Punjab National Bank (PNB) customers should check accounts that have remained unused for a long period. According to an October 28 report, the bank may close certain zero-balance accounts after November 10, 2026, particularly those without customer-initiated transactions since September 30, 2023.

The warning does not mean that every zero-balance account will be closed. Customers should verify whether their account falls within the affected category and contact PNB through official channels if action is required.

PNB Bank Alert 2026: Inactive Zero-Balance Accounts May Close After November 10, Complete KYC Now

PNB Account Closure Alert 2026: Punjab National Bank (PNB) has issued an important notice for customers who have not used their bank accounts for several years. The public sector bank has warned that certain inactive accounts with zero balances may be closed after November 10, 2026.

According to the bank's notice dated October 26, 2026, the closure exercise will cover accounts that have recorded no customer-initiated transactions for more than three years as of September 30, 2026, and have no money remaining in them.

Customers who want to retain such accounts have been advised to complete the required Know Your Customer (KYC) formalities and reactivate their accounts before the deadline.

The bank says the move is intended to reduce the risk of misuse of long-inactive accounts and improve banking security.

However, not every zero-balance account will be closed. Customers should first check whether their accounts meet the specific conditions mentioned in the notice.

Which PNB Accounts May Be Closed After November 10?

PNB's latest notice applies to accounts meeting two important conditions.

First, the account must have remained unused for more than three years as of September 30, 2026.

Second, the account must have a zero balance.

For example, if a customer has not conducted any customer-initiated transaction since before September 30, 2023, and the account balance is zero, the account may fall within the closure exercise.

An active zero-balance account does not automatically become eligible for closure simply because no money is deposited in it.

Similarly, an inactive account with an available balance does not meet the specific zero-balance condition described in this notice.

PNB Account Closure 2026: Important Details

Why Is PNB Closing These Accounts?

PNB has explained that long-unused bank accounts can create security and operational concerns.

Accounts that remain inactive for several years may be more vulnerable to attempted misuse, especially when customers no longer monitor them regularly.

The bank's closure exercise is intended to reduce these risks.

The notice also encourages customers to review their old accounts and update their banking information.

This is particularly relevant for people who opened accounts for previous jobs, salary payments or other purposes but stopped using them.

What Should Customers Do Before November 10?

Customers who believe their accounts may be affected should contact PNB as soon as possible.

The bank has advised affected account holders to visit a branch, complete the required KYC formalities and request account reactivation.

Steps to Reactivate an Inactive PNB Account

Step 1: Check whether your PNB account has remained unused for more than three years.

Step 2: Confirm whether the account currently has a zero balance.

Step 3: Contact your PNB branch and ask whether your account is included in the closure exercise.

Step 4: Carry the identity and address documents required for KYC verification.

Step 5: Submit an account reactivation request and complete the verification process.

Step 6: Confirm with the bank that your account has been restored to operative status.

Customers should complete the necessary formalities by November 10, 2026, if they want to continue using an affected account.

Which Documents Are Required for PNB KYC?

The bank may ask customers to submit valid identity and address documents.

Depending on the customer's circumstances, accepted documents may include Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence.

PAN or Form 60 may also be required under applicable KYC rules.

Customers should carry their original documents for verification when visiting a branch.

Additional documents or a written reactivation request may be required depending on the account's status.

It is advisable to contact the branch beforehand to confirm the exact requirements.

Can PNB KYC Be Updated Online?

PNB provides several channels for routine KYC updates, depending on the customer's eligibility and whether their existing information has changed.

These may include the PNB ONE mobile banking application, internet banking and other officially supported channels.

For customers whose KYC information remains unchanged, the bank has also publicised a declaration-based SMS facility.

However, customers should distinguish between updating KYC information and reactivating an account that has already become inoperative.

An account covered by the November 10 closure notice may require additional verification or a branch-level reactivation process.

Therefore, affected customers should not assume that sending an SMS or completing a routine online KYC update will automatically prevent closure.

They should obtain confirmation from PNB that the account has been reactivated.

PNB Has Also Announced a Separate KYC Deadline

Apart from the November 10 deadline for certain inactive zero-balance accounts, PNB has issued a separate reminder concerning regular KYC updates.

According to reports, customers whose KYC updation was due on or before September 30, 2026, have been asked to complete the process by October 31, 2026.

These are two different deadlines.

Customers should confirm which deadline applies to their account.

When Does a Bank Account Become Inoperative?

Under the general banking framework, savings and current accounts may be classified as inoperative when there are no qualifying customer-initiated transactions for more than two years.

This is different from PNB's latest closure exercise, which specifically concerns certain accounts that have remained unused for more than three years and have zero balances.

Customer-initiated activity may include qualifying financial transactions and certain authenticated non-financial activities under applicable banking rules.

The exact classification should be verified with the bank.

Will Customers Lose Their Money if an Account Is Closed?

The current notice concerns accounts that have zero balances.

Therefore, customers should not confuse the closure of eligible zero-balance accounts with the loss of funds deposited in other accounts.

Accounts containing money are subject to applicable banking rules concerning inoperative deposits and unclaimed balances.

If customers have an old account containing funds, they should contact the bank to understand the account's status and the procedure for accessing their money.

An inoperative account does not automatically mean that the customer's deposited money has disappeared.

How to Contact Punjab National Bank

Customers who need assistance can contact PNB through its official customer support channels.

The reported toll-free customer care numbers are:

1800-1800

1800-2021

Customers can also visit the official PNB website at https://www.pnbindia.in/ or contact their nearest branch.

For account-specific information, the bank may require identity verification before providing details.

Beware of Fake KYC Messages and Banking Scams

Banking alerts are sometimes misused by fraudsters to trick customers into sharing sensitive information.

PNB customers should be careful if they receive unexpected calls or messages claiming that their accounts will be blocked immediately.

Never share an OTP, ATM PIN, internet banking password or UPI PIN with anyone.

Customers should also avoid downloading unknown applications or opening suspicious links sent through SMS or messaging platforms.

KYC and account reactivation should be completed only through official bank channels.

Final Update

Punjab National Bank has asked customers with certain inactive, zero-balance accounts to complete KYC and reactivate their accounts by November 10, 2026.

The notice applies to accounts that have not recorded customer-initiated transactions for more than three years as of September 30, 2026, and have zero balances.

Customers who want to keep their affected accounts should contact PNB and complete the reactivation process before the deadline.

Other customers should not assume their accounts will be closed merely because they maintain a zero balance.

The safest approach is to check the account status directly with the bank and follow its official instructions.

The October 26 notice, November 10 deadline and account eligibility conditions are also reported by The Economic Times and Mint.