Searching for when you can visit your bank branch? Here’s everything you need to know – from opening hours to digital service windows.
🕘 Branch Hours (Mon–Fri)
- Typical operating hours: Most banks open between 9 AM and 9:30 AM and close between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM.
- SBI: Generally runs 9 AM–5 PM, with some branches closing around 3:30 PM .
- Other major banks:
- HDFC: 9:30–3:30 PM
- ICICI: 10–2 PM
- Bank of Baroda: 10–4 PM
– Check your specific branch for exact hours.
📅 Saturday Schedule
- Open: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays – same hours as weekdays
- Closed: 2nd & 4th Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
- Lunch: Staggered between 1 PM–3 PM, ensuring services continue uninterrupted
📌 RBI-Five-Day Workweek Rumor—Busted!
A claim suggested banks would switch to a strict five-day week from April 2025. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed this is false—banks will continue to remain open on select Saturdays.
🔄 Digital Fund-Transfer Timings
NEFT
- Online: 24×7, 365 days
- Branch-based:
- Weekdays: ~8 AM–7 PM
- Saturdays: ~8 AM–1 PM
- Closed on 2nd/4th Saturdays & Sundays
RTGS
- Branch transactions: 7 AM–6 PM on working days; closed on select Saturdays/weekends
- Online (YONO/NetBanking): 24×7 continuous availability
IMPS & UPI
- Real-time and available 24×7, including holidays
⏱️ RBI & RBI Time Notifications
- RBI general banking hours: 9:30 AM–5:15 PM on weekdays; banking services 10 AM–2:30 PM
- Extended market hours: RBI exploring extending interbank operating hours to 7 PM
🧭 Quick Snapshot
| Service | Days Available | Time Window |
|---|---|---|
| Branch (in-person) | Mon–Fri, 1/3/5 Saturdays | ~9–9:30 AM to ~3:30–5:30 PM |
| Lunch period | Working days (Mon–Sat) | 1 PM–3 PM (staggered) |
| NEFT (online) | 24×7 | Half-hourly batches |
| NEFT (branch) | Branch working days | ~8 AM–7 PM weekdays; ~8 AM–1 PM Saturdays |
| RTGS (branch) | Branch working days | 7 AM–6 PM |
| RTGS (online) | 24×7 | Always available |
| IMPS / UPI | 24×7 | Always available |
💡 Tips for Bank Visits
- Confirm hours: Branch times can vary—give them a quick call.
- Avoid lunch-hour delays: Go before or after staggered lunch times.
- Use digital options: For fund transfers, online channels save time.
- Don’t rely on rumors: Official RBI guidance ensures Saturday banking stays as usual.
📚 FAQ
Q: Are banks going to be closed on all Saturdays from April 2025?
A: No—an RBI directive about a five-day week is false. RBI confirmed the rumor via PIB.
Q: Can I use NEFT/RTGS anytime online?
A: Yes, all digital channels for NEFT and RTGS operate 24×7. However, branch-based operations follow branch hours.
Q: Do branches close for lunch?
A: No—staff breaks are staggered; counters remain open during 1–3 PM.
