PNB Minimum Balance Requirements and Charges 2025 – Complete Guide
Updated: May 2025
Punjab National Bank (PNB), a trusted name among India’s public sector banks, has updated its minimum balance rules and penalty charges for the year 2025. This article provides complete, up-to-date information on PNB minimum balance requirements, non-maintenance charges, zero balance account types, and how to avoid penalties.
✅ Whether you’re a student, senior citizen, salaried employee, or rural customer—this guide will help you understand your PNB savings account obligations in 2025.
What Is Monthly Average Balance (MAB) in PNB?
Effective from October 1, 2024, PNB moved from Quarterly Average Balance (QAB) to Monthly Average Balance (MAB) for savings accounts. This means you need to maintain an average balance every month, not every quarter.
PNB Minimum Balance Requirement 2025 (By Branch Category)
| Branch Type | Monthly Average Balance (MAB) | Applicable Accounts |
|---|---|---|
| Rural | ₹500 | Regular Savings Accounts |
| Semi-Urban | ₹1,000 | Regular Savings Accounts |
| Urban / Metro Cities | ₹2,000 | Regular Savings Accounts |
👉 The MAB is calculated as the sum of end-of-day balances in a month divided by the number of days.
PNB Charges for Not Maintaining Minimum Balance
PNB imposes monthly penalties if the MAB is not maintained. Charges depend on:
- Branch category
- Degree of shortfall
| Branch Type | Shortfall ≤ 50% | Shortfall > 50% |
|---|---|---|
| Rural | ₹50/month | ₹100/month |
| Semi-Urban | ₹100/month | ₹150/month |
| Urban/Metro | ₹150/month | ₹250/month |
⚠️ These charges are exclusive of GST (currently 18%) and are deducted directly from your account.
Official Reference
These rules are based on PNB’s Revised Service Charges Circular No. 01/2024, dated September 2024. You can verify it on PNB’s official website under the service charges section.
Who Is Exempt from Minimum Balance Requirement in PNB?
The following categories are exempted from minimum balance penalties:
- BSBDA (Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts)
- Accounts held by senior citizens (some types)
- Student and minor accounts
- Accounts under PMJDY (Jan Dhan)
- PNB Rakshak accounts for defense personnel
- Salary and Pension Accounts (tied to employers)
You can apply for an upgrade or account change if you fall into one of these categories.
PNB Zero Balance Savings Account Options (2025)
| Account Type | Minimum Balance | Eligibility | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSBDA | ₹0 | Anyone | Basic banking services, no charges |
| PNB Rakshak Account | ₹0 | Armed forces, defense, paramilitary | Insurance cover, no MAB, priority service |
| PNB MySalary Account | ₹0 | Salaried employees (with employer tie-up) | Free debit card, unlimited transactions |
| PNB Junior SF Account | ₹0 | Minors (below 18) | For students/minors with parents’ control |
| PNB Power Savings (Women) | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | Women above 18 years | Preferential benefits, lower MAB |
| PMJDY Savings Account | ₹0 | Economically weaker sections | Zero balance, overdraft facility |
How to Check Monthly Average Balance in PNB
You can check your average balance via:
- PNB One Mobile App → Go to “Accounts” → “Balance Summary”
- Internet Banking → Click “Account Summary” → View MAB
- SMS Banking → Send
BAL <Account Number>to 5607040 - Visit Branch and request a balance certificate
Examples to Understand PNB MAB
Example 1: Semi-Urban Account
| Day of Month | EOD Balance |
|---|---|
| Day 1–15 | ₹0 |
| Day 16–30 | ₹2,000 |
| Total | ₹30,000 |
| MAB | ₹1,000 ✅ (Requirement Met) |
Example 2: Metro Account
| Day 1–30 | ₹1,000 daily |
| Total | ₹30,000 |
| MAB | ₹1,000 ❌ (Below ₹2,000)
Penalty of ₹150 + GST applicable.
How to Avoid PNB Minimum Balance Charges
Here are some practical ways to avoid penalties:
- Switch to zero balance account like BSBDA or PNB MySalary if eligible.
- Maintain monthly auto-credit (e.g., salary or SIP) to keep balance.
- Set balance alerts using mobile or SMS banking.
- Transfer small top-ups from UPI wallets like PhonePe, GPay, etc.
- Track MAB every 10 days to avoid surprises at month-end.
Other Key PNB Charges 2025 (Updated)
| Service | Charges |
|---|---|
| ATM Withdrawals (after free limit) | ₹20 per transaction |
| Cheque Book (beyond free limit) | ₹2 per leaf |
| NEFT (Branch) | ₹2 to ₹20 depending on amount |
| IMPS | ₹5 to ₹20 |
| SMS Alerts (Annual) | ₹15 + GST |
| ECS / NACH Return | ₹250 per bounce |
👉 Digital transactions via UPI, internet/mobile banking are mostly free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum balance in PNB for students?
Students can open PNB Junior SF Account or BSBDA with zero balance requirement.
How do I convert my PNB account to zero balance?
Visit your branch and request conversion to BSBDA or Salary Account if eligible. KYC re-verification may be needed.
Are there any account closure charges in PNB?
Yes. If closed within 14 days: No charge
If closed after 14 days but within 1 year: ₹300 + GST
How often are penalty charges deducted?
Charges are deducted monthly, generally between the 1st and 5th of the following month.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the PNB minimum balance policy in 2025 is essential to avoid unwanted penalties and make the most of your savings account. Whether you live in a rural village or a metro city, you can always switch to a zero balance option or monitor your monthly balance with the PNB One app.
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