Reserve Bank Of India / RBI launches new initiative, you can get back the money from your forgotten account

If your bank account hasn't been used for two years or more, it becomes inoperative. After 10 years, the money is transferred to the RBI's DEA Fund. The good news is that you can get your money back, along with interest, at any time by completing the KYC process.

Reserve Bank of India: Has your bank account been unused for two years or more? If so, the account may have become inoperative. Many people think that withdrawing money from such an account is difficult or impossible, but this is completely wrong. You can easily get your money back. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a special initiative to simplify this process. Let's find out how you can get your money back.

RBI's Special Campaign

RBI has taken a major step to help people. Between October and December 2025, RBI will organize Unclaimed Assets Camps in every district of the country. At these camps, you can apply to get back the money deposited in your old, closed, or inactive bank accounts. This campaign will prove to be a boon for those who are worried about the process of withdrawing money from their accounts.

Where does your money go?

When a bank account is not used for 2 to 10 years, it is considered an inoperative account. If this period exceeds 10 years and there are no transactions in the account, the bank transfers the money to the RBI's Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEA Fund). This fund was created on May 24, 2014, to preserve records of such funds.

The good news is that even if your money has gone into the DEA Fund, you or your legal heirs can claim it back at any time.

Easy Steps to Get Your Money Back

If you want to withdraw money from your inactive or old bank account, follow the steps below:
Visit a bank branch: You don't need to visit your old branch. You can go to any bank branch.
Fill out the form: You'll need to fill out a claim form there. Submit your KYC documents (such as your Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or driving license) along with it.
Verification Process: The bank will verify your documents. This process is usually completed quickly.
Receive the Refund: Once the verification is complete, your money, including interest, will be transferred back to your account.

Take Advantage of RBI's Unclaimed Assets Camp

You can directly contact the RBI's Unclaimed Assets Camp (October to December 2025) with your problem. Bank officials at these camps will provide complete assistance and help you complete the claim process on the spot. This is a golden opportunity, especially if your account is very old or you are having difficulty understanding the process.