Reserve Bank of India Announces Clarifications On Free ATM Transactions

The Reserve Bank of India has clarified that banks should not treat failed transactions at ATMs or non-cash transactions such as balance enquiries or chequebook requests as part of five free transactions available to customers every month. In a latest notificiation, the central bank stated that it had come to its notice that transactions that have failed due to technical reasons, non-availability of currency in ATMs, etc., are also included in the number of free ATM transactions.

It is hereby clarified that transactions which fail on account of technical reasons like hardware, software, communication issues; non-availability of currency notes in the ATM; and other declines ascribable directly / wholly to the bank / service provider; invalid PIN / validations; etc., shall not be counted as valid ATM transactions for the customer. Consequently, no charges therefor shall be levied, the bank noted.

Non-cash withdrawal transactions (such as balance inquiry, cheque book request, payment of taxes, funds transfer, etc.), which constitute 'on-us' transactions (i.e., when a card is used at an ATM of the bank which has issued the card) shall also not be part of the number of free ATM transactions. This directive is issued under Section 10(2) read with Section 18 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (Act 51 of 2007).

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