RBI Guidelines-New
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has published new banking regulations that will become effective from 20th November 2025. The rules will directly touch on inactive, dormant, and zero-balance accounts. The aim is to bring security, transparency, and customer satisfaction to the banking system.
New RBI Account Rules-Why need?
A number of customers leave their accounts dormant for long periods of time, exposing them to fraud. The new regulations will help to secure the banking sector by recognizing such accounts and either closing or restricting them in due time.
RBI is now particularly focused on cyber fraud prevention; the change is aimed at that.
Major Changes in Nomination Rules
Customers relatively used to be allowed to have one nominee added to his/her account, however, now they can have four nominees added. This will facilitate faster and hassle-free settlement of claims for the family.
Customers can now choose whether the nominees will share the rights together or independently (in equal or unequal proportions) over time.
Impact of the New Rules on Accounts
The new rules will cause customers to monitor their accounts more closely and put some activity into long-dormant accounts. This will allow the considerably stronger possibility of protecting accounts from data breaches, unauthorized transactions, and outright fraud.
Banks will also be burdened with no longer having to maintain unnecessary records and records on inactive accounts.
Steps to make account Active
Any transaction, howsoever low it may be—whether deposit, withdrawal, UPI payment, or ATM balance inquiry—can keep an account alive. Periodically, banks would be sending KYC update messages and default nominee reminders to customers.
At the same time, it enhances the communication link for regular updates with the bank, whereupon the customer will be able to receive timely notifications on significant alerts.
New Nominee Rules for Bank Account and Locker
Savings accounts, Fixed Deposits, and lockers will now be nominally added with up to four nominees. This furthers proper inheritance of assets and lower chances of legal disputes.
Customers should update their nominations ahead of the November 2025 deadline.
Accounts Subject to New Rules
New rules will cover dormant accounts (no transactions for 2 years), inactive accounts (inactivity for the last 12 months), and zero-balance accounts, with these types of accounts being more vulnerable to fraud.
If these accounts are not activated in time, the banks can initiate their closure.
Customer Measures to Avoid Account Closure
Small transactions by customers will help these accounts alive in case they wish to have them going on. The bank will alert its customers informing them to take necessary actions in time.
Otherwise, it is better to close the accounts which are no longer needed so that all problems are avoided.
Things to do before November 20, 2025?
Account holders must go through all their bank accounts, especially the ones they have not operated in the past year. Further, KYC must remain up to date, along with the current mobile number and email address.
Equally important is upgrading the nominations, so as to enable your family to claim the property in the future without any disputes.
Conclusion
The new rules set forth by RBI are a far more important stride in making banking secure, transparent, and customer-centric. Keeping accounts active, documenting updates, and duly notifying a nominee will save customers inconvenience.
2025 rules will further empower the banking institutions to grow alongside protecting the customers.
