RBI to banks: No more hidden charges on apps

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – If you're bothered by repeated offers, misleading notifications, or hidden charges that appear at checkout when you open your banking app, there's some relief. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a tough stance to make digital banking more transparent and customer-friendly.

In the draft 'Responsible Business Conduct Amendment Directions, 2026', the central bank has directed banks to completely remove all 'dark patterns' from their websites and mobile apps by July 2026. These are tricks designed to mislead or pressure customers. Under this, banks must obtain explicit consent of the customer before offering financial products and any services. This move by RBI is aimed at ensuring that customers are not misled into purchasing products or paying fees without proper information. Banks will also be prohibited from selling financial products together without the explicit permission of the customer.

Why is the RBI strict on dark patterns?

Dark patterns are design techniques used on digital platforms that aim to influence user behavior in ways they may not fully understand. These can include hidden charges, confusing or tempting options, or repeated prompts that encourage customers to accept additional services. The RBI's directive to banks to crack down on these tactics is intended to ensure that customers know exactly what they are signing up for and are not misled.

Banks have been given until July 2026 to completely remove dark

patterns and comply with the new rules. The RBI's move comes in response to people's growing reliance on mobile banking, which aims to make digital financial services easier, fairer, and more reliable.