Banks will now have to resolve ATM related customer complaints within 7 working days from July 01, 2011

Reserve Bank has been continuously monitoring the implementation of various directions by the banks. Based on a review of the developments and with a view to further improve the efficiency of operations, it has been decided as under :-

The time limit for resolution of customer complaints by the issuing banks shall stand reduced from 12 working days to 7 working days from the date of receipt of customer complaint.

Accordingly, failure to recredit the customer’s account within 7 working days of receipt of the complaint shall entail payment of compensation to the customer @ Rs. 100/- per day by the issuing bank.

Any customer is entitled to receive such compensation for delay, only if a claim is lodged with the issuing bank within 30 days of the date of the transaction.

The number of free transactions permitted per month at other bank ATMs to Savings Bank account holders shall be inclusive of all types of transactions, financial or non-financial.

All disputes regarding ATM failed transactions shall be settled by the issuing bank and the acquiring bank through the ATM system provider only. No bilateral settlement arrangement outside the dispute resolution mechanism available with the system provider is permissible. This measure is intended to bring down the instances of disputes in payment of compensation between the issuing and acquiring banks.



This directive shall come into effect from July 01, 2011, Non-adherence to the provisions of this circular shall attract penalty.

Banks are required to widely publicise these changes at all ATM locations and by individual intimation to customers.