Big Shock for Customers! After ICICI, HDFC Bank’s ‘Shocking’ Decision; Major Changes in Cash Transactions, Chequebook, and Digital Charges

Mumbai | After ICICI Bank, now another leading private bank in the country, HDFC Bank, has announced new rules for its customers. These rules have come into effect from August 1, 2025, and will directly impact millions of savings account holders. Especially for those customers who still prefer cash transactions, this news is going to be worrisome. This is being considered a big shock for customers – HDFC Bank’s ‘shocking’ decision after ICICI.

Key Highlights of the New Rules –

Only 4 Free Cash Transactions per Month
– On the 5th transaction, a direct charge of ₹150 will apply
– Earlier, the free limit was up to ₹2 lakh, now it has been reduced to ₹1 lakh
– For transactions above ₹1 lakh, ₹5 per ₹1,000 will be charged (minimum ₹150)

Digital Transactions Will No Longer Be ‘Free’
– Step-by-step charges have been introduced on NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS
– NEFT: Up to ₹10,000 → ₹2; ₹1L–2L → ₹14; Above ₹2L → ₹24
– RTGS: ₹2L–5L → ₹20; Above ₹5L → ₹45
– IMPS: Up to ₹1,000 → ₹2.5; Above ₹1L → ₹15

Other Services Now ‘Chargeable’
– Balance, interest, address certificate: ₹100 (₹90 for senior citizens)
– Old records / cheque copy: ₹80 (₹72 for senior citizens)
– PIN regeneration will now remain free

Chequebook Also Hit
– Only one chequebook of 10 leaves free per year
– After that, ₹4 per leaf will be charged
– Some concessions apply for senior citizens

No Change in Third-Party Transactions
– Daily transaction limit of ₹25,000 remains the same
– But regular charges will continue to apply

HDFC Bank’s Clarification
According to the bank, all these changes have been made with the objective of encouraging digital banking and making transactions more secure and transparent. However, customers believe that these changes will increase the financial burden, especially on the middle class and senior citizens.

What’s the Customer Reaction?
This decision of the bank has sparked anger on social media. Many customers have criticized this new policy as “more charges than services.” Especially rural customers and those who depend on regular cash transactions are likely to face major difficulties. After ICICI, HDFC Bank’s new rules have started a new trend in the banking sector. This could prompt other private banks to implement similar fee policies. Customers will now be forced to change their transaction methods, otherwise the cost of every transaction will keep rising.