# PNB to close zero-balance accounts inactive for 3 years 2026-08-19T16:17:13+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Punjab National Bank (PNB) has warned customers that it will close bank accounts that have been inactive for three years with zero balance, starting 13 September 2026. The bank issued the alert on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that accounts with no transactions since 30 June 2026 or earlier will be shut. To prevent closure, customers must visit their branch and submit KYC documents to reactivate their accounts before the deadline. PNB said it is taking this step to prevent misuse of dormant accounts and mitigate associated risks. The bank also shared toll-free helpline numbers 1800-1800 and 1800-2021 for customer assistance. ## Indian Opinion Analysis This is not a new rule. Banks are required by RBI guidelines to classify accounts inactive for over two years as 'inoperative' and, after due notice, close those with zero balance. What is unusual is PNB's public social media alert, which suggests a large number of such accounts exist. Customers who lose access may face difficulties reclaiming funds if any residual balance was overlooked. The real risk for accountholders is not just closure but the hassle of reopening an account later if needed. Watch for similar alerts from other public sector banks in the coming weeks. ## Coverage - aajtak.in Plain news reporting of the bank's social media notice with factual details and no added commentary. This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Tags: KYC, Punjab National Bank, RBI Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/pnb-to-close-zero-balance-accounts-inactive-for-3-years/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/pnb-to-close-zero-balance-accounts-inactive-for-3-years/#story-in-brief How this brief was made: an AI model read the report linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/