RBI confirms two-day nationwide bank closure this weekend
The Reserve Bank of India has confirmed that all public and private sector banks, including major lenders like SBI, HDFC, and ICICI, will remain closed nationwide on May 23 and May 24, 2026. These dates correspond to the fourth Saturday and Sunday of the month, both of which are mandatory closures under RBI’s uniform banking calendar. The shutdown will affect in-person banking services across all states, regardless of regional holiday variations.
What this means for customers nationwide
Customers will not be able to access branch-based services such as cash deposits, cheque clearance, demand draft issuance, or locker visits during the closure. However, essential banking functions will remain available through digital channels, including UPI payments, NEFT and RTGS transfers, and ATM withdrawals. Banks caution that occasional service interruptions may occur due to scheduled maintenance, but these are usually communicated in advance.
Digital banking options during closures
- UPI services allow round-the-clock payments and money transfers even when branches are closed.
- NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS enable fund transfers between bank accounts during holidays.
- ATMs remain operational for cash withdrawals, balance enquiries, and mini statements.
- Mobile and internet banking apps let customers view statements, download documents, and manage accounts online.India Today+ 2
RBI’s holiday policy and May 2026 schedule
Under RBI guidelines, all scheduled and non-scheduled banks close on all Sundays, the second and fourth Saturdays, and gazetted public holidays. For May 2026, the RBI has listed nine holidays, including May 1 for May Day/Buddha Purnima, May 9 for the second Saturday, and May 27 for Bakrid/Eid al-Adha. The uniform weekend closure policy ensures consistency nationwide, while festival-related holidays may vary by state.
Upcoming closures to watch
Beyond the May 23–24 weekend, banks will also close on May 27 for Bakrid/Eid al-Adha and on May 31 for the Sunday holiday. These closures come after earlier shutdowns this month on May 1 and May 9, making May a month with multiple non-operational days for physical banking. Customers are advised to plan branch visits accordingly to avoid delays in critical transactions.