In brief: a re-KYC periodic update refreshes a customer’s KYC records at intervals set by their risk category, so a bank’s information stays current over the life of the relationship.
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What Re-KYC is
Re-KYC is the periodic re-verification of a customer’s KYC details — confirming identity documents, address, and risk classification are still current — rather than a one-time check done only at account opening.
Why the frequency varies
Under RBI’s KYC Master Direction, regulated entities classify customers by risk and re-verify high-risk customers more frequently than low-risk ones. A dormant low-risk savings account and an actively-transacting high-value business account are not held to the same re-verification cadence.
Running a re-KYC periodic update programme
Under the RBI’s KYC rules, the frequency of a re-KYC periodic update depends on the customer’s risk category. The rules have set periodic updation at least once every two years for high-risk customers, once every eight years for medium-risk customers and once every ten years for low-risk customers, counted from account opening or the last update. Always confirm the current requirement in the RBI’s Master Direction on KYC, because it is the authoritative source.
Why a re-KYC periodic update is needed
Customers move house, change mobile numbers, update documents and change their risk profile. A record that was accurate at onboarding can be years out of date. The re-KYC periodic update keeps the information used for monitoring, communication and compliance current.
Making it easy for customers
- Remind customers well before the due date, through channels they actually use.
- Where nothing has changed, offer a simple self-declaration route if the rules for their category allow it.
- Where documents have changed, use digital routes such as DigiLocker-based verification instead of branch visits.
- Confirm completion clearly so customers are not chased twice.
Operational planning
Re-KYC periodic update due dates cluster around old account-opening campaigns, so plan capacity in advance. Track how many customers are due each month, how many complete digitally, and how many need assisted follow-up. A well-run programme treats the re-KYC periodic update as a routine service touchpoint rather than a compliance scramble.
Keeping the record
Store the date of each update, what was confirmed or changed, and how it was verified. That record shows auditors the programme works and sets the next due date automatically.
Digital routes for updating records
Customers whose details have changed can often update them without visiting a branch. Consent-based routes such as DigiLocker give the bank documents directly from the issuer, and video-based identification can be used where an in-person-equivalent check is needed. Offering these routes keeps the update quick for customers and gives the bank verified information instead of uploaded copies.
Handling customers who do not respond
Some customers ignore reminders. Plan a sequence of reminders through different channels, explain what will happen if the update is not completed, and apply any restrictions only as the rules allow and after clear notice. Most customers respond once they understand the reason and see a simple way to complete the step.
Measuring the programme
Track a few simple measures each month: how many customers fell due, how many completed their update digitally, how many needed assisted help, how long the average update took and how many remain outstanding. Those figures show where customers struggle and whether reminders are working, and they give compliance teams a clear view of the programme’s status at any time. Reviewing them regularly turns periodic updation from a backlog that builds up quietly into a steady, predictable process.
Related terms
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More about re-KYC periodic update
To learn more about re-KYC periodic update, explore our PAN Verification API and Aadhaar Verification API, or talk to our team. For the official source, see the RBI’s Master Direction on KYC.
