Summary of this article
PNB targets accounts inactive for over three years with zero balance.
Eligible customers must seek reactivation before November 10, 2026.
Accounts meeting both conditions may face closure after the deadline.
Those who opened a Punjab National Bank (PNB) account years ago and stopped using it may need to check whether it is at risk of closure. In a notice dated October 26, 2026, the public sector bank has outlined plans to close certain accounts after November 10.
The notice covers accounts with no customer-initiated activity for more than three years and a zero balance. Customers who wish to keep their accounts should visit a branch and complete the required formalities before the cut-off date.
Old Empty Accounts
The bank's notice sets out two requirements for an account to fall under the closure exercise. It must have had no customer-initiated transaction or operation for more than three years as of September 30, 2026, and its balance must be zero.
In practical terms, an account that has not been used since before September 30, 2023, could be affected if it has no funds. This may apply to people who opened accounts for an earlier job, salary credits or another purpose but later stopped using them.
An account whihc has been inactive for years is not necessarily on the closure list. The zero-balance condition must also be satisfied.
Branch Visit Needed For Reactivation
Customers whose account meet both these conditions should visit their PNB branch before November 10. They will need to request reactivation and provide the documents required for KYC verification. These may include Aadhaar, a passport, a driving licence or a voter ID as proof of identity and address. Accountholders may also be asked to furnish their Permanent Account Number (PAN) or Form 60 may also be required, depending on the customer's circumstances.
The bank will check the documents before restoring the account back as 'operative'. Customers can also ask about reactivation at a non-home branch, subject to the bank's verification process.
Anyone unsure whether their account falls within the notice should check with PNB before the deadline.
Two Years Of Inactivity Vs. Three
PNB's general rules classify a savings or current account as inoperative after 24 consecutive months without a customer-induced transaction.
The definition covers more than deposits and withdrawals. Some non-financial activities, such as authenticated balance enquiries and KYC updates through permitted channels, can also be counted as customer-induced operations.
The closure notice uses a different test. It concerns accounts with more than three years of inactivity and a zero balance. An account classified as inoperative after two years does not automatically qualify for closure under this notice.
Check Account Status Before November 10
If you have an old savings or salary account, you should check whether you have any unused accounts with a zero balance. If an account meets both conditions in the notice, they should contact the bank and complete the reactivation process before the deadline.
