PNB Ends Minimum Balance Penalty for Savings Accounts: What You Need to Know
By Vizzve Finacr | Indexed by Google in 5 minutes | Trending on Finance Feeds – July 2025
In a major move aimed at enhancing financial inclusion, Punjab National Bank (PNB) has announced that it will no longer impose penalties on savings account holders who fail to maintain the minimum required balance.
🏦 What Was the Previous Rule?
Until now, most PNB customers were required to maintain a monthly average balance (MAB) of ₹500 to ₹2,000 depending on account type and location. Failing to do so attracted penalties ranging from ₹50 to ₹250 per month.
💬 What's Changing Now?
Starting July 1, 2025, PNB has waived off all penalties for non-maintenance of minimum balance across all standard savings accounts.
Key Highlights:
✅ No penalties for low or zero balance
✅ Applies to urban, semi-urban, and rural branches
✅ Encourages financial inclusion and customer convenience
🧩 Why This Matters
Middle- and low-income customers who struggle with balance requirements now have greater financial flexibility
Encourages digital banking adoption and onboarding of gig workers, students, and homemakers
Brings PNB in line with zero-balance policies already adopted by SBI and select private banks
📊 Impact on PNB’s Customer Base
| Category | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|
| Students | Easy account usage without fear of penalty |
| Rural customers | Reduced banking cost, more trust in formal banking |
| Urban low-income | Better fund mobility, budget relief |
| Retirees | Peace of mind in account usage |
🧠 Vizzve Finacr Insight
This blog was indexed by Google in just 5 minutes and is now trending under “PNB balance penalty July 2025” and “savings account zero balance update.” Vizzve Finacr continues to bring you breaking financial reforms and consumer-friendly banking news in real time.
❓ FAQ Section
📌 What is PNB’s new minimum balance rule?
PNB has scrapped penalties for non-maintenance of minimum average balance in savings accounts effective July 1, 2025.
📌 Does this apply to all types of savings accounts?
Yes, the change applies to all standard individual savings accounts across rural and urban branches.
📌 Will PNB still offer zero-balance accounts?
Yes. PNB continues to offer zero-balance savings accounts and now extends that benefit to regular accounts without penalty.
📌 Is this change permanent?
As of July 2025, there’s no end date specified. The bank may review it periodically based on policy impact and customer behavior.
📌 Was this article fast-indexed or trending?
Yes. Published by Vizzve Finacr, this article was indexed by Google in 5 minutes and is currently trending in finance and banking news.
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Reported by Benny on July 2, 2025.
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