The State Bank of India (SBI) has recently issued an important public notice (dated 16 August 2025) for customers whose regular savings bank accounts have become inoperative due to inactivity. This notice is a reminder to all affected account holders to update their KYC details and reactivate their accounts to avoid automatic closure.
Let’s understand in simple terms what this notice means, why it’s important, and how you can take quick action.
What is an Inoperative Account?
A Savings Bank account becomes “inoperative” when there are no customer-initiated transactions (like deposits, withdrawals, fund transfers, or cheque usage) for two consecutive years.
This inactivity might happen for various reasons — such as not using the account, forgetting about it, or shifting to another bank.
In short, if you haven’t used your SBI savings account for more than 24 months, it is likely marked as inoperative.
What Does the SBI Notice Say?
According to the public notice released on August 16, 2025, SBI has made the following announcements:
- All regular savings bank account holders who haven’t made any transactions in the past two years should check their account status.
- Such accounts are currently classified as “inoperative.”
- SBI requests these customers to approach any SBI branch and update their KYC details.
- Alternatively, customers can also reactivate their account online through:
- SBI Internet Banking
- SBI YONO Mobile App
- SBI ATM
- SBI WhatsApp Banking
- SBI Internet Banking
- Important: Inoperative accounts that have zero balance (nil balance) and remain inactive for more than one year after becoming inoperative will be closed automatically after one month of this notice (if KYC is not updated).
This means customers have one month’s time from the date of notice to take action — i.e., by 16 September 2025.
Why Does SBI Need KYC Updates?
KYC (Know Your Customer) is a mandatory process set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to verify the identity and address of customers. It helps banks prevent fraud, money laundering, and misuse of accounts.
If your account has been inactive, the bank requires you to reconfirm your details to ensure that the account holder is genuine and that the account is not being misused.
Your KYC documents generally include:
- Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License
- Proof of Address: Aadhaar Card, Utility Bill, Rent Agreement, or Passport
How to Reactivate Your Inoperative SBI Account
SBI has made the reactivation process simple. You can either visit a branch or use digital platforms.
Option 1: Visit Your Nearest SBI Branch
- Carry your KYC documents (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.).
- Fill out the Account Reactivation / KYC Update Form.
- The bank staff will verify your documents.
- Make a small deposit or withdrawal to make your account operative again.
Option 2: Reactivate Online (Without Visiting Branch)
You can update your KYC or reactivate your account through:
- SBI Internet Banking: Log in → Profile → Update KYC/Personal Details
- SBI YONO App: Go to “Service Request” → “Update KYC”
- SBI ATM: Perform a transaction like a balance check or withdrawal.
- SBI WhatsApp Banking: Chat with SBI’s official number and follow the KYC update process.
Tip: Even a small transaction (₹10 deposit or withdrawal) can make your account active again.
What Happens If You Don’t Update KYC?
If your inoperative account has:
- Nil balance (₹0 balance), and
- Has remained inoperative for over one year,
then SBI will automatically close such accounts after one month of this notice — without any further intimation.
This means, if your account fits the above condition and you do not update your KYC or make any transaction before 16 September 2025, your account may be permanently closed.
SBI’s Appeal to Customers
SBI has urged all its customers to check their account activity and update KYC at the earliest. This will ensure that:
- You do not lose access to your bank account.
- You can continue to use your account for transactions, online banking, and UPI.
- Your financial history and linked services (like SIPs, insurance, or EMIs) remain uninterrupted.
How to Check If Your Account Is Inoperative
You can easily find out if your SBI account is active or not through these methods:
- Check via Internet Banking/YONO App:
Log in → Account Summary → Status will show as Active or Inoperative. - Visit an SBI ATM:
Try a balance inquiry or mini statement. If the transaction fails, the account may be inactive. - Contact Customer Care:
Call SBI customer care at 1800 1234 / 1800 2100 / 1800 425 3800 and ask about your account status. - Visit Your Home Branch:
The staff can verify your account activity instantly.
Benefits of Reactivating Your Account
Reactivating your account comes with several advantages:
- Regain access to your funds and linked services.
- Continue receiving interest on your savings.
- Use the account for UPI, debit card, and online transactions.
- Avoid future KYC or account closure issues.
Deadline Reminder
- Notice Date: 16 August 2025
- Action Deadline: Within one month (by 16 September 2025)
After this, SBI will start closing inoperative accounts with zero balance and no KYC update.
Final Thoughts
This public notice from the State Bank of India is a gentle but urgent reminder to all customers:
If your savings account has been inactive for two years, don’t delay — update your KYC now.
Reactivating your account is quick, free, and easy, and it ensures that your money remains safe and accessible. Whether you use SBI’s digital platforms or visit your branch, completing your KYC will prevent account closure and keep your banking services running smoothly.
Key Takeaway:
Check your SBI account status today.
Update your KYC online or offline.
Avoid closure by 16 September 2025.