SBI branch services during bank strike
State Bank of India has issued an advisory to customers ahead of the three-day nationwide bank strike scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30, 2026.
The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions as part of its ongoing protest programme. SBI has advised customers to complete important branch-related banking work before the strike begins to avoid possible delays.
The timing could create additional inconvenience for customers because September 26 and 27 fall on Saturday and Sunday. This means people who depend on physical bank branches could face limited access to regular branch operations for several consecutive days.
Services requiring staff assistance or physical documentation are more likely to be affected. Cheque-related work, document submission, verification and other branch-dependent transactions could experience delays depending on employee participation at individual branches.
Customers with urgent banking needs should therefore plan ahead rather than waiting until the strike period. Those who need to submit documents, complete cheque-related work or seek direct staff assistance may find it useful to finish such transactions before September 28.
SBI has said it is taking steps to maintain essential banking services, but normal branch operations may still be affected in some locations.
Digital banking services during SBI strike
Customers who mainly use digital banking are expected to face less disruption during the three-day strike.
SBI has said that ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines are expected to remain available for eligible transactions. Customer Service Points are also expected to continue offering selected banking services.
Internet banking, mobile banking, YONO and UPI services are expected to remain operational for routine banking needs. Customers should be able to transfer funds, make digital payments, pay bills and complete other everyday transactions without visiting a branch.
The availability of digital channels could reduce the impact of the strike for many customers. However, people who depend on branch-based services should not assume that every transaction can be completed online.
Cheque processing, physical paperwork and services requiring direct employee assistance may still face delays during the strike period.
Customers should review any important banking work scheduled around September 28-30 and complete branch-dependent transactions early. Keeping access to mobile banking, YONO, UPI and internet banking ready could also help avoid unnecessary inconvenience during the nationwide strike.
