Many customers across India have reported a deduction of ₹236 from their Union Bank accounts, often without prior notice or a clear explanation. This seemingly minor transaction has caused confusion among account holders, especially those who check their balance regularly or rely on SMS alerts and mobile banking notifications. While such deductions may appear small, repeated charges or unexplained fees can raise concerns about transparency, service charges, and banking practices. Understanding why Union Bank deducts ₹236 and what steps to take can help customers manage their accounts more confidently and avoid future surprises.
Common Reasons for Union Bank Deducting ₹236
1. Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC)
One of the most common reasons Union Bank deducts ₹236 from a customer’s account is for the annual maintenance charges associated with debit cards. This fee is typically charged once a year and applies to accounts that come with an active ATM or debit card. The fee covers services such as card replacement, fraud monitoring, and digital transaction support.
2. SMS Alert Charges
Some customers may experience deductions due to SMS alert services. Although these usually come with a quarterly or semi-annual fee, Union Bank sometimes groups this with other charges, resulting in a ₹236 deduction. SMS alerts help customers stay informed about their transactions, withdrawals, and account balances.
3. Debit Card Replacement or Upgrade
When a debit card is replaced due to damage, loss, or an upgrade to a newer card type (such as a Rupay to Visa card), the bank may charge a fee. In some cases, this fee is ₹236 and can be automatically deducted from the customer’s account without individual authorization.
4. Consolidated Banking Charges
Union Bank may also club together multiple smaller charges into a single consolidated deduction. This can include things like cheque book requests, branch transaction charges, and other service-related fees. Instead of listing each individually, the bank might deduct a total amount such as ₹236.
How to Check the Reason for the Deduction
If you notice a ₹236 deduction from your account and are unsure of the reason, here are steps you can take to find out more:
- Check your passbook or account statement: Visit the nearest branch or log in to Union Bank’s net banking portal or mobile app to view a detailed transaction history.
- Look for transaction labels: Deductions usually come with a short note like ‘ANNUAL CHARGES’, ‘SMS CHG’, or ‘DEBIT CARD AMC’.
- Contact customer service: Call Union Bank’s toll-free customer care number or email their support team with your account details to get clarity.
- Visit your home branch: For a more personal explanation or to file a complaint, speak with a bank official directly at your local branch.
Can You Avoid the ₹236 Deduction?
1. Opt Out of Services
If you don’t use SMS alerts or have multiple debit cards, consider opting out of unnecessary services. Disabling these services can help you avoid recurring charges.
2. Switch to a Basic Savings Account
Union Bank offers Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts (BSBDAs) that often come with zero maintenance charges. These accounts are designed to serve low-income individuals or those who want minimal banking features without extra costs.
3. Regularly Review Bank Policies
Service charges and banking policies change frequently. Visit the Union Bank website or inquire at your branch about the latest fee structures. Staying updated helps you avoid surprise deductions like the ₹236 fee.
4. Maintain Required Minimum Balance
Failure to maintain the monthly average balance (MAB) could trigger penalty deductions. While ₹236 is not a typical non-maintenance charge, keeping the minimum balance helps you avoid several types of service fees bundled together.
Steps to Raise a Complaint for Wrong Deduction
1. Contact Union Bank Customer Care
If you believe the deduction was made in error, immediately contact customer support. Provide details such as your account number, transaction date, and reference number.
2. File a Written Complaint
Visit your home branch and submit a written complaint. Ask for an acknowledgment receipt, which you can use to track your complaint’s progress.
3. Use the Online Grievance Portal
Union Bank has a grievance redressal system where you can lodge complaints online. This portal allows you to escalate unresolved issues to higher authorities within the bank.
4. Approach the Banking Ombudsman
If the issue is not resolved within 30 days, you can escalate the matter to the Reserve Bank of India’s Banking Ombudsman. This step ensures that your complaint is addressed by an independent authority.
Similar Charges Reported by Other Banks
Union Bank is not the only institution to deduct charges like ₹236. Many Indian banks, including SBI, PNB, and Canara Bank, also impose annual maintenance and service fees in similar amounts. This is common practice across the industry, although the amounts and terms may vary slightly.
- SBI: Typically deducts between ₹125-₹300 for debit card maintenance and other services.
- PNB: Charges annual maintenance and SMS fees combined into lump-sum deductions.
- ICICI & HDFC: Also charge similar fees but often display more transparent itemization in their account statements.
Transparency and Customer Awareness
1. Need for Better Communication
Many customers report that such deductions happen without proper notification. To improve transparency, banks should inform account holders in advance through SMS, email, or app notifications.
2. Educating Customers
Banks should take proactive steps to educate their users about recurring charges, especially when opening new accounts. This includes providing brochures or digital guides outlining possible deductions and how to avoid them.
3. Role of RBI Guidelines
The Reserve Bank of India has issued multiple advisories urging banks to maintain transparency in service charges. While Union Bank follows these to some extent, unexplained charges like the ₹236 deduction highlight the need for better enforcement and communication.
The ₹236 deduction by Union Bank is typically linked to annual maintenance or service-related fees. While it may be a legitimate charge, the lack of clear communication can make it frustrating for customers. By regularly reviewing your bank account, staying informed about service charges, and actively managing unnecessary services, you can prevent such deductions in the future. If you believe the deduction was wrong or unauthorized, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service or escalate the issue through official grievance channels. In today’s digital banking era, staying alert is just as important as saving money.