Starting October 1, 2025, YES bank is rolling out new charges and conditions for its Smart Salary accounts. From debit cards to ATM withdrawals, minimum balance rules to cheque transactions, customers may see higher costs if they don’t plan ahead. Here’s a simple breakdown.

💳 Debit Card Charges – Free Only for Select Accounts

• Smart Salary Advantage: Comes with a RuPay debit card carrying an annual fee of Rs 199.
• Smart Salary Exclusive, Platinum & Platinum Pro: Debit cards remain free, but only if you meet eligibility conditions.

👉 If you don’t maintain account requirements, expect new card fees.

🏧 ATM Transactions – Free Limits Reduced

For Smart Salary Advantage & Exclusive accounts:

• Metro cities: 3 free transactions/month.
• Non-metro cities: 5 free transactions/month.

Beyond this:

• Rs 23 per financial transaction (withdrawal).
• Rs 10 per non-financial transaction (balance inquiry, PIN change).

👉 Frequent ATM users outside YES Bank’s network will feel the pinch.

💰 Minimum Balance Penalty – Linked to Salary Credit

Although salary accounts don’t usually need balances, YES bank has tied penalties to Rs 10,000 monthly salary credit or Average Monthly Balance (AMB).

Charges for shortfall:

• 100% maintained: No charges.
• 75%–100%: 5% of shortfall.
• 50%–75%: 7.5% of shortfall.
• Below 50%: 10% of shortfall (capped at Rs 750).

👉 Missing salary credits could now mean extra penalties.

📝 Cheque & Instruction Fees – Heavier Penalties

• Insufficient funds return: Rs 500 (first instance), Rs 750 (afterwards).
• Technical cheque return: Rs 50.
• Outward cheque return: Rs 350.
• Standing Instruction return: Rs 100.
• ECS return: Rs 550 (first), Rs 600 (afterwards).
• Cheque stop request (branch): Rs 100.
• Physical statement: Rs 100/request.

👉 Be cautious with cheque usage—returns have become costlier.

📌 What customers Should Do

• Track ATM usage to avoid extra fees.
• Ensure Rs 10,000 salary credit or AMB each month.
• Reduce cheque dependency; prefer digital transactions.
• Review your account type—higher-tier salary accounts may save you charges.

✅ Final Takeaway: YES Bank’s new rules push customers toward digital banking and careful money management. By planning ahead, you can minimize penalties and continue using your salary account smoothly.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.