Bank Strike September 28-30: 5 Things Customers Should Do Before Branches Close

Bank customers should plan their banking needs in advance, as employee unions have called a nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30. With September 26 being the second Saturday and September 27 a Sunday, branch-based services could be unavailable for much of the period.

Banks To Open On Sunday, Salaries To Be Paid Early

To reduce disruption, all public sector banks (PSBs) and regional rural banks (RRBs) will operate normally on Sunday, September 27. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also approved the operation of bank branches, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on that day. Banks have been asked to keep ATMs adequately stocked with cash ahead of the strike.

The government has also ordered advance processing of salaries and pensions for central government employees on September 25, instead of the usual September 30, to avoid payment delays during the strike.

1. Complete Important Branch Work Early

If you need to visit your bank for any important work, it is better to complete it as early as possible. These could include cash deposits, cheque-related work, account updates, withdrawals or any service that needs a branch employee.

SBI has advised customers to complete important transactions before the strike. It has also asked customers to use ATMs, Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines, Customer Service Points, internet banking, mobile banking, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) during the strike.

Other PSBs, including Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, Indian Bank and Bank of Maharashtra, have also issued advisories asking customers to plan their banking work ahead of the strike.

2. Check Digital Banking Access

Before the strike begins, log in to your bank’s mobile app and internet banking to make sure they are working properly. Check whether you can access your account and use the services you may need during the branch closure.

You can also use UPI for regular payments and ATMs to withdraw cash. But services that need a branch visit or staff assistance may have to wait until banks reopen.

3. Keep Some Cash Ready

If you regularly need cash, plan your estimated requirement before September 28. Although banks are making arrangements to keep ATMs supplied, cash availability can vary based on location and demand.

The Finance Ministry has asked PSBs and RRBs to maintain adequate cash through ATMs and business correspondent outlets. Customers should therefore not wait until the last minute for cash withdrawals.

4. Check Upcoming Payments

Customers should also check their upcoming equated monthly instalments (EMIs), insurance premiums, credit card bills, rent and other payments falling due during the strike period.

If any payment is set up for automatic deduction, make sure there is enough money in the linked account. This can help avoid missed payments or late fees.

5. Do Not Leave Urgent Work For The Last Minute

The strike also comes at the time of the half-yearly closing of banks on September 30. The Finance Ministry has asked banks to take steps to keep essential services available and reduce inconvenience to customers.

For customers, the key is to prepare before the strike. Complete branch work early, keep enough cash handy for necessary expenses, check digital banking access, and review upcoming payments before September 28.