February 2026 brings a set of quiet but meaningful new banking rules that affect everyday transactions, credit card usage, and account compliance. While none of these changes shut down services overnight, ignoring them can lead to higher charges, lost rewards, or restricted account operations.
This guide breaks down what’s changing, when it applies, and what you should do immediately, based on official bank communications and coverage by The Economic Times. Understanding these changes is as crucial as staying updated with RBI banking rule changes that impact your daily banking operations.
SBI: IMPS Charges Revised From February 15, 2026
What exactly is changing?
From February 15, 2026, State Bank of India has revised service charges on online IMPS transactions above ₹25,000. This change affects customers who frequently use SBI bank statement downloads for tracking high-value transfers.
New SBI IMPS charge structure
| IMPS Amount | New Service Charge |
|---|---|
| ₹25,001 – ₹1 lakh | ₹2 + GST |
| ₹1,00,001 – ₹2 lakh | ₹6 + GST |
| ₹2,00,001 – ₹5 lakh | ₹10 + GST |
These charges apply to online SBI IMPS transfers, including YONO and internet banking.
What this means for you
- Frequent high-value IMPS users will see higher monthly charges
- Businesses using IMPS for vendor payments should recheck payment methods
- Alternatives like NEFT (non-urgent) may reduce costs
- Consider using cash credit facilities for managing business payment cycles more efficiently
For businesses maintaining regular vendor payments, understanding these transaction costs is as important as knowing your business loan repayment structure.
ICICI Bank: Credit Card Changes From February 1, 2026
What benefits are being withdrawn?
Starting February 1, 2026, ICICI Bank is discontinuing the complimentary BookMyShow movie benefit on select credit cards. For customers who rely on ICICI for financing, this is worth noting alongside their loan against property options.
What continues
- Reward point earnings on transport and insurance spends continue
- Reward structures have been fine-tuned rather than fully removed
- Overdraft facilities and credit limits remain unchanged
What cardholders should do
- Review your card’s revised reward chart
- Shift movie and lifestyle spending to cards that still offer entertainment benefits
- Reassess annual fee justification if rewards were the primary reason for holding the card
- Maintain your credit score to qualify for better card offers in future
If you’re evaluating whether to keep your ICICI credit card, compare it with other banking products like their loan against property facilities which continue to offer competitive benefits.
HDFC Bank: Infinia Credit Card Reward Limit Change
What’s the change?
From February 1, 2026, HDFC Bank has placed a cap on reward point redemptions for its Infinia Metal Credit Card.
- Reward points can now be redeemed a maximum of five times per month
For HDFC customers, this change is separate from their competitive loan against property interest rates and other lending products.
Why this matters
- High-spend users who redeemed points frequently will need to plan redemptions
- Monthly reward optimisation becomes important
- Business owners using HDFC cards should recalibrate expense tracking strategies
Practical workaround
- Consolidate redemptions into fewer, higher-value redemptions
- Track reward cycles instead of redeeming after every major spend
- Use EMI calculators to better manage credit card EMI conversions if needed
HDFC Bank customers can explore their comprehensive LAP guide for alternative financing options if credit card limits become restrictive.
PNB: KYC Update Deadline You Should Not Ignore
Who is affected?
Punjab National Bank has issued alerts to customers whose KYC was due as of December 31, 2025. This aligns with broader KYC norms for banks in India mandated by RBI.
Final deadline
- February 2, 2026 is the last date to complete KYC updates
What happens if you miss it?
- Restrictions on account operations
- Limited withdrawals and transfers
- Possible disruption to linked services
- Impact on existing business loan facilities and credit lines
Action required
- Visit your branch or use online KYC options
- Carry PAN, Aadhaar, and address proof
- Ensure compliance to maintain your company credit report status
For business owners, KYC non-compliance can affect your CMR rank and future loan eligibility.
Quick Comparison: What Changes, When, and Impact
| Bank | Change | Effective Date | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI | IMPS charges revised | Feb 15, 2026 | Higher transfer costs |
| ICICI | Movie benefit withdrawn | Feb 1, 2026 | Reduced lifestyle perks |
| HDFC | Infinia reward cap | Feb 1, 2026 | Redemption planning needed |
| PNB | KYC update deadline | Feb 2, 2026 | Account restriction risk |
How These Changes Affect Business Owners
- Higher transaction costs impact cash-flow planning – similar to how mortgage loan calculations require precise budgeting
- Card reward changes affect expense optimisation strategies
- KYC lapses can disrupt CC/OD, loan servicing, and vendor payments
- Business operations may require restructuring payment methods through overdraft facilities instead of high-value IMPS
For businesses, compliance gaps often trigger internal bank reviews. Maintaining proper documentation is as critical as preparing your financial documents for loan applications.
