Does SBI Release Forex Rates Every Day.png

If you're in the wholesale game and deal with cross-border payments, you might have asked yourself: Do banks like SBI release forex rates every day?

Whether you're importing goods, paying international vendors, or tracking currency exposure, SBI forex rates can make or break your profit margins.

So in this guide, we’ll break down:

  • If SBI actually releases forex rates daily

  • What time those rates are updated

  • How weekends and holidays affect those updates

  • Why rate changes matter for businesses

  • A cheat sheet for planning forex transactions the smart way

Let’s begin.

Does SBI Release Forex Rates Daily or Only on Weekdays?

Yes — SBI updates and releases forex rates on working days, but it does not operate like a 24/7 forex broker. SBI rate updates depend on:

  • Market operating hours

  • The bank’s own treasury update cycle

  • RBI regulations

  • Holiday schedules

Here’s what you should know:

  • SBI’s forex calendar operates around India’s banking workdays (including many working Saturdays).

  • Most daily updates are published on working days and refreshed during market hours (SBI’s published rates include a date/time stamp).

  • SBI publishes rates through official channels, including branches, the SBI corporate banking portal, and forex documents shared online.

  • You can also get them via SBI’s FX-Retail platform, great for live FX tracking.

So yes — SBI publishes forex rates daily on business days, but not necessarily 7 days a week.

Does SBI Release Forex Rates on Weekends?

Not always.

SBI generally does not refresh forex rates on Sundays (and sometimes even on certain Saturdays depending on banking closures). That means:

  • Forex rates shown on Friday may remain unchanged until the next working day

  • Saturday publication depends on whether it's a working Saturday and whether the bank’s treasury updates rates

  • Sundays and public holidays usually have no fresh update

Why?

Because SBI's forex pricing is linked to banking operations and domestic settlement systems, which do not always run over weekends.

Here’s the practical outcome:

  • If you're planning a transfer, don’t assume fresh rates will show up daily across weekends.

  • Always check if the day is a working day — especially around festivals or banking shutdowns.

Does SBI Release Forex Rates on Weekends.png

What Time Does SBI Update Forex Rates Every Day?

There is no single “guaranteed” time like a stock exchange.

However:

  • SBI forex rate sheets often show a published timestamp

  • Updates usually occur during standard banking hours

  • Rate updates may happen multiple times a day based on market volatility

In most cases:

  • Expect updates during Indian banking business hours

  • Rates may adjust mid-day for major swings

  • Some internal corporate pricing can vary per transaction size

If your transfer is large, SBI may also quote deal-specific rates, not the publicly listed ones.

SBI Forex Rates: Why Businesses Should Care

Even a small fluctuation in rates can change your cost structure.

Let’s say you're importing machinery worth $250,000:

  • If USD/INR moves by ₹0.50, your cost changes by ₹125,000

  • That difference could wipe out a chunk of your margin

Forex rates affect:

  • ✅ Import costs

  • ✅ Export revenues

  • ✅ Overseas service payments

  • ✅ International loan repayments

  • ✅ Cross-border profit repatriation

So businesses can’t afford to treat forex rates as static.

How SBI Calculates Forex Rates (TT Buying, TT Selling, etc.)

SBI publishes multiple types of forex rates, and the one you use depends on the transaction.

The most common ones include:

  • TT Buying – SBI buys foreign currency from you

  • TT Selling – SBI sells foreign currency to you

  • Bill Buying / Selling – for trade transactions

  • Card Rates – used for travel cards and forex cards

Example:

  • Exporters usually use TT Buying

  • Importers use TT Selling

So don’t just look at “USD/INR” — look at the right rate type.

