Dormant Bank Account Reactivation — All Banks 2026

A bank account becomes dormant (inoperative) when there is no customer-initiated transaction for 24 consecutive months. The account isn't closed — but ATM, internet banking, UPI, and cheque payments stop working until you reactivate it.

This guide covers how to reactivate a dormant account at every major Indian bank, what documents you need, and how long it takes.

RBI Rule: Banks must notify customers before marking an account dormant. Interest on savings accounts continues even in dormant status.

Why Does an Account Go Dormant?

What Stops Working in a Dormant Account

• ❌ ATM/Debit card transactions
• ❌ Internet banking / mobile banking transfers
• ❌ UPI payments
• ❌ Cheque payments
• ✅ Interest crediting continues
• ✅ ECS credits (pension, salary) continue
• ✅ Balance viewable (read-only access may work)

Documents Required (All Banks)

Some banks may also ask for:

• Latest address proof (utility bill, rent agreement) if address changed
• Mobile number update form if number changed

SBI Dormant Account Reactivation

Process: Branch visit mandatory (SBI does not allow dormant reactivation online/digitally)

Steps:

1. Visit your home branch (where account was opened)
2. Carry: Aadhaar, PAN, passbook, 2 passport photos
3. Fill "Request for Activation of Inoperative Account" form
4. Submit with self-attested KYC documents
5. Do one transaction (even ₹1 cash deposit)
6. Account reactivated within same day to 1 working day

Tip: If account has been inoperative for 10+ years, it may have been transferred to RBI DEAF fund. File a separate DEAF claim at SBI branch.

Customer Care: 1800-11-2211

HDFC Bank Dormant Account Reactivation

Via Branch (Recommended):

1. Visit nearest HDFC branch (not necessarily home branch)
2. Fill "KYC / Account Reactivation Form"
3. Submit Aadhaar + PAN + photo
4. Do a cash deposit or withdrawal (₹1 minimum)
5. Account reactivated: same day

Via Netbanking/App (Partial — for KYC completion only):

• HDFC allows KYC update via Video KYC for accounts where only KYC is pending
• For true dormant reactivation with transaction, branch visit is required

Customer Care: 1800-202-6161

ICICI Bank Dormant Account Reactivation

Via Branch:

1. Visit any ICICI Bank branch
2. Submit KYC documents + fill reactivation form
3. Do one transaction at branch
4. Account active: same day

Via iMobile Pay (if KYC-only issue):

1. Some dormant cases can be resolved by re-completing KYC via app
2. iMobile → Profile → KYC Update → Video KYC
3. If this doesn't work: branch visit required

Customer Care: 1800-1080

Axis Bank Dormant Account Reactivation

Via Branch:

1. Visit any Axis Bank branch
2. Fill "Dormant Account Activation" request form
3. Submit KYC: Aadhaar + PAN + photo
4. Deposit or withdraw ₹1 (any customer-initiated transaction)
5. Reactivation: same day

Via Axis Mobile App (Digital KYC):

• Axis sometimes allows re-KYC for dormant accounts via the app (Video KYC option)
• Axis Mobile → Profile → Update KYC

Customer Care: 1860-419-5555

Kotak Mahindra Dormant Account Reactivation

Via Branch:

1. Visit Kotak branch
2. Submit KYC documents + reactivation request letter
3. One transaction required
4. Account active: 1 working day

Via Kotak App:

• Kotak app → Help → Request Callback → Mention "dormant account reactivation"
• Some cases handled digitally after document upload

Customer Care: 1860-266-2666

PNB Dormant Account Reactivation

Via Branch (Mandatory):

1. Visit home branch
2. Fill "Request for Activation of Inoperative/Dormant Account"
3. Submit KYC: Aadhaar + PAN + photo
4. Do one cash deposit transaction
5. Reactivation: 1–2 working days

Via PNB ONE App (Partial):

• PNB ONE allows some dormant accounts to be activated if KYC is already complete
• PNB ONE → Services → Activate Account

Customer Care: 1800-180-2222

Union Bank Dormant Account Reactivation

Via Branch:

1. Visit Union Bank branch
2. Fill reactivation form
3. Submit KYC documents
4. One transaction required
5. Reactivation: 1 working day

Via Vyom App:

• Union Bank's Vyom app allows KYC update digitally
• Vyom → Services → KYC Update

Customer Care: 1800-22-2244

Bank of Baroda Dormant Account Reactivation

Via Branch:

1. Visit BOB branch
2. Fill "Dormant Account Reactivation" request form
3. Submit KYC documents
4. Do one transaction
5. Reactivation: same day

Via BOB World App:

• BOB World → Account Services → Re-KYC / Account Activation (if available for your account)

Customer Care: 1800-5700

Canara Bank Dormant Account Reactivation

Via Branch (Mandatory):

1. Visit Canara Bank branch
2. Submit written request + KYC documents
3. Cash deposit or withdrawal required
4. Reactivation: 1–2 working days

Customer Care: 1800-425-0018

Indian Bank Dormant Account Reactivation

Via Branch:

1. Visit Indian Bank branch
2. Fill reactivation form + submit Aadhaar + PAN
3. One transaction at branch
4. Reactivation: 1 working day

Customer Care: 1800-425-1400

Bank Account Transferred to RBI DEAF Fund — How to Recover

If the account has had no activity for 10 years, the balance is transferred to RBI's Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF). You can still claim it:

1. Visit your bank branch
2. Bank verifies your identity + account history
3. Bank files DEAF claim with RBI on your behalf
4. Money credited back to your account in 3–6 weeks
5. No penalty — you get the full amount with applicable interest

Check unclaimed deposits: rbi.org.in/uddesh.aspx — RBI UDGAM portal lets you search unclaimed deposits across all banks.

How Long Does Reactivation Take?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dormant account lose money? No — balance is preserved and interest continues to accrue. Only transaction capabilities are suspended.

Can I reactivate a dormant account from another city? For public sector banks (SBI, PNB, Union Bank), you typically need to visit the home branch. Private banks (HDFC, ICICI, Axis) often allow any branch or digital reactivation.

What if my mobile number or address changed since I opened the account? Update both when you visit the branch for reactivation. Bring new address proof and your new mobile number.

Will my debit card work again after reactivation? Yes — once the account is reactivated, the debit card usually works within 24 hours. If not, call customer care to activate the card separately.

My account shows ₹0 balance but it was dormant, not closed — where did the money go? Check if the bank deducted non-maintenance charges (which some banks do even on dormant accounts). If the balance was above ₹0 and account has been dormant 10+ years, it may have gone to RBI DEAF fund. File a DEAF claim at branch.

Can I avoid my account going dormant? Yes — make at least one customer-initiated transaction every year: ATM withdrawal, UPI payment, NEFT transfer, or even a small cash deposit. Calendar reminder every 6 months is good practice.