Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a directive to all banks and White Label ATM Operators (WLAOs) to increase the availability of Rs. 100 and Rs.200 denomination banknotes through ATMs. This initiative aims to improve public access to these frequently used denominations. The RBI has set specific milestones for compliance: by September 30, 2025, 75% of all ATMs must dispense either Rs.100 or Rs.200 notes from at least one cassette, and by March 31, 2026, this requirement increases to 90% of all ATMs. The communication, dated April 28, 2025, was sent by the Chief General Manager of the Department of Currency Management at the RBI.
The RBI’s directive outlines a phased approach for banks and WLAOs to adapt their ATM infrastructure. The initial target requires that a substantial majority (75%) of ATMs are equipped to dispense either Rs.100 or Rs.200 notes within approximately five months. This phased implementation allows financial institutions time to make the necessary adjustments to their ATM hardware and software. The subsequent target, set for the end of the fiscal year, mandates near-universal compliance (90%), indicating the RBI’s commitment to ensuring widespread availability of these denominations.
This move by the RBI is designed to facilitate smoother transactions for the general public, particularly for everyday purchases where these denominations are commonly used. By ensuring that ATMs dispense these notes, the RBI aims to reduce reliance on higher denomination notes for smaller transactions, potentially easing pressure on change availability and improving overall convenience in cash transactions. The directive reflects the RBI’s ongoing efforts to manage currency distribution and ensure that the public has access to the denominations they frequently require.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
www.rbi.org.in
RBI/2025-26/33
DCM.RMMT.No.S312/20-02-001/2025-2026 Dated: April 28, 2025
The Chairman / Managing Director/
Chief Executive Officer
All Banks
Madam / Dear Sir,
Dispensation of ₹100 and ₹200 denomination banknotes through ATMs
As part of an endeavour towards enhancing public access to frequently used denominations of banknotes, it has been decided that all banks and White Label ATM Operators (WLAOs) shall ensure that their ATMs dispense ₹100 and ₹200 denomination banknotes on a regular basis as per following milestones:
i. By September 30, 2025: 75% of all ATMs shall dispense either ₹100 or ₹200 denomination banknotes from at least one cassette.
ii. By March 31, 2026: 90% of all ATMs shall dispense either ₹100 or ₹200 denomination banknotes from at least one cassette.
Yours faithfully
(Suman Nath)
Chief General Manager
Department of Currency Management, Central Office, 4th Floor, Amar Building, Sir P. M. Road, Post Box No.1379, Mumbai – 400 001(India); Tel: +91-22-2260 3000 / 4000; Fax: +91-22-2266 2442; E-mail: cgmincdcm@rbi.org.in
