HDFC Bank tightens locker access rules

Mumbai: HDFC Bank has tightened its locker access rules following several incidents of thefts across banks. It has made biometric authentication linked to Aadhaar mandatory for all locker holders before granting access. Additionally, a bank representative will now be stationed outside the locker room to ensure that each locker is properly secured after the customer exits the premises, said senior executives.

The measures are aimed at strengthening end-to-end monitoring inside locker premises.

“As part of our digital approach to streamline operations, we have transitioned into a paperless journey for locker access,” the bank said in a statement. “Customers now have the option to access their lockers through biometric authentication, making the process more secure and efficient.”

The bank added that existing standard processes require branch custodians to re-check lockers after the customer accesses their locker, to confirm its security.

The bank also sharply increased its annual locker fees across metro, urban, semi-urban and rural locations. From April 1, the annual charge for a small locker in a metro city will be ₹5,000, more than double the current of ₹2,250, while the fees for a large locker will increase to ₹15,000 from ₹10,000.

“We have revised locker rates after a decade, having benchmarked with current market offerings,” the bank said.

According to the bank’s social media communication, the revision in locker charges is primarily aimed at aligning with RBI’s updated guidelines, which mandate enhanced security standards, greater operational transparency and clearer liability norms. “These changes, often effective for new agreements, cover costs for higher security standards, insurance, and technological updates,” HDFC Bank said in response to a customer query on microblogging website X.