How To Reactivate Your Inoperative Bank Account: Process at SBI, PNB and More

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NP English
Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:20:37 IST
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Bank accounts can become inactive for various reasons, such as prolonged inactivity or incomplete KYC updates. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently highlighted the growing number of inactive and frozen accounts across the country, urging banks to streamline the reactivation process. If your bank account is inoperative, here’s a quick and easy guide to help you reactivate it at major banks like SBI, PNB, and HDFC.


Why Are Bank Accounts Inoperative?

Inactive accounts may be caused by:


  • Long periods of inactivity
  • Pending or outdated Know Your Customer (KYC) updates
  • Errors in customer details (e.g., mismatched names)

In some cases, accounts may be frozen due to KYC issues, preventing any further transactions. To tackle this, the RBI has instructed banks to simplify the activation process.

Steps to Reactivate Your Inoperative Account

1. HDFC Bank
  • Visit a branch: Fill out a written application with your signature.
  • Provide documents: Submit self-attested copies of identity and address proofs.
  • Initiate a transaction: Once the transaction is done, your account will be reactivated.

2. PNB (Punjab National Bank)
  • Go to the base branch: Submit a request letter along with updated KYC documents.
  • Aadhaar Authentication: Provide your Aadhaar number for biometric e-KYC verification.
  • Deposit: Make a minimum deposit of Rs. 100 to complete the reactivation.
3. SBI (State Bank of India)
  • Visit any branch: Bring the latest KYC documents with you.
  • Submit a request: Ask the bank to activate your account based on your KYC details.
  • Activation Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation SMS or email once your account is reactivated.

Things to Remember


  • Banks are required to process activation requests within three working days.
  • Reactivation can be done easily via online banking, mobile apps, or even video customer identification, depending on the bank.

Reactivating an inoperative bank account is straightforward once you follow the correct procedure. Make sure your KYC is up-to-date to avoid delays and enjoy seamless banking again.