Bank Strike: Are Private Banks Closed From September 28-30?
A three-day nationwide bank strike is scheduled from September 28 to September 30, 2026, raising questions among customers about whether private-sector banks will also remain closed. The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and is primarily expected to affect public sector banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
A three-day nationwide bank strike is scheduled from September 28 to September 30, 2026, raising questions among customers about whether private-sector banks will also remain closed. The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and is primarily expected to affect public sector banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). Private banks are generally expected to remain operational during the strike.
Are Private Banks Closed From September 28–30?
No, private banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank are not part of the UFBU strike and are expected to remain open from September 28 to 30. The strike primarily involves employees of public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks represented by the unions. Bank Strike: Customers Urged To Use Digital Channels Ahead of UFBU's 3-Day Nationwide Strike.
However, customers of private banks could still experience some delays in services involving inter-bank transactions, including cheque clearing and settlements, because these processes can involve participating public sector banks, reported The Economic Times.
Customers should also check their respective bank's official communication for any branch-specific changes.
Why Are Banks Going On Strike From September 28?
The UFBU has called the three-day strike mainly to press for the implementation of a five-day banking week. The unions have also raised demands concerning pension revisions, a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to shift to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Bank Strike Alert: Finance Ministry Urges Unions To Call Off September 28-30 Walkout.
The unions decided to proceed with the strike after a conciliation meeting with the authorities failed to resolve the outstanding issues.
Will Banks Be Closed For Five Days?
The strike itself is scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30. However, September 26 is the fourth Saturday and September 27 is Sunday, meaning customers of affected banks could face disruption in branch-based services for up to five consecutive days, from September 26 to September 30.
The government has also approved a special opening of public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks on Sunday, September 27, to help customers complete essential banking work before the strike. Branches and other designated banking facilities can operate on that day.
Will UPI, ATMs And Net Banking Work?
Digital banking services are expected to continue operating during the strike. Customers can use UPI, internet banking, mobile banking, IMPS and ATMs for routine transactions.
However, physical branch services such as cash deposits or withdrawals, cheque-related work, demand drafts and other over-the-counter services could be affected at banks participating in the strike.
What Should Bank Customers Do?
Customers who need branch-based services at public sector or Regional Rural Banks should complete important transactions before September 28. Those unable to do so can use the special Sunday opening on September 27, where applicable.
Private-bank customers are expected to have fewer disruptions, but transactions involving cheque clearing or other inter-bank settlements could still face delays during the strike period. Customers should check with their bank for any branch-specific advisories before visiting.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 03:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