Understanding Impact on Loan Facilities
These banking changes can indirectly affect your access to credit facilities. If you’re planning to apply for:
- Loan Against Property up to ₹10.50 Crore – ensure KYC is updated
- HDFC Loan Against Property – maintain clean transaction records
- Home Loan from SBI or HDFC – avoid EMI bounces due to account restrictions
Understanding loan against property eligibility in 2026 requires maintaining compliant banking relationships across all your accounts.
Smart Financial Planning Tips
For Individual Customers
- Use EMI Calculators: Before making large purchases, use mortgage loan EMI calculators to plan expenses
- Monitor Credit Score: Regularly check your credit score for free to maintain eligibility for better products
- Download Bank Statements: Keep track of your transactions by learning how to download SBI bank statement
For Business Owners
- Explore LAP Options: Consider smart ways to use LAP funds for business expansion
- Manage Working Capital: Utilize cash credit facilities for smoother cash flow management
- Maintain Company Credit: Understand how to check company CCR report online
What You Should Do Now: Customer Checklist
✅ Review IMPS usage and shift to NEFT where possible ✅ Re-evaluate credit card benefits vs fees ✅ Complete KYC updates immediately if pending ✅ Monitor bank emails and SMS alerts carefully ✅ Use loan EMI calculators to plan future borrowings ✅ Download and verify your bank statements regularly ✅ Check your credit score to ensure no negative impact ✅ Review your loan against property eligibility if planning to borrow
FAQs: New Banking Rules February 2026
When do the new banking rules come into effect?
Most changes apply between February 1 and February 15, 2026, depending on the bank. These align with broader RBI banking rule changes for 2026.
Are these changes applicable to all customers?
Only specific services and card variants are affected. Check your bank’s communication and review your loan documents for any impact on existing facilities.
Will SBI IMPS charges apply to all transfers?
Charges apply only to online IMPS transfers above ₹25,000. Business owners using business loans should factor these costs into operational budgets.
Can PNB freeze my account for KYC non-compliance?
Yes. Transaction restrictions can be imposed if KYC is not updated by the deadline. This can affect your company credit report and loan eligibility.
Are more banking changes expected in 2026?
Banks regularly revise charges and benefits. Stay informed about RBI banking regulations and subscribe to bank alerts.
How do these changes affect my loan applications?
Account compliance issues can delay HDFC loan against property applications or other credit facilities.
External Resources & Official Links
For authentic information and deeper understanding, refer to these trusted sources:
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Official RBI Website – For master circulars on banking regulations
- CIBIL: TransUnion CIBIL – Check your credit score and company credit reports
- Income Tax Department: Income Tax India Portal – For downloading financial statements
- The Economic Times: ET Banking Section – Latest banking news and updates
- HDFC Bank: HDFC Official Website – For product updates and official communications
- ICICI Bank: ICICI Bank Official Website – Credit card and loan product information
- State Bank of India: SBI Official Website – For YONO banking and transaction updates
- Punjab National Bank: PNB Official Website – KYC update procedures
Stay Ahead of Bank Rule Changes
Banking rules change quietly—but the cost of ignoring them is very real.
If you are a business owner or high-value banking customer, proactive review of charges, compliance, and product suitability can prevent disruptions and unnecessary costs.
Speak with a banking and credit expert at CreditCares to review your accounts, cards, and facilities before these changes affect you.
Why Choose CreditCares?
As a trusted loan consultant in Kolkata and across India, CreditCares provides:
✅ Expert guidance on business loans, home loans, and loan against property
✅ Assistance with loan documentation and compliance
✅ Access to 50+ banks and NBFCs through our DSA partner program
✅ Tools like EMI calculators and credit score monitoring
📞 Contact CreditCares today and ensure your banking relationships remain optimized and compliant in 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Readers should verify the latest updates directly from their respective banks and consult financial advisors for personalized guidance. Interest rates, charges, and policies are subject to change without notice.
