Bank Strike 28–30 September 2026: What Works, What Doesn’t
Bank unions strike on 28, 29 and 30 September 2026. Which banks are shut, why PSU banks open on Sunday 27 September, and what still works: UPI, ATMs, NEFT.
By Balaji Anbazhagan
· 6 min read
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Bank unions will strike on Monday 28, Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 September 2026. Today, Saturday 26 September, is the fourth Saturday, so branches are already closed, and tomorrow is a Sunday. Without a fix, branches of public sector banks would be shut for five days in a row. That is why public sector banks and regional rural banks have been told to open on Sunday, 27 September. Here is what the strike means for you and what still works.
The short answer
- Strike dates: 28, 29 and 30 September 2026, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).
- Banks hit hardest: public sector banks such as SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, PNB and Union Bank, and regional rural banks.
- Private banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak are not part of the strike, though some services that pass through other banks may slow down.
- Still works: UPI, ATMs, net banking, mobile apps, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, cards and auto-debits.
- Won’t work at striking banks: cash and cheques at the counter, demand drafts, locker access, KYC updates, new accounts and loan papers.
- Extra day: public sector bank and RRB branches open on Sunday, 27 September. Call your branch to check its hours.
- Next threat: an indefinite strike from 26 October 2026 if the dispute is not settled.
Why bank employees are striking
The main demand is a five-day banking week, with every Saturday a holiday instead of only the second and fourth. Unions say banks and unions agreed to this in a settlement and joint note dated 8 March 2024, as part of the last wage revision, but the government has not yet notified it.
The unions also want the government’s Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme withdrawn or changed through talks, and several other pending issues settled, including pension updation for retirees.
UFBU is an umbrella body of seven unions of bank employees and officers: AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF and INBOC.
Talks failed, so the strike stands
A conciliation meeting was held before the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner in New Delhi. The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Department of Financial Services told the unions that the five-day week was “under consideration by the government” and asked them to defer the strike. The unions said they would reconsider only if there was concrete progress, and issued a circular saying the strike “stands”.
A strike can still be called off at the last minute if the government makes a firm promise, as has happened before. Plan as if it will go ahead.
Which days banks are closed
| Date | Day | Public sector banks | Private banks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Sep | Saturday | Closed (fourth Saturday) | Closed (fourth Saturday) |
| 27 Sep | Sunday | Open (special working day) | Closed |
| 28 Sep | Monday | Strike | Open |
| 29 Sep | Tuesday | Strike | Open |
| 30 Sep | Wednesday | Strike (also half-yearly closing) | Open |
| 1 Oct | Thursday | Open | Open |
| 2 Oct | Friday | Closed (Gandhi Jayanti) | Closed (Gandhi Jayanti) |
After the strike, banks shut again on Friday 2 October for Gandhi Jayanti. See all the October dates in our October 2026 bank holiday list and on the bank holidays page.
What still works during the strike
| Service | During the strike |
|---|---|
| UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM) | Works |
| ATM cash withdrawal | Works, though some ATMs may run out of cash |
| Net banking and mobile banking | Works |
| NEFT, RTGS, IMPS | Works |
| Debit and credit card payments | Works |
| EMIs, SIPs and auto-debits | Go through as usual |
| Business correspondents and customer service points | Mostly open |
| Cash deposit or withdrawal at the counter | Not available at striking banks |
| Cheque deposit and clearing | Delayed |
| Demand drafts, pay orders | Not available |
| Locker access | Not available |
| KYC updates, new accounts, loan documents | Not available |
What to do before and during the strike
- Use Sunday 27 September if your work needs a branch: cash, a demand draft, a locker or a signature on loan papers.
- Withdraw cash early. ATMs near busy markets can run dry over a long closure.
- Don’t deposit a cheque that must clear by 30 September. Pay by NEFT, RTGS or UPI instead.
- Check payments due on 30 September. It is the last day of the half-year, and some deadlines fall on it. Pay online.
- Keep the money in your account for EMIs and SIPs. Auto-debits still run, and a bounce costs a fee.
- Watch for scam calls. Fraudsters use strikes and holidays to pretend to be from your bank. Your bank will never ask for your OTP, PIN or password.
Your FD and RD are safe
A strike does not touch your deposits. Interest on FDs and RDs is calculated as usual, and a deposit that matures on a strike day earns interest until it is paid or renewed. If you want to see what your deposit will earn, use the FD calculator or the RD calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a bank strike on 28 September 2026? Yes. The United Forum of Bank Unions has called a nationwide strike on 28, 29 and 30 September 2026. Talks with the Indian Banks’ Association and the government did not settle the dispute.
Is SBI closed on 28, 29 and 30 September? SBI is a public sector bank, so its branches are expected to be hit by the strike. SBI’s ATMs, YONO app, net banking and UPI keep working.
Are banks open on Sunday, 27 September 2026? Public sector banks and regional rural banks are opening on Sunday, 27 September, so customers can finish branch work before the strike. Private banks are not covered. Ask your branch for its hours.
Will UPI work during the bank strike? Yes. UPI, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, cards, ATMs and mobile banking are automated and keep working.
Are HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank on strike? No. Private banks are not part of the UFBU strike. Their branches stay open, though cheques drawn on striking banks may take longer to clear.
What is the five-day banking week? It would make every Saturday a bank holiday. Today banks close only on the second and fourth Saturdays. Unions and the IBA agreed on it in March 2024, but it needs government approval before it can start.
Sources
- Business Standard, “Bank unions to go ahead with 3-day strike despite govt, management appeals”, 22 September 2026: business-standard.com
- Upstox, “Bank strike talks fail: 3-day strike from Sept 28 to go ahead”, 23 September 2026: upstox.com
- ETV Bharat, “Bank Strike Set For September 28-30 As Talks Fail, Unions Firm On Five-Day Week”: etvbharat.com
- UNI Global Union, “Indian banking unions renew strike call for a five-day work week”: uniglobalunion.org
- PSU Connect, “Bank Strike Sept 28-30 2026: Banks Will Remain Open for One Extra Day”: psuconnect.in
- LatestLY, “Bank Strike September 28-30: When, Why and What Services Will Be Affected”, 25 September 2026: latestly.com
This article is for general information and education, not financial, tax or investment advice. Rules and rates change; check official sources or consult a qualified professional before acting. See our disclaimer.