HDFC Bank changed the rules of its banking service, new rules will be applicable from October 1

HDFC Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has announced significant changes to its premium banking service, the Imperia Program. The new regulations will officially come into force starting October 1, 2025, and will apply to both existing and new Imperia customers.

The bank has issued an official notification, informing clients about the updated eligibility requirements and conditions for continuing under the Imperia program. Customers who fail to meet the revised standards may lose access to the exclusive benefits offered under this premium service.

Who Will Be Affected?

The changes will impact two categories of customers:

• Existing Members (before June 30, 2025): Those who enrolled in the Imperia Program on or before June 30, 2025, will automatically fall under the new rules from October 1, 2025.

• New Members (after July 1, 2025): Customers whose Imperia status was newly granted, upgraded, or downgraded after July 1, 2025, are already governed by the updated guidelines.

What Has Changed?

The most notable update is related to the Total Relationship Value (TRV) — a key metric used to determine Imperia eligibility. Under the revised policy, a customer must now maintain a TRV of at least ₹1 crore at the group level in order to remain part of the Imperia program.

TRV will include the following components:

• Balances in savings, current, and fixed deposit accounts.

• Mutual funds and other investment products purchased through HDFC Bank.

• 20% of the value of any retail loans taken.

• 20% of demat holdings linked to the account.

• Premiums paid for insurance policies purchased from HDFC Bank.

Old Rules Will Still Apply

In addition to the TRV criteria, existing eligibility rules will also remain in effect. This means customers can still qualify for Imperia benefits under the following conditions:

• Maintaining an average quarterly balance of ₹15 lakh in a current account.

• Maintaining an average monthly balance of ₹10 lakh in a savings account.

• Holding a combined balance of ₹30 lakh across savings, current, and fixed deposit accounts.

• Receiving a net salary credit of ₹3 lakh or above in an HDFC Bank corporate salary account.

Exclusive Benefits for Imperia Customers

Imperia membership provides clients with premium banking privileges that are usually charged for regular customers. These include:

• Free inter-branch fund transfers across HDFC Bank branches.

• Stop payment instructions without additional charges.

• Complimentary check collection and duplicate account statements.

• Free mandate registration and access to past banking records.

• Issuance of interest and balance certificates at no cost.

• Address confirmation and signature attestation services.

These benefits are designed to enhance the overall banking experience and provide convenience to premium customers.

Why the Change Matters

The revision in rules highlights HDFC Bank’s strategy to strengthen its premium banking segment and ensure higher customer engagement with multiple financial products. By increasing the TRV threshold to ₹1 crore, the bank aims to encourage clients to consolidate their deposits, investments, and loans under HDFC’s umbrella.

For customers, these updates mean they will need to actively maintain higher balances or diversify their relationship with the bank in order to continue enjoying Imperia privileges. Those who fail to meet the requirements may have to either upgrade their banking portfolio or shift to regular services.

Key Takeaway

From October 1, 2025, HDFC Bank’s Imperia customers must maintain a minimum TRV of ₹1 crore or meet other specified balance criteria to remain eligible for premium services. While the new rules raise the bar for membership, they also reaffirm the value of Imperia benefits, which offer enhanced convenience, savings, and premium treatment compared to standard banking services.