ATM Cash Withdrawals to Get Costlier from April 1: New Rules by HDFC, PNB & Bandhan Bank Explained

By Siddhi Jain | Mar 20, 2026, 12:45 IST

Starting April 1, 2026, several major banks in India are set to introduce revised ATM transaction rules that could directly impact your daily banking habits and expenses. Leading lenders like HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Bandhan Bank have announced changes related to ATM withdrawals, UPI-based cash access, and transaction limits.

These updates aim to streamline digital banking but may also increase costs for customers who frequently rely on ATMs.

Key Change: UPI Cash Withdrawal Now Counts in Free Limit

One of the biggest changes comes from HDFC Bank.

UPI-based cash withdrawals from ATMs will now be included in the monthly free transaction limit
Earlier, UPI withdrawals were treated separately

This means:

If you exceed your free monthly limit, you will be charged ₹23 per transaction + applicable taxes
Even digital cash withdrawals will now count toward your usage cap

PNB Cuts Daily ATM Withdrawal Limits

Punjab National Bank has reduced daily withdrawal limits for several debit cards:

Revised Limits:

Cards with ₹1,00,000 limit → Reduced to ₹50,000
Cards with ₹1,50,000 limit → Reduced to ₹75,000

This change affects multiple debit card categories, including RuPay, MasterCard, and Visa variants.

Impact:
Customers may need to plan withdrawals more carefully, especially for large cash needs.

Bandhan Bank Updates Free Transaction Rules

Bandhan Bank has also revised its ATM usage policy:

At Own Bank ATMs:

5 free financial transactions per month
Unlimited non-financial transactions

At Other Bank ATMs:

Only 3 free transactions per month (including both financial and non-financial) in metro cities

Charges After Free Limit:

₹23 per financial transaction
₹10 per non-financial transaction
₹25 penalty for failed transactions due to insufficient balance

How Will These Changes Affect You?

These updates could impact customers in several ways:

⚠️ Higher Charges

Frequent ATM users may end up paying more if they exceed free limits.

⚠️ Reduced Cash Access

Lower withdrawal limits mean multiple transactions may be needed.

⚠️ UPI Usage Counts

Even digital withdrawals will now contribute to your monthly transaction count.

Smart Tips to Avoid Extra Charges

To minimize the impact of these new rules:

Track your monthly ATM usage
Prefer your own bank’s ATM over others
Maintain sufficient balance to avoid penalty charges
Use digital payments (UPI, cards) wherever possible
Plan withdrawals to stay within free limits

Why Are Banks Making These Changes?

Banks are gradually pushing customers toward digital transactions to:

Reduce operational costs
Improve efficiency
Encourage cashless payments

At the same time, these changes help regulate ATM usage and prevent misuse.

Final Takeaway

From April 1, ATM withdrawals could become slightly more expensive and restrictive. With UPI withdrawals now counted in free limits and withdrawal caps reduced, customers must be more mindful of their banking habits.

Understanding these new rules can help you avoid unnecessary charges and manage your finances more efficiently.

Disclaimer: Charges and rules may vary by account type and location. Always check with your bank for the latest updates.