While many government banks are removing the rule of maintaining a minimum balance in savings accounts, private lender ICICI Bank has gone the opposite way — increasing the minimum balance limit for new savings accounts.
The bank has also revised some service charges. These changes will mostly affect new customers living in metro and urban areas.
From 1 August 2025, anyone opening a new ICICI Bank savings account will need to keep more than ₹10,000 in their account — in fact, the required balance is now much higher.
New Minimum Balance Rules
For Metro and Urban Branches
Earlier: ₹10,000 average monthly balance (MAMB)
Now: ₹50,000 MAMB (5 times more than before)
For Semi-Urban Branches
Earlier: ₹5,000
Now: ₹25,000
For Rural Branches
Earlier: ₹5,000
Now: ₹10,000
Who Will Be Affected?
Applies only to new savings accounts opened on or after 1 August 2025.
Old account holders will follow the existing rules unless the bank announces changes separately.
Salary accounts (zero balance) and BSBDA accounts (Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts) remain unaffected.
Cash Deposit & Withdrawal Limits
Free Transactions: 3 per month (includes branch and cash recycler machine transactions).
After Limit: ₹150 per extra transaction.
Monthly Free Value: Up to ₹1 lakh. Above ₹1 lakh — ₹3.5 per ₹1,000 or ₹150 (whichever is higher).
Third-Party Transactions: Limit of ₹25,000 per transaction for both deposits and withdrawals.
Non-Working Hours Cash Deposit Charges:
If you deposit over ₹10,000 between 4:30 pm–9 am or on holidays, an extra ₹50 fee will be charged (in addition to normal charges).
Other Bank ATM Charges
Metro Cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad)
After 3 free financial transactions: ₹23 per transaction.
After 3 free non-financial transactions: ₹8.5 per transaction.
Why This Matters
If you are planning to open a new ICICI Bank savings account after 1 August 2025, be prepared for a much higher balance requirement, especially in metro and urban areas. This could significantly increase your banking costs.
Where to Get Details
ICICI Bank has posted the updated schedule of charges and balance rules on its official website. You can also visit your nearest branch for complete information.
