From August 1, 2025, ICICI Bank has hiked the urban and metro minimum monthly average balance (MAB) requirement for newly opened savings accounts to ₹50,000. That marks a four-fold increase from the earlier ₹10,000. Rural branches now require ₹10,000 MAB for new accounts. Existing account holders stay unaffected by this change.
This shift signals a pivot in ICICI Bank strategy. On one level, it targets more affluent clients generating higher transactional volume, but on another, it raises barriers for small savers and low-income earners. Critics argue this undermines financial inclusion and makes formal banking less accessible.
Inside the bank, concurrent changes were introduced cash transaction limits, service charges, and ATM usage fees have all been updated, though specifics weren’t shared.
For those opening a savings account from August 1 onwards, keeping ₹50,000 average monthly balance in urban or metro branches is now the baseline. Falling short could trigger penalties. Rural new accounts now require ₹10,000.
What this really means is a stronger financial filter the account remains accessible, but comes with steeper upkeep costs. If you already hold an account, nothing changes for you. But if you are planning to open a new one, expect to revisit your saving habits or explore zero-balance alternatives elsewhere.
