Several financial and public service-related rule changes have come into effect with the beginning of October 2026. The changes impact banking services, LPG subsidies, UPI payments, National Pension System (NPS) accounts, income tax compliance, railway travel, and vehicle fuel regulations. While most changes became effective on October 1, the revised UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework will come into force on October 15. The new rules are expected to affect millions of consumers, taxpayers, investors, and commuters across the country. SBI Revises ATM Transaction Rules Free Transactions Reduced for Salary Package Account Holders State Bank of India (SBI) has revised ATM usage rules for salary package account holders. From October 1, the number of free transactions at ATMs of other banks has been reduced from 10 to 5 per month. The limit includes both financial and non-financial transactions. After exhausting the free limit, customers will be charged ₹23 plus GST for cash withdrawals and ₹11 plus GST for non-financial transactions at other bank ATMs. Changes for BSBD Account Holders For Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) account holders, the first four cash withdrawals every month will remain free. Beyond this limit, customers will be charged ₹15 plus GST per cash withdrawal. Digital transactions remain unaffected by these charges. Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory for LPG Subsidy Domestic LPG consumers seeking subsidised LPG refills must now complete biometric Aadhaar authentication. The government stated that customers who have already completed authentication are not required to undergo the process again. Authentication can be completed during cylinder delivery, at LPG distributor outlets, or through the mobile applications of oil marketing companies. The measure aims to ensure that LPG subsidies reach eligible beneficiaries. UPI MDR Framework to Take Effect on October 15 New Charges for Select Merchant Payments A major change in the digital payments ecosystem will come into force on October 15, 2026. Under the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) framework, selected Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI transactions above ₹2,000 will attract an MDR of 0.4 percent. The MDR will be applicable within the merchant payment ecosystem and will not be charged directly to customers. Person-to-Person Payments Remain Free Person-to-Person (P2P) UPI transfers will continue to remain free. Merchant payments up to ₹2,000 will also remain outside the MDR framework. Certain essential categories will attract a flat MDR charge of ₹5 for transactions exceeding ₹2,000. NPS Introduces Revised Fee Structure The National Pension System (NPS) has implemented a revised Point of Presence (PoP) fee structure from October 1. Under the new framework, opening an NPS account through a PoP will attract a one-time onboarding fee of ₹200 per Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN). For fully digital and non-face-to-face onboarding, the fee may be reduced to ₹100. In addition, a 0.20 percent annual Assets Under Management (AUM) charge will apply to non-dormant accounts. Applicable taxes will be charged separately. Property Purchases From NRIs Become Simpler TAN No Longer Required Resident individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) purchasing property from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) will no longer need to obtain a separate Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN). From October 1, buyers can use their Permanent Account Number (PAN) and file the newly introduced Form 141. The responsibility to deduct Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) remains unchanged, but the reporting and payment process has been simplified. Income Tax Filing Deadlines Extended The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended key compliance deadlines for Assessment Year 2026-27. The deadline for filing tax audit reports has been extended from September 30 to October 21, 2026. Similarly, the due date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for affected taxpayers has been extended from October 31 to November 21, 2026. The extension was announced through a CBDT circular issued on September 28. RBI Introduces Greater Transparency in Bulk Deposit Rates The Reserve Bank of India has implemented new disclosure requirements for bulk deposit interest rates. Banks must now publish bulk deposit rates on their websites by 10:00 a.m. on every working day, with a grace period extending until 10:10 a.m. The move is intended to improve transparency and reduce variations in interest rates offered across different branches for similar deposits. Railway Launches Special Ticket Verification Drive Indian Railways has launched a special ticket checking campaign across the Central Railway network from October 1 to October 31. The drive will cover concession tickets, reserved quota tickets, railway passes, e-passes, and PTO travel facilities. Passengers have been advised to carry original identity documents and eligibility certificates while travelling. In the case of group tickets, at least one passenger must carry the required original identification document. Fuel Restrictions for Vehicles Without PUCC in Delhi-NCR To address winter air pollution, authorities have introduced stricter fuel-related regulations in Delhi-NCR. From October 1, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will not be supplied with petrol, diesel, or CNG. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has planned monitoring through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at fuel stations. The initiative will be implemented across approximately 500 fuel stations in Delhi and will be accompanied by increased enforcement against end-of-life vehicles and enhanced monitoring of pollution hotspots. Multiple Changes Affect Consumers Across Sectors The October 2026 regulatory changes cover banking, digital payments, taxation, pensions, transportation, and environmental compliance. Consumers are advised to review the new provisions carefully, as several of the measures have direct implications for financial transactions, travel documentation, fuel access, and government benefits. Pls Read : Truecaller Launches Scam Checker to Help Users Detect Fraudulent Links and