The country’s largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI), has made a series of significant changes to its customer transaction rules. First, ATM transaction charges were increased, and now the bank has decided to implement new fees on IMPS money transfers. These changes will particularly affect customers who increasingly use digital and other banks’ ATMs.
What will change for IMPS transfers?
SBI’s new IMPS charges will come into effect from February 15, 2026. The bank has clarified that IMPS transfers up to ₹25,000 through digital channels—internet banking, mobile banking, and the YONO app—will remain free.
However, amounts above this amount will now be subject to charges.
From ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh: ₹2 + GST
From ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh: ₹6 + GST
From ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh: ₹10 + GST
That is, IMPS is still free for small amounts, but larger transfers will have a slight impact on customers’ pockets.
Relief for Branch IMPS Transfers
Good news for customers who make IMPS transfers from SBI branches. There has been no change in branch IMPS charges. The previous fees—₹2 to ₹20 + GST—will remain the same.
Which accounts are exempt from IMPS charges?
SBI has exempted certain salary packages and special savings accounts from the new IMPS charges. These include DSP, PMSP, ICSP, CGSP, PSP, RSP accounts, Shaurya Family Pension Account, and SBI Rishtey Family Savings Account. These customers will not incur additional charges on IMPS transfers.
Important Points Regarding IMPS
The daily limit for IMPS will remain at ₹5 lakh.
This is a real-time transfer, and once the money is transferred, it cannot be returned.
Therefore, the bank is advising customers to carefully check beneficiary details before making a transfer.
ATM transaction charges have already been changed.
Prior to IMPS, SBI also revised ATM and ADWM transaction charges, effective December 1, 2025. This is the second major update to ATM charges in 2025.
Who will have to pay more?
Savings Account: At other banks’ ATMs after the free limit is exhausted.
Cash Withdrawal: ₹23 + GST
Non-Financial Transactions: ₹11 + GST
Salary Account: Previously, there were unlimited free transactions, now there are 10 free transactions per month.
Current Account: Previously, there were no free transactions, and now an increased charge will be levied on every transaction.
Who will be exempt from ATM charges?
KCC Account: Unlimited free transactions at other banks’ ATMs.
BSBD Account: No change in rules.
Cardless Cash Withdrawal: Free at SBI and other banks’ ATMs.
How to Avoid Charges
SBI recommends that customers use the bank’s more than 63,000 ATMs and ADWMs as much as possible. This can help avoid additional charges.
Summing up…
SBI’s new rules clearly indicate that it’s even more important to use digital and ATM services wisely. Small IMPS transfers are still free, but larger amounts and ATMs from other banks may incur additional charges. If customers plan their transactions carefully, these additional charges can be largely avoided.