Will banks open on Saturday and Sunday both?

By Sohail Khan 23 September 2026, 5:34 pm

Synopsis

In a proactive measure, the Reserve Bank of India has granted approval for banks to remain open on Sunday, September 27, 2026. This strategic decision aims to support customers anticipating a three-day strike from September 28 through September 30, organized by the United Forum of Bank Unions. Although it remains unclear if banks will operate on Saturday, customers can secure essential services on September 27.

Image for Bank strike: Will banks be open on September 26 and 27? What RBI and bank unions say — RBI asks banks to stay open on Sunday

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) in a statement issued today (September 23, 2026) afternoon says if banks get the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approval to officially keep branches open on September 27 and 28, 2026, employees and officers can attend office. The UFBU’s statement came after the RBI’s statement today, in which it approved the opening of bank branches and other banking infrastructure on Sunday ( September 27, 2026).

However, the UFBU so far is going with its scheduled bank strike from September 28-30, 2026, as per its statement today.

Will banks remain open on Sunday, September 27, 2026?

Banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27, 2026, despite the day being a scheduled weekend holiday, the Finance Ministry said in a statement today. The move comes ahead of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026.

“The Reserve Bank of India has granted approval for all bank branches, offices, ATM-link branches and currency chests to remain fully operational on September 27, 2026,” the Ministry said in the statement.

Customers can avail bank services on Sunday

The RBI’s decision of opening banks on Sunday is helpful for customers since the UFBU has called for a three-day strike starting Monday. Since Saturday and Sunday this week were off, banks would have remained closed for five days in succession. For customers who had emergency work pending at banks would have found the situation very difficult.However, now customers can access banking services through the participating branches on Sunday.

The Finance Ministry said that the decision was taken keeping in mind the convenience of bank customers and to ensure that essential banking services continue without interruption.

Will banks remain open on Saturday, September 26, too?

There have also been reports that banks may keep branches open on Saturday, September 26, in addition to Sunday, September 27.

Though the Finance Ministry’s announcement today specifically confirms that all public sector banks and regional rural banks will function normally on Sunday,

It doesn’t confirm a nationwide opening of bank branches on Saturday.

What is the bank strike all about?

The UFBU has called for a three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026.

The proposed strike could affect normal banking operations across the country. The government and bank managements have appealed to the unions to defer the strike.

At the same time, steps are being taken to ensure that customers' banking requirements are not affected for an extended period.

What should bank customers do?

Customers who have urgent branch-related banking work can use the opportunity to visit their bank on Sunday, September 27, as branches covered under the government announcement are expected to function normally.

Digital banking services such as internet banking, mobile banking and UPI may continue to remain available, subject to individual bank arrangements and any service-specific disruptions.

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