Key Financial Changes May 1: Indian consumers will witness several important financial changes that may directly affect their daily banking, travel, and investment activities. These reforms include an increase in ATM transaction fees, updated railway ticket booking rules, changes in ITR filing procedures, revised fixed deposit (FD) interest rates, and a major overhaul in the rural banking sector through the “One State-One RRB” policy.
1. ATM Fee Hike Approved by RBI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a revision in ATM interchange fees starting May 1. The fee, charged by banks when customers use ATMs of other banks beyond the free transaction limit, will increase from ₹21 to ₹23.
Customers can continue to enjoy:
- 3 free transactions per month in metro areas
- 5 free transactions per month in non-metro areas
These include both financial and non-financial transactions. Beyond these limits, a charge of up to ₹23 per transaction will apply, along with applicable GST.
The interchange fee for ATM financial transactions will now be ₹19, while non-financial transactions will cost ₹7.
2. ITR Filing Made Simpler
The Income Tax Department has introduced simplified ITR forms for FY 2025-26. Taxpayers with long-term capital gains up to ₹1.25 lakh can now use ITR-1 instead of the more complex ITR-2. This change is aimed at easing the tax filing process, especially for small investors.
Additional forms are expected to be released in early May by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to assist various categories of taxpayers.
3. Railway Ticket Booking Rules Updated
Indian Railways has revised rules for ticket bookings:
- Passengers with waiting list tickets in sleeper or AC classes will not be allowed to board those coaches.
- They will be required to travel in general compartments.
- The advance reservation period is reduced from 120 days to 60 days.
- The ticket cancellation refund window has also been shortened to two days, potentially affecting passengers with last-minute changes.
4. Fixed Deposit Interest Rates Revised
Banks have announced new fixed deposit rates:
- RBL Bank now offers a maximum interest rate of 7%, with monthly payouts.
- Shriram Finance has adjusted rates, offering 0.50% extra to senior citizens and an additional 0.10% to women investors.
These changes are in line with efforts to encourage savings amid dynamic economic conditions.
5. Regional Rural Bank (RRB) Merger Under “One State-One RRB”
The Indian government’s “One State-One RRB” policy will take effect on May 1, merging 15 regional rural banks across 11 states. The total number of RRBs will now reduce from 43 to 28, streamlining operations and enhancing service delivery in rural and semi-urban areas.
According to a PIB notification, post-amalgamation, these RRBs will operate through over 22,000 branches, covering nearly 700 districts.
Conclusion:
The financial landscape in India is undergoing significant changes starting May 1, 2025. From ATM charges to tax filing, fixed deposits, rural banking, and railway travel, these updates aim to modernize services, improve financial inclusion, and streamline user experiences. Consumers are advised to stay informed and adapt accordingly to make the most of these updates.
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