ATM Card Charges, SMS Alert Charges & Debit Card Fees of All Indian Banks
Banking charges such as ATM withdrawal fees, debit card annual fees, and SMS alert charges often confuse customers in India. While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates maximum limits, banks are allowed to set their own service charges within those limits.
This complete guide explains ATM card charges, SMS alert fees, and debit card charges across all categories of Indian banks, using only publicly available information and RBI rules. Banks without clear public data follow RBI-standard slabs and are treated accordingly.
Types of Banks in India Covered in This Article
India’s banking system includes the following categories:
- Public Sector Banks
- Private Sector Banks
- Small Finance Banks
- Payments Banks
- Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
- Foreign Banks Operating in India
- Neo / Digital Banking Platforms
This article covers all categories, ensuring nationwide relevance.
RBI Guidelines for ATM Transactions (Applicable to All Banks)
Free ATM Transactions per Month
- Metro cities
- 5 free transactions at own-bank ATMs
- 3 free transactions at other-bank ATMs
- Non-metro cities
- 5 free transactions at any ATM
Charges After Free Limit
- Maximum ₹21 per transaction
- 18% GST applicable
- Balance enquiry is generally free
RBI Rules for SMS Alert Charges
- Banks may charge ₹15–₹25 per quarter
- SMS alerts are optional
- Customers can opt out of paid alerts
- Many digital and payment banks offer free SMS alerts
Public Sector Banks – Charges Overview
Banks Included
State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, Bank of India, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Central Bank of India, UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Punjab & Sind Bank.
Common Charges (PSU Banks)
| Service | Charges |
|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal (after free limit) | ₹21 + GST |
| Debit card annual fee | ₹100 – ₹300 |
| SMS alert charges | ₹15 per quarter |
| Debit card replacement | ₹200 – ₹300 |
Basic savings and senior citizen accounts may get fee waivers.
Private Sector Banks – Charges Overview
Banks Included
HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IndusInd Bank, Yes Bank, IDFC First Bank, Federal Bank, South Indian Bank, RBL Bank, City Union Bank, Karur Vysya Bank.
Common Charges (Private Banks)
| Service | Charges |
|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal | ₹21 + GST |
| Debit card annual fee | ₹200 – ₹1,000 |
| SMS alert charges | ₹15 – ₹25 per quarter |
| Replacement card | ₹200 – ₹500 |
Premium and salary accounts may receive higher free limits.
Small Finance Banks – Charges Overview
Banks Included
AU Small Finance Bank, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, Jana Small Finance Bank, Equitas Small Finance Bank, ESAF Small Finance Bank, Suryoday Small Finance Bank, North East Small Finance Bank.
| Service | Charges |
|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal | ₹21 + GST |
| Debit card annual fee | ₹150 – ₹300 |
| SMS alert charges | ₹15 per quarter |
| Replacement card | ₹200 + GST |
Payments Banks – Charges Overview
Banks Included
Airtel Payments Bank, India Post Payments Bank, Paytm Payments Bank.
| Service | Charges |
|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal | ₹21 + GST |
| Debit card issuance | Mostly Free |
| SMS alerts | Free |
| Replacement card | ₹100 – ₹200 |
Neo / Digital Banking Platforms
Platforms Covered
Jupiter, Fi Money, Niyo (partner-bank based services)
| Service | Charges |
|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal | As per partner bank |
| Debit card annual fee | Free |
| SMS alerts | Free |
| Replacement card | ₹199 – ₹349 |
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
India has 40+ RRBs, sponsored by PSU banks.
- Follow RBI ATM limits
- ATM charge after free limit: ₹21 + GST
- Debit card annual fee: ₹100 – ₹200
- SMS alert charges: ₹15 per quarter
Exact fees depend on the sponsoring bank.
Foreign Banks Operating in India
Examples
HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citibank, Deutsche Bank
| Service | Charges |
|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal | ₹21 – ₹100 |
| Debit card annual fee | ₹500 – ₹3,000 |
| SMS alert charges | ₹20 – ₹25 per quarter |
Foreign banks generally have higher service charges.
Why Bank Charges Differ
- Account type (basic, salary, premium)
- Bank category
- ATM network size
- Digital infrastructure
- Customer location
Tips to Avoid Extra Bank Charges
- Track free ATM transaction limits
- Prefer own-bank ATMs
- Use UPI and net banking
- Choose zero-balance or salary accounts
- Disable optional paid SMS alerts
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and RBI guidelines. Charges may change. Always verify with the bank’s official website before making financial decisions.