ICICI Bank Raises Minimum Average Monthly Balance for New Savings Accounts

As of August 1, 2025, ICICI Bank has dramatically increased the minimum average monthly balance (MAB) requirement for new savings accounts:

Urban/Metro branches: Raised from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 — a 5× (400 %) jump .

Semi‑urban branches: Increased to ₹25,000, up from ₹5,000 .

Rural branches: Now set at ₹10,000, up from ₹2,500 or ₹5,000 depending on prior region .

This change applies only to new savings accounts opened on or after August 1, 2025; existing account holders continue under the old thresholds .

Penalties for not maintaining the required MAB:

6 % of the shortfall OR ₹500 – whichever is lower .

Additional policy revisions include updates to cash transaction charges, ATM usage fees, and limits on free cash deposits per month .

What It Means: This move marks a clear strategy shift by ICICI Bank to attract more affluent customers, signaling an emphasis on premium clientele. Some observers and customers have criticized the policy as potentially narrowing financial access for lower-income groups .