Tracking Real-Time Rates for Currency Pairs like USD/INR and EUR/INR

SBI publishes forex rates for major currency pairs like:

  • USD/INR

  • EUR/INR

  • GBP/INR

  • JPY/INR

But the spread (difference between buy/sell) depends on:

  • Volatility

  • Liquidity

  • Transaction size

  • Day/time of execution

Here's a sample snapshot:

Currency PairSpot RateSpread (%)Update Frequency
USD/INR91.880.93Intraday (timestamped)
EUR/INR107.832.47Intraday (timestamped)
GBP/INR123.902.26Intraday (timestamped)
JPY/INR0.582.21Intraday (timestamped)

So if you track forex daily, you need to factor in spreads too—not just spot rates.

What Impacts SBI Forex Rates Most?

Several forces influence SBI forex rates daily:

✅ 1. RBI Monetary Policy

Decisions from the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) can affect interest rates, which influences currency strength.

Higher interest rates often attract foreign investment, strengthening INR.

✅ 2. Global Dollar Strength

USD moves based on US Fed policy, inflation, jobs data, and global demand.

✅ 3. Oil Prices

India imports crude, so rising oil prices increase dollar demand, weakening INR.

✅ 4. Foreign Exchange Reserves

More reserves = more ability to stabilize INR.

If reserves fall sharply, INR becomes more vulnerable.

India’s forex reserves play a critical role here.

How RBI Holidays Affect SBI Forex Rate Updates

Forex updates don’t happen normally on:

  • National holidays

  • RBI banking shutdown days

  • Festival closures

  • Strike-related closures

During such days:

  • SBI may retain the previous working day’s forex rate

  • International transfers could still process later, but with delayed currency settlement

  • Your transaction may get booked at the next working day’s updated rate

If you’re planning large transfers, you should always check RBI holidays in advance.

Why INR Volatility Makes Daily Rate Tracking Essential

INR currency pairs can be volatile, especially during:

  • RBI policy announcements

  • US inflation/Fed decisions

  • geopolitical disruptions

  • crude oil spikes

That’s why forex rates can change even within the same day.

Volatility Overview Table

DriverINR ImpactExample Currency PairDaily Spread (Pips)Liquidity Rank
US Fed Rate DecisionHighUSD/INR40–801
ECB Policy UpdateMediumEUR/INR30–602
Oil Price SpikeHighUSD/INR50–1001
Political InstabilityMediumGBP/INR25–503
Local Inflation ReleaseMediumUSD/INR20–451

For businesses, it’s not just about numbers. It’s about managing risk.

SBI Forex Rate Schedule vs Real Transaction Rates

Here’s the key point many businesses miss:

The publicly listed SBI forex rate is not always the rate you get.

SBI may apply:

  • Revaluation margin

  • Service charges

  • Negotiated rate spreads for high-ticket transfers

  • Special corporate quotes based on relationship tier

For example, a corporate client transferring $500,000 might receive a better TT Selling rate than what’s publicly displayed.

That’s why real execution depends on:

  • Your relationship manager

  • Transaction type

  • Time of day

  • Amount and currency

SBI Forex Rate Schedule vs Real Transaction Rates.png

Real-Life Example: How Timing Affects Your Forex Cost

If you're wiring money overseas through SBI, rates may move between morning and afternoon.

That can affect the actual cost even if the forex amount stays unchanged.

Time SlotReal-time Rate (USD/INR)Revaluation AppliedEffective Brokerage (%)
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM83.41Yes0.08%
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM83.55Yes0.10%
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM83.47No0.08%

Short answer: even half-day delays can impact brokerage fees and your net conversion value.

So internal planning tools and rate watching are a must for businesses moving large sums.

Business Planning: Aligning with SBI's Forex Rate Schedule

Daily timing matters—especially with foreign exchange. Businesses that play smart with forex do this:

✅ Planning Checklist for SBI Forex Transactions

  • Schedule transfers early in the day (rates are fresher)

  • Avoid weekends and RBI holiday clusters

  • Confirm rates with SBI before booking large transactions

  • Track macro events like RBI announcements and crude oil trends

Here’s a quick business use case table:

ScenarioBest Day/Time StrategyRisk if You Ignore
Import payment due in 3 daysBook rate early weekdayINR spike = loss
Export invoice settlement expectedWatch TT Buying dailyMissing gains
Overseas dividend payoutAvoid holidays/weekendsDelay + bad rate
Remittance for foreign payrollLock rate mid-weekCashflow mismatch

Quick FAQ: SBI Forex Rate Updates

✅ Does SBI update forex rates every day?

