announced and how it may affect users.

HDFC Bank to Count UPI Cash Withdrawals in Free ATM Limit; Check Charges

HDFC Bank has said that UPI-based cash withdrawals from ATMs will now be included in the monthly free ATM transaction limit. Earlier, these withdrawals were treated separately, but from April 1 they will be counted within the total number of free transactions available to a customer each month.

This means HDFC Bank customers who use UPI at ATMs will need to be more careful, as those withdrawals can now reduce the number of free transactions left in the month. Once the free limit is exhausted, the bank will charge Rs 23 per transaction, excluding taxes.

At present, most HDFC Bank customers get five free withdrawals per month at HDFC Bank ATMs, along with three free transactions at other bank ATMs in metro cities and five in non-metro areas. With UPI cash withdrawals now becoming part of this count, frequent ATM users could hit their free cap more quickly.

PNB Revises Daily Withdrawal Limits

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has introduced changes to daily ATM cash withdrawal limits for certain debit cards. Under the revised structure, customers will be allowed to withdraw between Rs 50,000 and Rs 75,000 per day, depending on the type of card they hold.

For some cardholders, this marks a reduction, as earlier limits on select cards went up to Rs 1 lakh per day. Customers with PNB debit cards may therefore want to check the updated limit applicable to their card type before planning large cash withdrawals.

Bandhan Bank Changes Free ATM Usage Rules

Bandhan Bank is also changing its ATM transaction rules for debit card holders from April 1, 2026. Under the revised policy, customers will get up to five free financial transactions per month at Bandhan Bank ATMs, while non-financial transactions at the bank's own ATMs will continue to remain unlimited.

However, the rules become tighter when customers use other banks' ATMs. In metro cities, Bandhan Bank customers will get three free transactions per month, while in non-metro locations the limit will be five free transactions.

The bank has also clarified that at other bank ATMs, the cap will apply to both financial and non-financial transactions taken together. Depending on the debit card and account type, some customers may still get wider access at Bandhan Bank's own ATMs, but usage at non-Bandhan ATMs will need more careful monitoring.

Once Bandhan Bank customers cross the monthly free ATM transaction limit, charges will start applying. Every extra financial transaction will attract a fee of Rs 23, while each additional non-financial transaction will cost Rs 10.

The bank has also said that if an ATM transaction fails because of insufficient funds, a Rs 25 penalty will be charged.

Jio Payments Bank Introduces QR-Based Cardless Cash Withdrawal

Jio Payments Bank has launched a QR code-based cash withdrawal facility at selected banking correspondent points. Under this system, customers can scan a UPI QR code and authorise the transaction through a mobile app to receive cash without needing a debit card.

"From April 1, the revised ATM rules mark a significant shift in how customers interact with cash and banking services. With changes in withdrawal limits, transaction caps, and the inclusion of UPI-based cash withdrawals under free transaction limits, banks are clearly moving towards a more structured and digital-first ecosystem," said Mr. Lokanath Panda, COO, BLS E-Services Ltd.

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