As digital banking grows in India, banks continue to adjust their policies to reflect evolving customer preferences. One major update in 2025 is from ICICI Bank, which has significantly raised its minimum balance requirement for certain savings accounts—now up to ₹50,000 in metro cities.
In this post, we’ll break down ICICI’s latest rules and compare them with other top Indian banks like HDFC, SBI, Axis, and Kotak Mahindra.
ICICI Bank Minimum Balance Requirement – As of August 2025
✅ ICICI Regular Savings Account
| Location | Minimum Average Balance (MAB) | Penalty for Non-Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Metro/Urban | ₹50,000 | ₹500 + GST |
| Semi-Urban | ₹25,000 | ₹350 + GST |
| Rural | ₹10,000 | ₹100 – ₹250 + GST |
Note: Zero-balance savings options are still available with ICICI for eligible account types like BSBDA and Insta Save.
Comparison: Minimum Balance in Popular Indian Banks (2025)
| Bank | Metro | Semi-Urban | Rural | Zero-Balance Option? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICICI Bank | ₹50,000 | ₹25,000 | ₹10,000 | Yes (BSBDA, Insta Save) |
| HDFC Bank | ₹10,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹2,500 | Yes (BSBDA) |
| SBI | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹0 | Yes (default on most accounts) |
| Axis Bank | ₹12,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹2,500 | Yes (BSBDA, Digital) |
| Kotak Mahindra | ₹10,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹2,000 | Yes (Kotak 811, BSBDA) |
| IDFC FIRST Bank | ₹25,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹5,000 | Yes (Digital Accounts) |
Implications for ICICI Customers
Pros:
- Higher balance accounts may offer better features, rewards, or personalized service.
- Access to priority banking, better interest on linked FDs, etc.
Cons:
- ₹50,000 minimum is significantly higher than most banks.
- Penalties for non-maintenance can affect low-balance users.
Zero-Balance ICICI Account Alternatives
| Account Type | Minimum Balance | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Insta Save FD Account | ₹0 (linked FD) | Instant digital account, FD required |
| Basic Savings Account (BSBDA) | ₹0 | No fees, limited transactions per month |
| PM Jan Dhan Yojana Account | ₹0 | For low-income households, Rupay card included |
Final Thoughts
While ICICI Bank’s updated minimum balance requirement of ₹50,000 may benefit premium account holders, it’s a considerable jump for average savers. If you’re looking for a more flexible or zero-balance option, banks like SBI, Kotak 811, or Axis Digital may offer more suitable alternatives.
Before opening any savings account, always check:
- Minimum balance and charges
- Monthly/quarterly maintenance penalties
- Benefits like interest rates, ATM access, mobile banking, etc.
Disclaimer: All figures are current as of August 2025. Please verify details with the respective bank for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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