Are banks open this Sunday? Here's what customers need to know ahead of the three-day nationwide strike from September 28-30

All public sector banks (PSBs) and regional rural banks (RRBs) will remain open and operate normally on Sunday, September 27, the finance ministry said in a statement, as the government decided to limit disruption to banking services ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide strike.

The United Forum of Banking Unions (UFBU) has proposed a strike from 28 to 30 September. The proposed strike will follow the holiday weekend of September 26 and 27, leading to disruption of banking services for five consecutive days.

The Finance Ministry said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the opening of all bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and tellers on September 27.

An extra working day on Sunday would ensure customers can access basic banking services before the strike begins on Monday.

“To ensure that the genuine banking needs of the public are not adversely affected for a prolonged period, all public sector banks and regional rural banks will operate as normal on Sunday, September 27, 2026,” the ministry said.

Why are banks open even on Sundays?

The decision comes against the backdrop of the proposed UFBU strike and the weekend holidays that immediately preceded it. The government said the move was aimed at preventing prolonged disruption to customers.

The RBI approval covers the wider banking network, including regular branches, bank offices, ATM-linked branches and tellers.

The government and bank management also called on the unions to postpone the proposed strike and resolve their outstanding demands through discussion.

“The government and bank management have appealed to the unions to postpone the proposed strike and have also taken measures to ensure uninterrupted continuation of essential banking services,” the ministry said.

What is the requirement of the banking unions?

UFBU seeks a five-day working week in the banking sector, among other things, regular revision of pensions for retired employees.

The proposed strike also coincides with the half-yearly closure of banks on September 30, an important date for activities involving hedging, settlement, treasury operations and other financial work.