Key Highlights
ICICI Bank has significantly raised its Minimum Average Balance (MAB) requirements for new savings accounts opened on or after August 1, 2025, especially targeting metro and urban customers. The revised slabs are:
- Metro & Urban: ₹50,000, up from ₹10,000
- Semi-Urban: ₹25,000, up from ₹5,000
- Rural: ₹10,000, up from ₹2,500
Failure to maintain the required MAB will result in a penalty of 6% of the shortfall or ₹500, whichever is lower. ICICI continues to offer three free cash deposits or withdrawals per month—across branches and cash recycler machines—up to a cumulative value of ₹1 lakh; beyond this, charges apply. Salary accounts remain unaffected. This marks the first such hike since 2015 and places ICICI’s requirements among the steepest in the industry.
Editor’s Insights
This policy shift indicates ICICI Bank’s strategic pivot toward a more affluent customer base. By raising entry thresholds five-fold in metro branches, the bank is effectively encouraging only those with higher disposable funds to maintain regular savings accounts. While this may streamline operational costs, it risks undermining financial inclusion, especially for lower-income individuals. Watch for potential migration toward banks with lower or no balance requirements, such as SBI, which eliminated its MAB rule in 2020.
Sources & Attribution
Information referenced from trusted financial news platforms:
Legal Disclaimer
This summary reflects information derived from publicly available media and official policy updates. EveningHeadline.com does not claim ownership of the original content.
This is not financial advice. Customers concerned about maintaining the revised MAB are advised to review ICICI Bank’s official terms and consult a financial professional if needed.
The policy change relates only to new non-salary savings account openings and is subject to prevailing banking regulations.
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