HDFC Bank Updates Locker Access Rules Amid Rising Theft Cases, Revises Locker Charges From April 1

HDFC Bank has rolled out stricter rules governing access to its safe deposit lockers, as part of a broader effort to enhance customer security and modernise its processes. One of the key changes is the introduction of mandatory Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication for customers before they can access their lockers, aiming at reducing the risk of unauthorised entry and ensuring that only verified individuals are allowed into locker areas.

To further strengthen safety in the locker room, the bank has posted a representative outside the locker room. This staff member is responsible for confirming that each locker has been properly secured once a customer completes their visit. In addition to this, the bank reiterated that its existing protocols already require branch custodians to double-check lockers after every access to ensure they are safely locked and intact.

"As part of our digital approach to streamline operations, we have transitioned into a paperless journey for locker access," the bank said in a statement. "Customers now have the option to access their lockers through biometric authentication, making the process more secure and efficient."

At the same time, the Mumbai-headquartered lender has revised its annual locker rental charges across metro, urban, semi-urban and rural branches. The updated fee structure will come into effect from April 1, 2026. According to the bank, the revision is intended to align with updated guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India, which call for stronger safety standards, improved operational transparency, and clearer liability norms for banks.

The bank explained that the revised charges take into account the rising costs associated with enhanced security infrastructure, insurance coverage, and technological upgrades. Locker rentals will continue to vary depending on size and branch location, and the final amount payable by customers will be subject to an additional 18 per cent GST.

The updated locker charges are mentioned below -

Size	Rentals Excluding GST					Metro Plus	Metro	Urban	Semi Urban	Rural
Extra Small	Rs 4000	Rs 3300	Rs 2200	Rs 2200	Rs 1000
Small	Rs 7500	Rs 5000	Rs 4000	Rs 3000	Rs 2000
Medium	Rs 12500	Rs 10000	Rs 7500	Rs 5000	Rs 4000
Extra Medium	Rs 15000	Rs 12500	Rs 8000	Rs 5000	Rs 4000
Large	Rs 20000	Rs 15000	Rs 10000	Rs 8000	Rs 6000
Extra Large	Rs 40000	Rs 20000	Rs 15000	Rs 10000	Rs 8000

In another instance earlier this year, an assistant manager at a nationalised bank branch in Bengaluru was arrested for allegedly stealing nearly 2.7 kg of gold ornaments from customer lockers. The accused reportedly misused his authorised access to locker keys and, during periods when the branch manager was absent, gradually siphoned off small quantities of pledged gold over time. The stolen assets were allegedly pawned to fund online betting and gambling activities.

The tightening of locker norms comes against the backdrop of several reported incidents involving locker breaches and internal misconduct within the banking sector. In early February, a case was registered against a former manager of Punjab National Bank in Thakurganj, along with unidentified individuals, over allegations of forcibly opening four customer lockers and misappropriating gold jewellery valued at Rs 48 lakh.

In another instance earlier this year, an assistant manager at a nationalised bank branch in Bengaluru was arrested for allegedly stealing nearly 2.7 kg of gold ornaments from customer lockers. The accused reportedly misused his authorised access to locker keys and, during periods when the branch manager was absent, gradually siphoned off small quantities of pledged gold over time. The stolen assets were allegedly pawned to fund online betting and gambling activities.

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