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Customers face higher costs for debit cards and low balance maintenance

Published July 30, 2026 at 10:33 AM UTC

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Recent changes by major Indian banks, including Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank, have led to increased fees for debit card services and penalties for maintaining low account balances. These adjustments are set to impact a significant number of customers across the country.

Effective April 1, 2026, Kotak Mahindra Bank has revised its fee structure, notably increasing the annual maintenance fee for its Pay Shop More Debit Card from

259 to

285. Additionally, the bank has updated its cash transaction limits and introduced higher penalties for repeated auto-debit failures.

Similarly, Axis Bank has implemented changes to its fee schedule, effective April 1, 2024. While specific details of these revisions are not fully disclosed, the bank has indicated that charges for existing customers remain unchanged.

These fee increases and policy changes are part of a broader trend among financial institutions to adjust their pricing structures. Customers are advised to review their account terms and conditions to understand how these changes may affect them.

As these adjustments take effect, it is important for account holders to monitor their account balances and transaction patterns to avoid incurring additional fees. Staying informed about such changes can help customers make better financial decisions and manage their banking costs effectively.