# Cash Access Made Simpler During Bank Strike: SBI Waives Transaction Fees Across All ATMs > State Bank of India has announced free cash withdrawals at ATMs of any bank nationwide from September 28 to 30, easing access during the planned three-day bank strike. **Type:** article · **Category:** Business · **Published:** 2026-09-25 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/business/bainka-haratala-ke-daurana-kaisha-nikasi-asana-sbi-ne-kisi-bhi-atm-para-lagane-vala-tranjaikshana-shulka-hataya-38458 · **Language:** English **Tags:** State Bank of India, Bank Strike, ATM Charges, Cash Withdrawal, Digital Banking, Public Sector Banks Ahead of a planned three-day nationwide bank strike scheduled from September 28 to September 30, 2026, State Bank of India has introduced a major convenience for its vast customer base. During this strike window, account holders will be able to withdraw cash from ATMs operated by any bank across the country without incurring typical transaction fees. While customers normally encounter extra charges once they exceed monthly limits on third-party machines, this financial waiver removes that barrier, though account holders are still reminded to observe general operational terms and conditions. In a formal update shared on social media platform X, State Bank of India stated that ATM transaction charges will remain waived between September 28 and September 30. This blanket waiver covers cash withdrawals across all banking network ATMs nationwide, ensuring that people with pressing liquidity needs during the strike can tap the closest available cash dispenser without worrying about supplementary debit fees. > ## Branches to Remain Open Despite Industrial Action State Bank of India reiterated that its physical branch network will remain operational throughout the duration of the strike. Even so, the lender has advised patrons with critical, branch-dependent paperwork or transactions to conclude their business before the strike commences. Customers are also being encouraged to lean heavily on automated self-service counters and digital banking channels to avoid queuing up at brick-and-mortar locations. ## Uninterrupted Access via Digital and Mobile Platforms Standard electronic channels will remain fully functional while the three-day strike runs its course. Account holders can manage regular money matters via mobile banking, internet banking, and WhatsApp banking tools. High-volume payment systems and instant transfer rails including UPI, IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS will continue facilitating money movement, purchases, and clearing. Consequently, users will have fewer reasons to visit physical branch counters for basic financial needs, though actual response times for specific services may reflect localized staffing adjustments. ## Sunday Operations Mandated for September 27 To mitigate potential service disruptions prior to the three-day shutdown, authorities directed all public sector banks and regional rural banks to open their branch doors on Sunday, September 27. Employee unions have protested against turning Sunday into a regular working day. Worker representatives have petitioned either for a total revocation of the directive or compensatory off days paired with double pay for all personnel reporting on Sunday. According to the union representatives, the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services has taken a constructive stance and assured them of an equitable resolution. ## What this means for you This decision protects millions of bank customers from additional transaction expenses when seeking immediate cash during the strike period. - **Across India:** State Bank account holders can withdraw cash from any bank ATM nationwide between September 28 and 30 without incurring transaction fees. This allows individuals to access funds at the nearest available machine without worrying about third-party charges. - **For Branch Visitors:** While bank branches will open, customers are advised to settle important paper-based transactions before September 28. Complicated branch-dependent requests might encounter operational slowdowns during the strike. - **For Digital Users:** UPI, mobile apps, and internet banking systems will operate normally throughout the three days. Customers can execute transfers and bill payments electronically without making in-person visits to physical branches. - **Sunday Banking Access:** Public sector and regional rural bank branches will remain open on Sunday, September 27. Anyone with urgent cash deposits or branch requirements can utilize this extra working day before the strike begins. ## Why this happened The move comes in response to a planned three-day nationwide strike by bank unions from September 28 to September 30, 2026, which threatened routine cash availability. - **Direct Trigger:** A scheduled three-day national strike by bank staff unions prompted the temporary fee waiver. The bank rolled out free withdrawals across all networks so account holders would not suffer penalties while searching for working ATMs. - **Preemptive Sunday Directive:** To mitigate disruptions before the shutdown, authorities directed public sector and rural regional banks to operate on Sunday, September 27. This was designed to handle high footfalls prior to the work stoppage. - **Staff Union Pushback:** Employee organizations opposed working on Sunday and demanded either a withdrawal of the notification or compensatory days off with double pay. The Secretary of the Department of Financial Services has offered assurances of a constructive resolution. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. When is the SBI ATM transaction fee waiver applicable? The fee waiver is active during the three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026. ### 2. Can SBI account holders withdraw cash for free from any bank ATM? Yes, customers can withdraw cash from ATMs operated by any bank across the country without paying transaction charges during this period. ### 3. Will State Bank of India branches stay open during the strike? Yes, SBI has confirmed that its branches are scheduled to remain open throughout the strike period. ### 4. Are bank branches opening on Sunday, September 27? Yes, government directives require all public sector banks and regional rural banks to operate on Sunday, September 27. ### 5. Which digital banking services will operate during the strike? All digital payment modes including mobile banking, internet banking, WhatsApp banking, UPI, IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS will remain available. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._