How to Avoid MAB Charges in ICICI Bank?

Many ICICI Bank users see random deductions called MAB Charges and wonder, “Ye kaunse paise kaate?” MAB stands for Monthly Average Balance. If you don’t keep the required average balance in your account, ICICI deducts a penalty. These charges can be avoided easily if you follow some simple steps. Let’s understand how to avoid MAB charges in ICICI Bank

What is MAB?

MAB stands for Monthly Average Balance. It’s the average amount you need to keep in your bank account every day in a month. If you don’t meet it, the bank charges a penalty.

Formula to calculate MAB:

MAB = Sum of closing amounts / Number of Days in the Month

By using the formula, you can easily determine the monthly average balance

Let’s break it down:

• For the first 15 days, you had ₹10,000 in your account
• For the next 15 days, you had ₹2,000

Now add both:
(₹10,000 × 15 days) + (₹2,000 × 15 days) = ₹150,000 + ₹30,000 = ₹180,000

There are 30 days in the month, so:
MAB = ₹180,000 ÷ 30 = ₹6,000

What if You Needed ₹10,000 MAB?

You only maintained ₹6,000. That means you’re ₹4,000 short. Result? The bank will charge you a penalty for not maintaining the required balance.

Also, Check - How to Increase the RTGS Limit in ICICI Bank.

ICICI Bank MAB Rules & Charges (2025)

If you don’t keep the required Monthly Average Balance (MAB) in your account, ICICI Bank will charge a penalty. The rules depend on your account type and branch location.

• Savings Account: The amount has to be Rs 5000/ month. And the charges are Rs 100 + 5% of the shortfall.
  
• Salary Account: In case of a salary account, the minimum salary amount is Rs 10,000. And the fee is 100 rupees plus 5% of the shortfall.

MAB Requirement & Penalty

Fee Type	Minimum Balance (MAB	Penalty If Not Maintained
Regular Savings - Metro	₹10,000	₹100 to ₹350 + GST
Regular Savings - Urban	₹5,000	₹100 to ₹350 + GST
Regular Savings - Rural	₹2,000	₹100 to ₹350 + GST
Salary Account	₹10,000	₹100 + 5% of shortfall (if salary not credited for 3 months)

Easy Ways to Avoid MAB Charges

Use Google Calendar or Set Reminders

Every 25th of the month, check your account. If the balance is low, top it up for the last few days. Simple trick, big save.

Switch to Zero-Balance Accounts

Don’t want to worry about MAB at all? Switch to:

Account Type	Good For
Insta Save	Students, side-income earners
Basic Savings	Low-income, minimal usage users
Salary Account	Working professionals (active salary)

Link your savings account to an FD. If your balance drops, the bank automatically adjusts it using FD. Think of it like keeping a secret cash stash for emergencies.

Make Small Deposits Regularly

Don’t wait for a big deposit at month-end. Deposit small amounts (like ₹1,000-₹2,000) regularly to maintain your average.

Park Your Stock Trading Funds Temporarily

If you're into stock trading, transfer unused brokerage funds into your ICICI account before the month-end. It boosts your average balance.

Transfer from Other Bank Accounts (Temporarily)

Even a UPI transfer from Paytm or PhonePe for 2-3 days helps maintain your MAB. Move it back later if needed.

Convert to Basic Savings Account

If you’re not using your account much, downgrade to a Basic Savings Bank Account. It has zero MAB and no charges.

Close the Account (if unused)

If you're not using your ICICI account at all, close it. Don’t keep it running with a low balance and unnecessary charges.

How to Check Your MAB in ICICI Bank?

You can check your Monthly Average Balance using these 4 easy methods:

1. Mobile Banking App

• Open app
• Go to the FD/RD section
• Select your savings account
• Tap More Options
• Choose MAB Details
• Tap Submit

2. Internet Banking (Website)

• Log in to your ICICI Net Banking
• Go to Bank Accounts
• Click on your Account
• Select Monthly Average Balance

3. Mini Statement Option (in App)

• Tap on your account.
• More Options
• MAB details
• Submit

4. Call ICICI Customer Support

• Call the helpline and ask for your current MAB and account status.

Conclusion

Avoiding ICICI MAB charges is simple if you just follow a few steps. Know your account type, check your balance regularly, use smart features like FD links, and switch to zero-balance accounts if needed. Don’t let the bank silently deduct ₹ from your hard-earned money just because your balance was short for a few days.