Banks are set to remain closed on all Saturdays and Sundays following a revised working schedule that impacts customers across the country. The change marks a clear shift in traditional banking operations and requires account holders to adjust how and when they plan their in-branch banking activities.
What the New Weekend Closure Rule Means
Under the updated rule, banks will not operate on any Saturday or Sunday. This replaces earlier arrangements where banks were open on select Saturdays each month. The new schedule standardizes weekend closures and aligns banking operations with a five-day workweek model.
When the Weekend Closures Begin
The revised banking schedule comes into effect from the officially notified start date, after which no branch-level services will be available on weekends. Customers are advised to treat Saturdays and Sundays as non-working days for all banks and plan branch visits accordingly.
Why Banks Changed Their Working Days
The decision to keep banks closed on all weekends has been taken to improve operational efficiency, employee work-life balance, and system maintenance planning. With most banking services now available digitally, authorities believe that reduced branch days will not significantly disrupt customer access to essential services.
Services Affected by Weekend Closures
All in-branch services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque-related work, passbook updates, and customer service desks will remain unavailable on Saturdays and Sundays. Customers requiring these services will need to visit branches between Monday and Friday during working hours.
Digital Banking Continues Without Interruption
Despite weekend branch closures, digital banking services continue to function normally. Internet banking, mobile banking apps, ATMs, and online payment systems remain operational, allowing customers to carry out most routine transactions even on weekends.
Impact on Customers and Businesses
For individual customers, the change mainly affects those who prefer visiting branches on Saturdays. Businesses that rely on weekend banking for cash handling may need to adjust internal processes to align with weekday operations. Planning transactions in advance will help reduce inconvenience.
How Customers Should Plan Ahead
Customers are encouraged to complete branch-related work during weekdays and rely on digital platforms for basic transactions outside banking hours. Staying aware of public holidays in addition to weekend closures will further help in avoiding last-minute issues.
Public Response to the New Schedule
Reactions to the change have been mixed. While some customers welcome the clarity of fixed weekend closures, others feel it reduces flexibility. However, the growing adoption of digital banking is expected to ease the overall impact over time.
Final Takeaway on Weekend Bank Closures
With banks remaining closed on all Saturdays and Sundays from the announced start date, customers must adapt to a weekday-focused banking routine. While branch access becomes more limited, uninterrupted digital services ensure that essential banking needs can still be met efficiently.