Introduction:

Public and private sector banks in India have adjusted their operations to serve customers on both weekdays and weekends. This shift is per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) instructions from August 2015, requiring banks to open on the first and third Saturdays each month, and on the fifth Saturday if there is one. However, if a public or banking holiday falls on a scheduled working Saturday, banks will be closed to maintain efficiency and observe holidays. To help customers understand bank schedules for Saturdays, detailed information is accessible, enabling better planning of financial transactions. Knowing which banks follow these rules aids customers in accessing services without disruption. The move to include Saturdays in banking hours is a coordinated attempt by banks to improve customer convenience and access while following RBI guidelines and addressing customers’ changing needs.

List of Banks and Their Saturday Timings

Saturday banking hours can differ based on a bank's location, individual policies, services, and the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and state and central governments. Generally, most banks maintain similar hours for weekdays and Saturdays. Here's a snapshot of key banks and their hours:

State Bank of India:

• Weekday: 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
• Saturday: 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.

Bank of India:

• Weekday: 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
• Saturday: 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.

Bank of Baroda:

• Weekday: 9:45 A.M. – 4:45 P.M. / 10 A.M. – 5 P.M.
• Saturday: 9:45 A.M. – 4:45 P.M. / 10 A.M. – 5 P.M.

Punjab National Bank:

• Weekday: 10 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
• Saturday: 10 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

ICICI Bank:

• Weekday: 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
• Saturday: 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

Canara Bank:

• Weekday: 10 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
• Saturday: 10 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.

HDFC Bank:

• Weekday: 9:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
• Saturday: 9:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Yes Bank:

• Weekday: 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
• Saturday: 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

Axis Bank:

• Weekday: 9:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
• Saturday: 9:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Kotak Mahindra Bank:

• Weekday: 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
• Saturday: 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

Saturday Banking Holidays in 2023

For 2023, there are 24 marked Saturday banking holidays, including all second and fourth Saturdays of each month:

1. Second Saturday: 14 January 2023
2. Fourth Saturday: 28 January 2023
3. Second Saturday: 11 February 2023
4. Fourth Saturday: 25 February 2023
5. Second Saturday: 11 March 2023
6. Fourth Saturday: 25 March 2023
7. Second Saturday: 8 April 2023
8. Fourth Saturday: 22 April 2023
9. Second Saturday: 13 May 2023
10. Fourth Saturday: 27 May 2023
11. Second Saturday: 10 June 2023
12. Fourth Saturday: 24 June 2023
13. Second Saturday: 8 July 2023
14. Fourth Saturday: 22 July 2023
15. Second Saturday: 12 August 2023
16. Fourth Saturday: 26 August 2023
17. Second Saturday: 9 September 2023
18. Fourth Saturday: 23 September 2023
19. Second Saturday: 14 October 2023
20. Fourth Saturday: 28 October 2023
21. Second Saturday: 11 November 2023
22. Fourth Saturday: 25 November 2023
23. Second Saturday: 9 December 2023
24. Fourth Saturday: 23 December 2023

List of Banking Services Accessible on Banking Holidays

Some banking services stay available during holidays:

• ATM Services: Available 24/7 for cash withdrawals, balance checks, and more.
• Cheque Drop Services: Allows depositing cheques at ATMs or drop boxes.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI): Provides real-time mobile fund transfers.
• Net Banking and Mobile Banking: Enables account management and transactions online.
• Immediate Payment Services (IMPS): Facilitates instant inter-bank transfers.

Services Unavailable on Banking Holidays

Certain services are not offered on holidays:

• National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT): Offline branches do not support NEFT on holidays, but some online options might.
• Services Requiring Physical Presence: Cannot conduct in-person tasks, such as account opening or manual transactions.
• Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS): Typically offline during holidays, though may be available online.
• Other Unavailable Services: Includes tasks needing face-to-face interaction, like resolving account issues or executing certain loans.

Closing Thoughts

This guide provides detailed understanding of Saturday bank timings, enhancing the planning of banking activities. Understanding these schedules aids in efficient banking experiences by facilitating transactions, assistance, or inquiries. The inclusion of Saturday services marks a shift toward customer-friendly banking, driven by RBI guidelines and embraced by banks. However, knowing limited service availability during holidays, like in-person verifications, is crucial. This proactive banking approach aligns with modern demands for flexible, convenient banking, fostering customer satisfaction and efficiency. As banks continue to evolve, responsive adaptations to customer needs will likely strengthen loyalty and underscore their role as vital financial partners.