Everything You Need to Know About Bank Timings

So often do you rush to the before right before it closes? Or do you end up visiting bank branches unknowingly during Bank holidays?

If it makes you feel any better, you are not alone.

To date, many people struggle with bank timings or planning their visit in advance. Thankfully the problem can be avoided if one simply finds out the active bank timings of their branch before visiting it in person.

That said, let’s check in detail why one must check bank timings and how they can enhance their banking experience.

Understanding Bank timings

Bank timings essentially describe the hours a Bank branch remains operational and open to the public. Notably, the timings tend to vary among bank branches and locations. For instance, bank branches in metropolitan cities may have longer hours than those in rural areas.

However, banks generally remain open from Monday to Friday and all the month’s first, third, and fifth Saturdays.

Bank Timings for Different Services

Typically, Bank branches follow the same opening and closing times. However, some branches may have different timings for cash or cheque deposits, account openings, or cash withdrawals. Similarly, services like loan processing, investment advice, and insurance sales may also be extended at fixed hours. To figure out the timings and limitations, check with the Bank and get an appointment if required to save time and better plan the visit.

Bank Timings for Mobile Banking and Online Services

Indeed, one can access mobile banking and online banking services and carry out transactions or track account details 24*7. Though this eliminates the dependence on bank timings, there may be some restrictions on the services you need to find out. For instance, say, you need to transfer a large amount of money but the Bank will only authenticate it during business hours. Knowing the designated hours for such services and the involved process is imperative. You can also contact your Bank branch’s customer care to find out if the bank is open on the day you plan to visit.

Bank Timings During Public Holidays

Bank branches across the country remain closed on public holidays. Hence, checking the state holiday calendar before visiting the nearest bank branch is recommended. Some banks may also have additional holidays or observe holidays based on cultural affiliations, so, check the bank branch’s holiday calendar or the bank’s website to avoid inconveniences.

Bank Timings for Different Account Types

The timings for different bank accounts may also vary based on the different types of bank accounts and their policies. For instance, some may have longer timings for their current account customers mainly because such account holders carry out larger transfers.

Some bank branches may have different timings for fixed deposit and investment services. Based on your need and requirement, check with the bank branch in advance to ensure you plan your visit adequately and streamline your process in a way that is productive and helps save time.

Timings for International Bank Transactions

The timings for international transactions may vary from domestic transactions and also have additional requirements that an account holder must meet. This is because international transactions need additional verification and follow lengthy processing, which demands more time and attention. It is imperative that account holders check with the Bank in advance about the requirements, process, and, most importantly, the timings to ensure the ready thing is in order and streamlined for fast processing.

Lunch Timings

The standard lunchtime for bank branches is usually from 1:30-2:30 pm. However, the same tends to vary among branches and locations. Moreover, most bank workers prefer taking a break in batches so that they can provide uninterrupted financial assistance to their customers and visitors and ensure a smooth flow of transactions with the minimal waiting time. In order to avoid waiting in lines, make sure to find out the lunchtime hours and avoid it next time when visiting a Bank branch.

Besides these, it is smart to plan your bank visit so that you can get the job done without any hassles and ensure a productive outcome from your in-person visit.

Read along to find out how you can plan your bank visits better.

Tips for Planning Effective Bank Visits

Follow these for a hassle-free banking experience every time you visit a bank.

Tip 1: Check the timings of the local branch

Not all local bank branches have the same timings. For instance, the timings for ICICI Bank may differ from that of the Indian Bank timings. So make sure to check the timings of the branch you want to visit. This will save you a lot of hassle and time if travel is involved.

Top 2: avoid the peak hours

Nobody wants to wait in long queues when they are in need of prompt banking assistance. Schedule your bank visit before or after to avoid the rush hour, usually from 11 am to 2 pm.

Tip 3: Complete several banking tasks on a day

If you must make several transactions or have pending official work to complete, like updating KYC with the bank, try to schedule them on a single day. This will help you save time by helping you wrap your tasks in one day. However, this also entails being prepared to spend several hours at the bank at a stretch.

Tip 4: Call and confirm

Bank branches dedicate specific hours to services like investment advice, fixed account opening, NEFT transactions, etc. Check with the bank to find out the ideal time to visit the branch for a specific task to ensure you have the bankers’ assistance and attention and finish your work in minimal time.

Tip 5: Opt for online banking services

Phone banking and net banking services are considered to be more convenient and faster, and they not only eliminate the need to visit a bank branch in person but don’t require account holders to wait in queues. Additionally, most phone banking services are available 24*7. So to avail of these benefits and more, try to use online banking services as much as possible instead of visiting your local branch unless deemed essential.