A nationwide bank strike scheduled for September 28-30 is set to disrupt banking services across the country, with customers being advised to plan their transactions well in advance.

The three-day strike is expected to affect branch operations, cheque clearances and other in-person banking services, while digital channels are likely to offer customers some relief.

Which services will be hit

Branch banking is likely to bear the brunt of the strike. Customers may face difficulties with cash deposits and withdrawals at branches, cheque deposits, demand drafts and other counter services during the three days.

Clearing operations could also slow down, which means cheques deposited around the strike period may take longer than usual to be processed. Businesses that depend on timely clearances should factor in possible delays and plan their payables accordingly.

What will keep working

Digital banking services — including ATMs, mobile banking, internet banking and UPI — are expected to remain largely functional, though ATM cash availability could be uneven if replenishment is affected by the strike.

Customers are advised to complete essential branch visits before September 28 and to keep enough cash on hand for the strike period. Salary credits and automated electronic payments should proceed normally, but employees and pensioners should watch for advisories from their own banks about any exceptions.

Employee unions have said the strike call follows unresolved demands, and the three-day duration gives it unusual heft compared with single-day stoppages. Past strikes have shown that even brief disruptions can create long queues at branches once services resume, so completing urgent work early is the safest strategy for customers.

Plan ahead

With the strike spanning three working days, the disruption could spill over into the following week as backlogs are cleared. Customers with time-sensitive payments, loan EMIs or large transactions should act early rather than waiting.

Banks are expected to issue detailed advisories closer to the dates, and customers should check with their own bank for specifics on which branches and services will remain operational during the strike.