SBI IMPS Charges To Begin From February 15: Free Transfers End For Large Amounts

Online money transfers above ₹25,000 will now attract service charges, while small transactions remain free

If you have an account with the State Bank of India, an important change is coming that may affect your daily digital banking. The country’s largest public sector bank has announced that it will start charging customers for online IMPS transactions above a certain limit. Till now, sending money through IMPS was completely free, regardless of the amount. That facility is now being revised.

From February 15, 2026, SBI will levy service charges on IMPS transfers made through internet banking, mobile banking, and the YONO app if the transaction amount exceeds ₹25,000. However, customers sending money up to ₹25,000 will continue to enjoy free IMPS transfers just like before. This means small digital payments will remain unaffected, while larger transactions will now carry a nominal cost.

IMPS, or Immediate Payment Service, is one of the most widely used instant transfer systems in India. It allows real-time fund transfers at any time of the day, including holidays. Because of its speed and convenience, it has become a preferred option for urgent payments. With the introduction of charges, SBI is now aligning IMPS with a more structured pricing model.

As per the new structure, the charges will depend on the amount being transferred. For transactions between ₹25,000 and ₹1 lakh, customers will be charged ₹2 plus GST. If the amount sent is between ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh, the charge will be ₹6 plus GST. For transactions between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh, the service fee will be ₹10 plus GST. In simple terms, the higher the amount, the higher the charge, although the fees remain relatively low.

It is important to note that this change applies only to online IMPS transactions. SBI has not made any changes to IMPS charges for transactions done through bank branches. The existing structure for branch-based IMPS transfers, which ranges from ₹2 to ₹20 plus GST depending on the amount, will continue as it is.

The bank has also clarified that certain special account categories will remain exempt from these revised IMPS charges. These include DSP, PMSP, ICSP, CGSP, PSP, and RSP accounts, along with Shaurya Kutumb Pension Accounts and SBI Rishtey Kutumb Savings Accounts. Customers holding these accounts will not be impacted by the new IMPS fee structure.

Along with IMPS charges, SBI has also announced changes in ATM and ADWM transaction charges. These revised ATM charges will come into effect from December 1, 2025. Under the new rule, withdrawals from other banks’ ATMs beyond the free transaction limit will attract a charge of ₹23 plus GST per transaction. This is an increase from the earlier rates and will apply across most regular savings and current accounts.

Salaried account holders will continue to receive 10 free ATM transactions per month. However, charges on ATM withdrawals have been increased for current account holders. Some categories, such as Basic Savings Bank Deposit accounts, SBI debit card holders, and Kisan Credit Card account users, are excluded from this increased charge structure.

These changes signal a gradual shift toward a more usage-based pricing system for banking services. While the new IMPS charges are small, they may slightly impact customers who frequently transfer large amounts online. For most users who rely on IMPS for everyday payments below ₹25,000, nothing changes at all.

For customers who often move higher amounts, it may now be worth planning transfers more thoughtfully. In some cases, alternatives like NEFT or RTGS could be considered depending on urgency and cost efficiency. NEFT remains largely free in many cases and is suitable for non-urgent transfers.

SBI’s decision reflects a broader trend across banks to rationalise digital transaction costs while keeping small-value payments affordable. The move ensures that routine users are protected from additional burden while high-value transfers contribute modestly to service maintenance.

Before February 15, 2026, IMPS transfers remain completely free on SBI’s digital platforms. After that date, only transfers above ₹25,000 will attract a fee. For most customers, this change will be more of an adjustment than a disruption.

Being aware of these updates can help account holders avoid surprises and manage their digital transactions more efficiently in the coming months.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Banking charges and rules are subject to change. Customers are advised to verify details with their bank before making financial decisions or transactions.