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ICICI Bank Minimum Balance Requirement 2025 — How It Stacks Up Against HDFC, SBI & Others
Starting August 1, 2025, ICICI Bank has implemented one of the steepest hikes in the minimum balance requirement in recent banking history. The new ICICI Bank Minimum Balance Requirement 2025 for newly opened savings accounts in metro and urban areas has risen from ₹10,000 to an eye-watering ₹50,000 — a fivefold increase.
This change applies only to new accounts opened on or after August 1, 2025. If your account was opened before this date, your older, lower minimum balance rules still apply.
For new customers in semi-urban branches, the new MAB is set at ₹25,000, while in rural branches it’s elevated to ₹10,000. Existing customers in these regions continue under the previous thresholds of ₹5,000.
Missing the mark on these new requirements comes with a penalty: either 6% of the shortfall or ₹500, whichever is lower.
ICICI Bank Minimum Balance Requirement 2025 — Updated Slabs
For new savings account holders:
- Metro / Urban branches: ₹50,000 MAB (Monthly Average Balance)
- Semi-Urban branches: ₹25,000 MAB
- Rural branches: ₹10,000 MAB
For existing customers (before Aug 1, 2025):
- Metro / Urban branches: ₹10,000 MAB
- Semi-Urban branches: ₹5,000 MAB
- Rural branches: ₹5,000 MAB
Penalties for Falling Short
If new customers fail to maintain the ICICI Bank Minimum Balance Requirement 2025, the bank will impose a penalty of 6% of the shortfall amount or ₹500, whichever is lower.
How ICICI Bank Compares to Other Major Banks in 2025
HDFC Bank
- Urban / Metro: ₹10,000 MAB
- Semi-Urban: ₹5,000 MAB
- Rural: ₹2,500 (or fixed deposit-based criteria)
Axis Bank
- Urban / Metro: ₹12,000 MAB
- Semi-Urban: ₹5,000 MAB
- Rural: ₹2,500
State Bank of India (SBI)
- Zero-balance accounts — no MAB requirement.
- Highly inclusive option, ideal for customers who want flexibility.
Other Public Sector Banks
- Banks like Bank of Baroda, PNB, Canara Bank, and Indian Bank have removed MAB requirements for most savings accounts to encourage wider financial inclusion.
Comparison Table — ICICI Bank vs Others (2025)
| Bank | Urban / Metro MAB | Semi-Urban MAB | Rural MAB | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICICI (new) | ₹50,000 | ₹25,000 | ₹10,000 | Applies only from Aug 1, 2025 |
| ICICI (existing) | ₹10,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 | No change for old accounts |
| HDFC Bank | ₹10,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹2,500 | FD-based criteria possible |
| Axis Bank | ₹12,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹2,500 | — |
| SBI | Zero-balance | Zero-balance | Zero-balance | No MAB requirement |
| Other PSBs | Zero-balance | — | — | Removed MAB entirely |
Why This Matters for Customers
If you’re planning to open a new ICICI Bank account in a metro area, be ready for a steep entry barrier. Maintaining ₹50,000 every month could be challenging for many individuals, especially students and early-career professionals.
For existing ICICI Bank customers, this policy change doesn’t affect you — you can continue following your old MAB rules.
Alternatives to ICICI Bank for Low MAB Requirements
- SBI: No minimum balance needed for basic savings accounts.
- HDFC Bank & Axis Bank: Lower MAB requirements, plus rural-friendly slabs.
- Public Sector Banks: Many have scrapped MAB rules entirely.
Trend in the Banking Sector
The ICICI Bank Minimum Balance Requirement 2025 hike highlights a growing divide in the Indian banking landscape:
- Premium-focused strategy: Private banks like ICICI targeting high-value customers.
- Inclusion-focused strategy: SBI and PSBs reducing entry barriers.
This move could influence customer migration towards zero-balance options, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new metro MAB for ICICI Bank in 2025?
₹50,000 for new accounts from August 1, 2025.
Does it affect existing customers?
No, old MAB rules still apply.
What’s the penalty for not maintaining MAB?
6% of shortfall or ₹500, whichever is lower.
How does it compare to SBI?
SBI offers zero-balance accounts.
Which banks have lower MAB than ICICI?
HDFC, Axis, and many public sector banks.
