RBI Issues Amendment Directions to Strengthen BSBD Account Guidelines
RBI has released seven Amendment Directions to update BSBD account guidelines across banking categories, aiming to enhance financial inclusion and improve customer services.
The Reserve Bank of India on December 4, 2025, issued a comprehensive set of seven Amendment Directions to update and strengthen the guidelines governing Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts. The move follows a detailed review of the existing framework to align the BSBD account structure with evolving customer needs in an increasingly digital banking ecosystem.
The BSBD account was originally introduced to offer essential banking services free of charge, with the objective of deepening financial inclusion across the country. The rapid growth of digital banking and expanding access to financial services prompted the central bank to revisit the framework. Draft directions for the revised BSBD guidelines were released on October 1, 2025, seeking public comments and feedback.
According to the RBI, the feedback received from stakeholders has been analysed and appropriately incorporated into the finalised directions. A summary of the responses and RBI’s view has been published separately as an annex.
The central bank has now issued seven Amendment Directions applicable to different categories of banks, which include:
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Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks – Responsible Business Conduct) Amendment Directions, 2025
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Reserve Bank of India (Small Finance Banks – Responsible Business Conduct) Amendment Directions, 2025
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Reserve Bank of India (Payments Banks – Responsible Business Conduct) Amendment Directions, 2025
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Reserve Bank of India (Local Area Banks – Responsible Business Conduct) Amendment Directions, 2025
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Reserve Bank of India (Regional Rural Banks – Responsible Business Conduct) Amendment Directions, 2025
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Reserve Bank of India (Urban Co-operative Banks – Responsible Business Conduct) Amendment Directions, 2025
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Reserve Bank of India (Rural Co-operative Banks – Responsible Business Conduct) Amendment Directions, 2025
The RBI said these amendments aim to ensure affordable access to banking services, promote wider adoption of BSBD accounts, and enhance customer service standards across all categories of banks.
The revised framework is expected to improve the utility, transparency, and customer experience associated with BSBD accounts, while supporting the country’s broader financial inclusion goals.