Changing your salary account may seem like a routine banking update, but missing one crucial step can create serious inconvenience later. If your new bank account is not updated with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), your Provident Fund (PF) withdrawal request could be rejected. Many employees realise this only when they urgently need access to their funds.
Even if your employer updates your salary account in payroll records, your EPF account operates separately. The bank details linked to your Universal Account Number (UAN) remain unchanged unless you manually update them on the EPFO portal.
If the linked account is closed or inactive, your withdrawal claim may fail, and the payment could bounce back. This means restarting the process, which can be stressful during emergencies or after leaving a job.
Log in to the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal and verify the bank account connected to your UAN. Ensure that your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank records match perfectly. Even minor spelling differences can lead to rejection. Correct any mismatches before submitting a new request.
Under the “Manage” section, select “KYC” to view and update your bank details. Enter your new account number and IFSC code carefully to avoid errors. In most cases, you’ll need to upload a clear image of a cancelled cheque.
After submission, the update request is sent to your employer for approval. This step is mandatory, and the change will not be completed until HR or payroll validates it. If approval is delayed, it’s advisable to follow up instead of waiting passively.
Incorrect bank details can cause claim rejections, forcing you to reapply and wait longer for funds. Updating your information proactively—when there is no urgency—is much easier than dealing with delays during a financial emergency.
It’s also important to remember that EPFO allows only one active bank account under a UAN at any time. Your UAN remains the same throughout your career, so whenever you change jobs or salary accounts, updating EPFO records should become part of your routine financial checklist.
A few minutes spent updating your details today can save weeks of frustration when you need your provident fund the most.
