How to Use a Bank Locker & What Are the Charges?

Need a safe place to store your valuables? A bank locker facility is the perfect solution. It offers a secure, protected space within the bank designed to store everything from important documents to precious jewellery. While most nationalised and private banks provide this service, the features and charges may vary. 

Read on to understand how you can rent a safe deposit locker, access it and what you need to know about the charges involved.

Understanding Bank Locker Facility

A bank locker facility is more than just a storage solution – it’s a high-security service provided by financial institutions to keep your valuable items safe. These lockers are located within the secure premises of the bank, giving you peace of mind knowing that your possessions are protected from theft, natural calamities or even accidents at home.

You can use a bank locker to store a wide range of items, such as:

• Important documents: Property papers, legal documents and certificates
• Jewels: Family heirlooms, gold, and other precious items
• Valuable collectables: Artwork, antiques or other precious items you want to keep safe

Eligibility Criteria for Getting a Bank Locker

Banks usually have specific eligibility criteria for renting a safe deposit locker:

• You must have a functioning savings/current account with the bank for a minimum period, often 6 months to 1 year.
• Some banks require you to maintain an average monthly balance in your accounts.
• If you do not have an existing account, you may need to open a fixed deposit account to establish a financial relationship for locker eligibility.
• A loan or other banking relationship may improve the priority of locker allocation.

Those eligible to open a safe deposit locker at banks typically include individual citizens, companies and organisations: 

• Individual applicants can apply for a personal locker independently or jointly with another account holder, such as a spouse or family member. 
• Incorporated entities like limited companies and firms can also utilise locker facilities for secure storage needs. 
• Additionally, banks permit non-resident Indian citizens to rent lockers if they already have an existing locker relationship from previous periods of residency. 

The required documentation and process may vary between different banks. Still, the locker system broadly aims to be accessible for both personal and business storage purposes, only needing association through relevant accounts.

Locker Booking Process

Once you’ve met the basic requirements to rent a safe deposit locker, your next step is to check if there are any lockers available at your preferred bank.

• Choose from different locker sizes – small, medium, or large – based on your storage needs.
• Pay a refundable security deposit and advance rent after selecting the locker.
• Sign an agreement outlining the terms and conditions of locker usage.
• The bank records your signature for verification whenever you access the locker.
  

Accessing and Operating the Locker

When you’re ready to access your safe deposit locker, just head over to the bank during its operating hours and hand over the locker key. After a quick verification, a bank officer will accompany you to the locker area to ensure everything stays secure. This two-key system ensures that only you (and the bank) can access your locker. 

Locker Related Charges

Here’s a quick and easy breakdown of the bank locker charges you may need to pay when renting a safe deposit locker from a financial institution:

• Refundable security deposit: Paid upfront when you book the locker.
• Annual rent: Varies depending on the size of the locker – larger lockers have a higher bank locker price.
• Locker breaking charges: In case you lose the key, the bank may charge you to break open the locker.
• Late payment fee: A penalty is applied if you don’t pay your locker rent on time.
• Extra access charges: Most banks allow a limited number of visits. Additional visits may cost extra.

Typically, the bank locker price ranges between ₹1,500 to ₹12,000 or more annually. The cost depends on:

• The bank (public sector banks generally offer lower bank locker charges than private ones)
• The size of the locker
• How often do you access your safe deposit locker
• Any additional services provided

Banks may also charge GST and fees for locker-breaking or late payments. Comparing options across banks helps you find the best locker that fits your needs and budget.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, having a safe deposit locker is about more than just storing valuables — it’s about peace of mind. Whether it’s your family heirlooms, important documents, or other prized possessions, knowing they’re stored safely in a high-security environment brings a sense of comfort that’s hard to put a price on.

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FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for a bank locker?

Both individuals and entities, like companies and trusts, can apply for a bank locker. Individuals can open personal lockers singly or jointly. Banks typically require applicants to have an existing savings account, fixed deposit, loan or other affiliation with the bank for a defined period.

Can I access my bank locker anytime?

No, locker access is provided only during banking hours on working days. Locker holders must also provide key verification to access lockers.

What happens to my locker if I don’t use it for a long time?

If you don’t use your locker for a very long time, the bank may take action, even if you are still paying the rent. First, the bank will try to contact you several times. If they don’t get a response, they have the right to open the locker. The items inside will be checked, listed, and either given to the person you’ve nominated or handled as per the rules. So, if a locker stays unused for too long, the bank can cancel it and take further steps.

What happens if I fail to pay my locker rent on time?

If you don’t pay your locker rent on time, the bank will charge a late fee. If the rent stays unpaid for a long time, the bank will try to contact you multiple times. If there’s still no response, the bank can break open the locker. The items inside may be sold through an auction to recover the unpaid rent and other charges. In such cases, the bank can also cancel your locker agreement.