The Ultimate Guide To Iran's Bank Working Hours (ساعت کاری بانک ها): New Winter 2025 Schedule Explained
Navigating the Iranian banking system requires up-to-date knowledge of the official working hours, which frequently change due to seasonal mandates, government energy-saving policies, or national holidays. As of late December 2025 (Dey 1404 in the Persian calendar), a new, unified winter schedule has been officially implemented across the country's public and private banking sectors.
This comprehensive guide provides the freshest, most current information on the operational times for major banks, including the crucial distinction between staff presence and customer service hours, ensuring you can plan your financial transactions efficiently during the current season and beyond.
Official Bank Working Hours in Iran: The Winter 2025 (1404) Schedule
The Coordinating Council of Banks (شورای هماهنگی بانکها) is the primary body that announces and enforces changes to the schedule, ensuring uniformity across the network of state-owned (دولتی) and private (خصوصی) banks. The latest official schedule, which commenced with the start of winter (Dey 1st, 1404), has standardized the customer service window across the nation.
The standard work week in Iran runs from Saturday to Thursday, with Friday being the weekly holiday. However, most banks operate on a Saturday-to-Wednesday schedule for a full day, with a shorter day on Thursday.
Current Official Customer Service Hours (Winter 2025/1404)
The following times are for direct service to customers (پذیرش ارباب رجوع) at bank branches nationwide:
- Saturday to Wednesday (شنبه تا چهارشنبه): 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM (13:30)
- Thursdays (پنجشنبه): 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM (12:30)
It is crucial to note that while the staff may be present for a longer period, transactions must be completed within the official customer service window. Arriving close to the closing time, especially on busy days, may result in being turned away.
Staff Presence Hours (کارکنان)
For internal operations and administrative tasks, the bank staff's physical presence hours (ساعت حضور کارکنان) are slightly longer than the customer service window:
- Saturday to Wednesday: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM (14:00)
This difference is common in the Iranian banking sector, allowing staff to prepare the branch before opening and finalize end-of-day reports after the customer service window closes.
Understanding Seasonal and Temporary Changes (تغییر ساعت کاری)
Iran's bank working hours are highly susceptible to seasonal adjustments, a key piece of information for topical authority and LSI keyword integration. These changes are primarily driven by government mandates aimed at energy conservation during extreme weather conditions.
The Summer/Energy-Saving Schedule
During the summer months (typically from Ordibehesht/May to Shahrivar/September), the government often implements an early start and early finish schedule to reduce peak-hour electricity consumption. For instance, in the past year (1404), state-owned banks had their staff hours adjusted to start as early as 6:00 AM, with customer service following shortly after.
The return to the "normal" schedule (بازگشت به روال عادی) usually occurs at the beginning of autumn (Mehr/September) or winter (Dey/December). The current 7:30 AM start time reflects the standard, non-energy-saving schedule.
Emergency Closures and Special Circumstances
In rare cases, extreme environmental conditions can lead to temporary changes. For example, during periods of intense heat (گرمای شدید) in the summer or severe air pollution (آلودگی هوا) in large cities like Tehran, the government may announce a delayed start or even a full closure of all government offices and banks.
Always check the official announcements from the Central Bank of Iran (CBI - بانک مرکزی جمهوری اسلامی ایران) or the Coordinating Council of Banks for any last-minute emergency changes.
Key Entities and Major Banks in the Iranian Banking Network
Although the working hours are centrally mandated, the Iranian banking landscape is diverse, comprising major state-owned institutions and a growing number of influential private banks. Understanding these key entities is vital for anyone dealing with the financial sector (نظام بانکی). The current uniform schedule applies to virtually all major banks, regardless of their public or private status.
Major State-Owned and Semi-State Banks (بانکهای دولتی و نیمهدولتی)
These institutions hold the largest share of assets and branches nationwide. They are the most reliable indicators for the general banking schedule:
- Bank Melli Iran (BMI - بانک ملی ایران): The largest commercial bank in Iran.
- Bank Saderat Iran (BSI - بانک صادرات ایران): A major bank with an extensive international network.
- Bank Sepah (بانک سپه): The oldest Iranian bank, now consolidated with several other military-affiliated banks.
- Bank Mellat (بانک ملت): A major commercial bank, initially state-owned but later partially privatized.
- Bank Tejarat (بانک تجارت): Another large commercial bank formed from the merger of several smaller banks.
Key Private Banks (بانکهای خصوصی)
Private banks often offer more specialized services and sometimes have slightly different internal operating procedures, though their customer-facing hours must adhere to the Council's mandate:
- Bank Pasargad (بانک پاسارگاد): Known for its modern services and large market presence.
- Bank Saman (بانک سامان): A leader in digital banking services (خدمات بانکداری دیجیتال).
- Ayandeh Bank (بانک آینده): A prominent private institution.
- Bank Parsian (بانک پارسیان): One of the first private banks established after the Islamic Revolution.
- Sina Bank (بانک سینا)
Specialized Banking Entities
Certain banks focus on specific sectors, though they follow the same general hours:
- Keshavarzi Bank (بانک کشاورزی): Specialized in the agricultural sector.
- Bank Maskan (بانک مسکن): Focuses on housing and construction loans (وام مسکن).
- Gharzolhasaneh Mehr Iran Bank (بانک قرض الحسنه مهر ایران): Dedicated to interest-free loans (قرض الحسنه).
Digital Banking and ATM Services (خدمات الکترونیک)
For many routine transactions, the rigid bank working hours (ساعات کاری شعب) are now less of a concern thanks to the advancements in digital and electronic banking services (خدمات الکترونیک بانکها). This is a vital LSI topic for a comprehensive guide.
24/7 Services
Most common banking needs can be met outside of branch hours:
- ATMs (خودپرداز): Available 24 hours a day for cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, fund transfers (کارت به کارت), and bill payments (پرداخت قبوض).
- Internet Banking (اینترنت بانک) and Mobile Banking (موبایل بانک): All major Iranian banks offer robust online and mobile platforms for most transactions, including inter-bank transfers (ساتنا و پایا), loan payments, and checking account statements (صورتحساب).
The maximum daily limit for ATM cash withdrawals and card-to-card transfers (حداکثر سقف انتقال وجه) is set by the Central Bank and is subject to change, so it is always advisable to check the current limits before attempting a large transaction.
Important Banking Terms and Entities
To successfully navigate the Iranian financial system, familiarize yourself with these key terms and entities:
- Shaba Number (شماره شبا): The international bank account number equivalent, necessary for large or official transfers.
- SATTNA (ساتنا) and PAYA (پایا): The two main inter-bank transfer systems, often having cut-off times (ساعت پایانی ساتنا) that are earlier than the branch closing time.
- Central Bank of Iran (CBI - بانک مرکزی): The regulatory authority that sets all rules and mandates, including working hours and interest rates.
- Shetab (شتاب): The national interbank information network that links all ATMs and Point-of-Sale (POS) devices.
By relying on the latest official announcements and utilizing the extensive digital infrastructure, both residents and visitors can manage their banking needs effectively, even with the frequently changing branch working hours (ساعت کاری). Always confirm the specific schedule for your local branch, especially around major holidays (تعطیلات رسمی) like Nowruz (عید نوروز), which can significantly impact operational times.
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