The RBI will organize Unclaimed Assets Camps across the country in October-December 2025, where people will be able to retrieve money from their old or inactive bank accounts. If an account remains inactive for 2-10 years and no transactions occur for 10 years, the money is transferred to the DEA Fund, which account holders can now claim along with interest.
RBI launches new initiative: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is organizing Unclaimed Assets Camps between October and December 2025, where people will be able to apply to get back money from their old, inactive, or closed bank accounts. Money from accounts inactive for 10 years is transferred to the DEA Fund, but account holders or their legal heirs can claim it at any time, along with interest. Bank officials will assist throughout the process at the camps.
What are Inactive Accounts and the DEA Fund?
If a bank account is not used for two to ten years, the bank declares it an inoperative account. Money remains deposited in such accounts, but no transactions occur. If no transactions happen in that account even after ten years, the bank transfers that money to the RBI's DEA Fund. The DEA Fund was established on May 24, 2014. Its purpose is to securely maintain records of such old and unclaimed money.
The good news is that whether the money is in the bank or has been transferred to the DEA Fund, account holders or their legal heirs can reclaim it at any time. This makes it clear that money deposited in old accounts is never lost.
An Easy Way to Get Your Money Back
If your bank account has become inactive and you wish to withdraw the deposited money, the process is simple. First, you can visit any bank branch; it doesn't necessarily have to be your old branch. There, you will need to fill out a form and submit your KYC documents such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License.
The bank will verify your documents. Once the verification is complete, your money will be returned to your account with interest. This process may take some time, but it is certainly a safe and reliable method.
Assistance Also Available at RBI Camps
The RBI is organizing Unclaimed Assets Camps between October and December 2025. Bank officials will be present at these camps, and the entire process of retrieving money from old accounts can be completed there. This initiative is especially helpful for those who have lost their old account documents or information.
Residents from any district can claim their money at these camps. Bank officials and the RBI team will jointly verify account details and simplify the process of returning the money.
Why is this initiative important?
In India, millions of bank accounts lie inactive. Many people are unable to withdraw money from their old accounts for long periods. Sometimes, account documents are lost, or people are unaware of the process. This RBI initiative is a solution to these very problems.
This initiative will not only return people's money but also enhance trust in the banking system. The return of money from old accounts to people will also increase transparency in financial transactions.
