RBI relaxes norms on using other banks' ATMs in metro cities

The Reserve Bank on Friday said the number of free transactions in a month at non-home ATMs would remain three in six identified metros but customers of these centres can use their card without cost two more times in non-metro centres.

"As per the latest instruction, while this overall cap (five free ATM transactions) remains unchanged, three transactions, inclusive of both financial and non-financial, would be free of charge if carried out at other bank ATMs located in six metro centres," the RBI notification said.

"Accordingly, if transactions are carried out at both six metro centres and other locations, the total number of free-of-charge transactions at other bank ATMs would continue to remain five," it said.

The RBI in August had said that the number of free ATM transactions for savings bank account customers at other banks' ATMs would be reduced from the present 5 to 3 transactions per month (inclusive of both financial and non-financial transactions) for transactions done at the ATMs located in 6 metro centres.

A customer will be required to pay a fee of up to Rs 20 for using Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) beyond the permitted numbers of transactions in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad, it had said.

The RBI's latest directive would be applicable from November 1, 2014.

However, the RBI said that banks are free to offer more number of free transactions per month at other bank ATMs as well as their own ATMs in any geographical location if they desire so.

Banks are also free to decide on the combination for metro and non-metro locations of free transactions while adhering to minimum requirements, the RBI notification said.