Getting your SBI username and password for the first time

If you have an SBI savings or current account, you can set up online banking through the State Bank of India's official website or mobile app. SBI gives you a username when you register, and you create your own password. The process takes about 10 minutes if you have your account number and debit card handy.

You do not need to visit a branch. SBI lets you register online at onlinesbi.com or through the SBI mobile app (available on iOS and Android). Both routes walk you through the same steps and give you when ready access once you finish.

Key Takeaways

  • You can register for SBI online banking on the SBI website or mobile app without visiting a branch.
  • SBI assigns you a username automatically based on your account details, and you choose your own password during setup.
  • You will need your account number, registered mobile number, and debit card details to complete registration.
  • Your password must be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • If you forget your username or password after registration, you can reset both through the SBI website using your account number and debit card.

Registering on the SBI website

Go to onlinesbi.com and look for the "Register" or "New User Registration" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Continue" when prompted. You will see a form asking for your account number, date of birth, and the amount of your last withdrawal or deposit (to verify you own the account).

Enter these details exactly as they appear in your passbook or bank statement. SBI will then send a one-time password (OTP) to the mobile number registered with your account. Enter that OTP on the next screen. SBI will now show you a username — this is assigned to you and you cannot change it. Write it down or take a screenshot.

Next, you create your password. SBI requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and at least one special character like ! @ # $ % ^ & *. An example that meets these rules is MyBank@2024. Once you enter a password that meets all four requirements, click "Submit" and your registration is complete.

Registering through the SBI mobile app

read the official SBI mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and tap "Register" or "New User". The app will ask for your account number, date of birth, and a recent transaction amount, just like the website.

After you enter these details and confirm your OTP, the app shows you your assigned username. You then create a password using the same rules as the website: at least 8 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character. Tap "Confirm" and you are registered. You can now log in on the app or on the website using the same username and password.

What information you need before you start

Gather these four things before you begin registration, whether on the website or app:

  • Your SBI account number (found on your debit card, passbook, or bank statements)
  • Your date of birth as it appears in your SBI records
  • The mobile number registered with your SBI account
  • A recent transaction amount — either a deposit or withdrawal you made in the last few months (SBI uses this to verify you own the account)

If you are not sure of a recent transaction amount, check your passbook, bank statement, or call your branch. Having the correct amount ready prevents registration errors and delays.

Creating a strong password you can remember

Your password is the key to your bank account, so it needs to be strong but also something you will not forget. SBI's rules are strict: 8 characters minimum, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character. A weak password like "Password1!" is straightforward to guess. A stronger one like "MyHome@2024" or "SBI#Account99" is harder to crack and still memorable.

Write your password down on paper and store it in a safe place at home — not in your phone, email, or a note on your computer. Do not use your name, account number, date of birth, or any information someone could find out about you. Do not reuse a password from another bank or website. Change your password every 90 days if you can, and when ready if you think someone else knows it.

If you forget your username or password

Go to onlinesbi.com and click "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" on the login page. SBI will ask for your account number and the amount of a recent transaction to verify you own the account. Once verified, SBI will either show you your username or send you a link to reset your password.

If you use the SBI mobile app, tap "Forgot Username?" or "Forgot Password?" on the login screen and follow the same verification steps. The process usually takes a few minutes. If you cannot remember a recent transaction amount, call your SBI branch or visit in person with your account number and a photo ID.

Logging in for the first time

Once registration is complete, go back to onlinesbi.com or open the SBI app. Enter your username and password. SBI will send an OTP to your registered mobile number. Enter that OTP on the next screen and you are logged in. You will see your account balance, recent transactions, and options to transfer money, pay bills, or change your password.

On your first login, SBI may ask you to set up security questions (like "What is your mother's maiden name?") or a security phrase. Answer these carefully and write them down. You will need them if you ever need to reset your password or contact SBI support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my own username, or does SBI assign it?

SBI assigns your username automatically during registration based on your account details. You cannot change it. Your username is usually a combination of letters and numbers. You do choose your own password, which is what you use along with your username to log in.

What if I registered but never received the OTP?

Check that the mobile number you entered matches the one registered with your SBI account. If it does not match, you will not receive the OTP. Wait a few minutes — SBI sometimes takes time to send the message. If you still do not receive it after 10 minutes, try registering again or call your SBI branch to confirm your registered mobile number.

Is it safe to save my password in my browser?

No. Browsers store passwords in a way that can be accessed if someone gains access to your computer. Always type your password manually each time you log in. This is especially important for banking. Never save your password on a shared computer or a public device.

Can I use the same password for SBI and my other bank accounts?

You can, but it is not recommended. If one account is compromised, all your accounts become vulnerable. Use a unique password for SBI and a different one for each other bank or important account. A password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password) can help you remember multiple strong passwords.

What should I do if I think someone else knows my password?

Log in to your SBI account when ready and change your password. Go to "Settings" or "Profile" and select "Change Password". If you cannot log in, go to the SBI website, click "Forgot Password", verify your identity, and set a new one. Then call your SBI branch and tell them your account may have been compromised so they can watch for suspicious activity.