How to Recover Your Forgotten Bank Money in 2026
Right now, Indian banks hold a staggering ₹67,000 crore in accounts that people simply forgot. Specifically, many people leave their old savings or Fixed Deposits (FDs) untouched for years. Consequently, if you do not use your account for a decade, the bank must move your cash to the RBI’s DEA Fund.
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However, you should not worry about losing your wealth. Actually, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) makes it very easy for you to reclaim every rupee with full interest.
Start Your Search on the UDGAM Portal
To begin with, you should not waste time visiting every bank branch in person. Instead, you can use the UDGAM Portal (udgam.rbi.org.in) from your home. Basically, the RBI built this central search engine to help you find “lost” money across 30 major banks.
First, you must register on the site with your mobile number. Next, you enter the account holder’s name and a document number, like your PAN or Aadhaar. Then, the portal searches through millions of records in seconds. If the system finds a match, it displays a UDRN (Unclaimed Deposit Reference Number). Therefore, you should save this number immediately because you will need it for your claim.
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Reclaim Your Cash (The 2026 Shortcut)
Fortunately, the RBI currently runs a special campaign called “Your Money, Your Right.” Because this program ends on September 30, 2026, banks are now settling claims faster than ever.
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Visit a Branch: Actually, you can walk into any branch of the specific bank. Similarly, you do not have to travel to the original city where you opened the account.
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Present Your ID: Next, you fill out a simple claim form and show your KYC documents. Furthermore, if you are claiming for a deceased relative, you just bring their death certificate.
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Receive Your Funds: Finally, the bank verifies your UDRN and releases the cash. In addition, they pay you all the interest that the money earned over the years.
Check These Common “Money Traps”
While most people focus on savings accounts, money often hides in other places. For instance, you should check for:
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Matured FDs: People often forget these after they change their phone numbers.
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Old Pay Orders: Specifically, security deposits or refunds often sit as uncashed “banker’s cheques.”
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Prepaid Cards: Also, check old travel or gift cards for leftover balances.
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