RBI has introduced new deposit rules from 1st January 2026, targeting greater transparency, uniformity and customer protection.
| Savings Rule | Key Change |
| Uniform Rate | Same rate ≤ ₹1 lakh across banks |
| EOD Balance | Interest on daily closing balance |
| Quarterly Credit | Every 3 months |
Uniform Interest Rate Up to ₹1 Lakh Balance
Under this new rule, all banks must offer the same interest rate on savings balances up to ₹1 lakh, regardless of whether it's SBI, HDFC, ICICI or any other bank. Above ₹1 lakh, banks can set their own rates.
For Example
With ₹1,20,000 balance in saving account, up to ₹1,00,000 interest rate will be same, while the remaining interest on ₹20,000 can be decided by bank's chosen rate.
Interest Calculated on End-of-Day Balance
Interest on savings accounts shifts from average monthly balance to daily End-of-Day Balance which means now bank will calculate interest only on the balance available at the end of each day.
For Example
| Time | Transaction | Balance |
| Morning | Opening Balance | ₹20,000 |
| Afternoon | Cash Withdrawal | ₹6,000 |
| Evening | Cash Deposited | ₹2,000 |
Interest to be earned on ₹16,000 i.e., End-of-Day Balance.
Interest To Be Credited Quarterly
Calculated daily interest is credited quarterly in every 3 months - Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec, Jan-Mar i.e., 4 times in a year.
This rule will be applicable for all banks.
Earlier, some banks credited interest monthly, half-yearly, or annually. But now there will be only one system - quarterly credit.
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