How to Switch Bank for Pension Account: Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the bank through which you receive your pension is allowed, common, and straightforward—yet many pensioners hesitate because they fear delays or stoppage of pension.
The good news: your pension does not stop if the process is followed correctly.

This guide explains how to switch your pension account from one bank to another, the documents required, and what happens after submission.

Who Can Change the Pension Bank?

You can switch your pension account if you are:

A Central Government pensioner
A State Government pensioner
A family pensioner
Receiving pension through any authorized pension-disbursing bank

You may want to change the bank due to:

Poor service at the existing branch
Relocation to another city
Better digital facilities
Merging/closure of old bank branch

Important Point to Remember

Pension is linked to your PPO, not to a particular bank.
As long as the PPO details are correctly transferred, your pension continues smoothly.

Step-by-Step: How to Switch Bank for Pension Account

Step 1: Open a Pension Account in the New Bank

Before applying for the change:

Open a pension savings account in the new bank
Ensure the account is KYC-compliant
Joint account (with spouse) is allowed, if applicable

Many pensioners prefer large pension-handling banks like State Bank of India, but you can choose any authorized bank.

Step 2: Obtain the Bank Change Request Form

Get the pension bank change application form from:

Your existing pension-disbursing bank branch, or
The new bank branch, or
Download it from the bank’s official website

(Some banks use a common format; others have their own.)

Step 3: Fill in the Application Carefully

You will be asked to provide:

PPO Number
Name of pensioner / family pensioner
Old bank & branch details
New bank & branch details
New pension account number
IFSC code of new bank

👉 Ensure names and PPO number exactly match existing records.

Step 4: Submit the Application to the Existing Bank

Submit the completed form along with:

Copy of PPO
Passbook or first page of new pension account
Aadhaar / PAN (if asked)

The existing bank forwards your request to:

The Pension Sanctioning Authority (PSA) or
The Central Pension Accounting Office (for central pensioners)

Step 5: Verification & Transfer of PPO Records

After submission:

Old bank verifies your details
PPO records are transferred electronically
New bank receives authorization

This process usually takes 7 to 15 working days.

Step 6: Start of Pension in the New Bank

Once completed:

Pension credit stops in the old bank
Pension starts in the new bank automatically
You may receive confirmation via SMS or bank intimation

✔ No fresh PPO is issued in most cases—only PPO migration happens.

Will Pension Stop During Bank Change?

No, if:

Application is complete
New account is active
PPO details are correct

In rare cases, one-month delay may happen due to verification, but arrears are paid later.

Special Cases You Should Know

If the Pensioner Has Passed Away

Family pensioner can request bank change
Death certificate & family pension PPO required

If You Are Shifting to Another City

Bank change + branch change can be done together

If the Old Bank Branch Has Closed

New bank can directly coordinate with pension authorities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting request before opening a new pension account
Mismatch in PPO number or name spelling
Giving wrong IFSC code
Not keeping a copy of submitted application

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I change pension bank online?
👉 Some banks allow partial online initiation, but physical submission is still required in most cases.

Q. Do I need to submit a life certificate again?
👉 Not immediately, unless specifically asked.

Q. Can I switch from PSU bank to private bank?
👉 Yes, if the private bank is an authorized pension-disbursing bank.

Final Words

Switching your pension bank is a routine administrative process, not something to worry about.
Plan it carefully, submit correct documents, and your pension will follow you—without disruption.