RBI Incentive Scheme for Inoperative Accounts, Unclaimed Deposits
Why in the news
The Reserve Bank of India rolled out a time-bound reward plan for lenders. The aim is to bring dormant accounts back to life and hand over idle money to the people who own it.
Key facts
- Duration: one year, from October 2025 to September 2026.
- Reward for banks: 5%-7.5% of the amounts handled, capped at ₹25,000.
- Two eligible activities: reactivating inoperative accounts and settling unclaimed deposits with genuine claimants.
- Payout drivers: account age (older accounts may fetch more) and deposit size (bigger sums may earn proportionately more).
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Implementer | Reserve Bank of India |
| Period | October 2025 – September 2026 |
| Incentive | 5%-7.5% of amount, up to ₹25,000 |
| Linked to | Account age and deposit size |
About inoperative accounts
- A savings or current account with no customer-initiated transaction for 2 years, as per RBI guidelines.
- The money stays in the account, but it remains inactive until the holder revives it.
Objectives
- Shrink the pile of dormant accounts in the banking system.
- Make sure depositors get their rightful money, which builds customer trust.
Exam angle
- Scheme period: October 2025 to September 2026.
- Inoperative account test: 2 years without a customer-initiated transaction.
- Incentive band: 5%-7.5%, ceiling ₹25,000.