Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIn India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) classifies a savings or current account as inoperative after more than two years without a customer-induced transaction. “Dormant” is common everyday shorthand for this status. It does not mean the money is forfeited: the separate ten-year rule concerns balances transferred to the RBI’s Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund, which a rightful depositor or claimant can still pursue through the bank.
When does an account become dormant?
Under the RBI’s instructions, a savings or current account becomes inoperative if there has been no customer-induced transaction for more than two years. The revised instructions were issued on January 1, 2024, and took effect on April 1, 2024. They apply to commercial banks, including Regional Rural Banks, and cooperative banks. The RBI’s defined term is “inoperative account”; “dormant” is widely used in consumer-facing explanations.
The test is based on activity in the individual account, not on whether the customer has some other active account at the same bank. An active account therefore does not automatically keep a separate account active. The RBI also gives special treatment to certain accounts opened for scholarships or government Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), so the two-year rule should not be applied to every such account without qualification. Read the RBI’s revised instructions.
Which transactions count as activity?
The rule is not simply whether money moved. A qualifying transaction must be initiated by the account holder or at the holder’s behest, through the bank or a third party. The RBI also recognises specified non-financial actions and KYC updation as customer-induced activity.
#1 Best Overall
Examples that may count
- Financial transactions such as ATM withdrawals or deposits, debit-card use, cheque clearing, and transfers through RTGS, NEFT, IMPS or UPI.
- Customer instructions such as standing instructions and NACH payments, as well as listed benefit-payment channels.
- Credits such as term-deposit interest or proceeds, dividends or investment proceeds, DBT credits and refunds; toll debits are also included in the RBI’s illustrative list.
- Specified non-financial activity, including a qualifying balance enquiry, cheque-book or card request, nomination request, change to transaction limits, or a successful internet or mobile banking login. Applicable two-factor authentication and audit-trail conditions must be met.
- KYC updation through face-to-face contact or the bank’s digital channels.
What does not count
Bank-imposed charges and savings-account interest are bank-induced entries, not customer-induced activity. Neither keeps an account from becoming inoperative. By contrast, activity carried out under a customer mandate, such as a standing instruction or auto-renewal, is treated as customer-induced under the RBI instructions. Savings interest continues to be credited regularly even when the account is inoperative.
Inoperative account versus unclaimed deposit: the two-year and ten-year rules
These are different milestones with different consequences. Becoming inoperative does not itself transfer the money to the RBI or cancel the depositor’s claim.
Rank #2
- Quick reference legal law learning guide. 4-page 8.5" x 11" laminated study guide for law students, lawyers and paralegals.
- This well structured Guide provides a summary of the fundamental concepts that are the foundation of criminal law, including the elements of a criminal act, crimes against the person, and crimes against property.
- The Guide outlines a useful review of court jurisdiction and American sentencing principles.
- Easy-to-read layout to promote faster learning and memory retention.
| Milestone | What triggers it | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| More than two years | A savings or current account has no customer-induced transactions for more than two years. | The account is classified as inoperative. Contact the bank and complete its applicable KYC and customer-due-diligence steps to seek activation. |
| Ten years or more | A deposit has remained unoperated for ten years or more, or another covered amount has remained unclaimed for ten years. | The bank transfers the unclaimed deposit to the RBI-maintained DEA Fund. The depositor or a rightful claimant can still pursue the money through the bank. |
For each deposit transferred to the DEA Fund, the bank assigns a unique Unclaimed Deposit Reference Number (UDRN). Transfer to the Fund is not the same as the money being forfeited; the claim is made through the bank that held the deposit. The RBI circular sets out the inoperative-account and unclaimed-deposit rules.
How do I activate a dormant bank account?
Contact the bank holding the account and follow its activation process, including the required KYC or customer-due-diligence checks. The bank must provide KYC updation for activation at all branches, including non-home branches. Under the RBI’s June 12, 2025 amendment, banks should endeavour to provide Video-based Customer Identification Process (V-CIP), and an authorised Business Correspondent may assist with activation as permitted by the applicable KYC direction. Availability and the steps involved can depend on the bank’s process and applicable checks. See the RBI’s 2025 amendment.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Once the bank has received a complete application, it must process the activation request within three working days. It must not charge for activating the account, and it cannot levy penal charges for failure to maintain a minimum balance while an account is classified as inoperative.
How can I find unclaimed bank deposits?
For deposits transferred to the DEA Fund, banks must publish a search facility with the account holder or entity name, address without the PIN code, and UDRN. The public search combines name and address. It must not display the account number, deposit type, outstanding balance or branch name.
Rank #4
- 4-page 8.5" x 11" laminated Contract law quick reference guide
- Th law chart takes the reader through all aspects of contract formation and enforcement with clear summaries and effective cross references to areas such as Torts and Criminal Law.
- The most commonly employed American Contract terms are defined in clear reference tables.
- Glossary of terms and corresponding definitions
- Easy-to-read to promoted memory retention. Great learning aid.
- Search the relevant bank’s published unclaimed-deposit information using the holder’s name and address.
- If you identify a likely match, note the UDRN and contact the bank that held the deposit.
- Follow that bank’s current claim form and documentation requirements. The process can differ depending on whether the claimant is the depositor, a nominee or a legal heir.
For a deceased depositor, the nominee or legal heir should use the bank’s applicable claim process. The RBI requires banks to publish their procedures, forms and necessary documents, but there is no single document list that applies to every bank and claimant.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can you avoid an account becoming inoperative?
The RBI instructs banks to review accounts with no customer-induced transactions for more than a year at least annually and alert holders that an account could become inoperative if activity does not resume during the next year. Keep contact details current and respond to any bank notice. If you want an account to remain active, use it for a qualifying transaction or other eligible customer-induced activity; bank charges and savings interest alone will not do so.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Quick reference USA Civil Procedure law guide perfect for law students, paralegals and attorney's
- Guide provides anyone who requires a better understanding of United States civil procedure with numerous tips and insights.
- Glossary of terms, definitions and precedent.
- Easy-to-read layout to promote faster learning and memory retention.
- Guidelines and legal overview. Great study aid and reference guide
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