Yes — on banking workdays. Rates may not update on Sundays and bank holidays.

✅ Can I get SBI forex rates online?

Yes. SBI publishes rate sheets and provides platforms like FX-Retail for rate tracking.

✅ Are SBI forex rates the same for all customers?

Not always. Corporate clients may negotiate rates depending on deal size.

✅ Can SBI change forex rates multiple times a day?

Yes — especially during volatile periods.

Final Cheat Sheet (For Busy Business Owners)

If you're serious about reducing forex loss:

  • ✅ Check SBI forex updates early each working day

  • ✅ Avoid executing transfers during holidays/weekends

  • ✅ Use the right rate type (TT Buying/Selling, Bills, etc.)

  • ✅ Track RBI + global macro movements

  • ✅ Compare your average TT Buying/Selling spread monthly—it helps during audits

Smart currency moves are all about planning, timing, and asking the right questions.

Conclusion

If you’re running a business that deals in international payments, SBI forex rates are not just a number—they’re a tool. And when you learn to read it, your margins thank you.

Want to stop overpaying on your next forex deal? Start by showing up at the right time.

Here’s how to keep your head above water:

  • Always check official SBI channels before making transfers.

  • Don’t rely on last week’s rates—those change fast.

  • Match the rate type (TT Buying, Forward, etc.) to your specific deal.

  • Watch for macro signs—interest rate shifts, oil prices, the usual suspects.

If you want a second opinion on execution timing beyond bank rate sheets for forex trading, FXBee’s best forex broker directory and forex cashback rebate explainer can help you compare costs across providers. For publishers and consultants monetizing FX content, the forex affiliate program is built for performance-based referrals—and FXBee live chat support is there if you need help setting things up.

Talk to a seasoned CFO, and they’ll tell you: it’s not just about the rates—it’s about knowing when and how to move.

References

  1. STATE BANK OF INDIA - FOREX CARD RATES (PDF) - https://sbi.bank.in/documents/16012/1400784/FOREX_CARD_RATES.pdf

  2. FX-Retail - Personal Banking - SBI - https://sbi.bank.in/web/personal-banking/fx-retail

  3. State Bank of India - Corporate Banking - https://corp.onlinesbi.sbi/corporate/

  4. SWIFT Codes - NRI - SBI - https://sbi.bank.in/web/nri/quick-links/swift-codes

  5. Income Tax Dept PDF: Enhancing Tax Transparency on Foreign Assets & Income - https://www.incometax.gov.in

  6. Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy - https://rbi.org.in/commonman/English/scripts/commpol.aspx

  7. RBI Press Release: Payment systems not operated on second and fourth Saturdays - https://www.rbi.org.in/commonman/English/Scripts/PressReleases.aspx?Id=1562

  8. RBI Holiday List 2026 (ClearTax) - https://cleartax.in/s/rbi-holidays-2026

  9. Mint: India's forex reserves jump $392 million to $687.19 billion - https://www.livemint.com

FAQ

Do SBI forex rates update during weekends or public holidays?
  • Nope, SBI usually sticks to working days. Weekends and RBI holidays are off the table for updates. If you’re moving large amounts, plan ahead so you’re not caught in a rate freeze.

What types of SBI forex rates are available for wholesale customers?

    • TT Buying & TT Selling – Used for electronic fund transfers.

    • Bill Buying & Selling – Tied to trade docs and LCs.

    • Cash Buying & Selling – For in-person currency exchanges.

    • Forward Contracts – Lock in a rate ahead of time.

    • Travel Card Rates – Great for business trips.

How can I access real-time SBI forex rates as a corporate client?
  • You can check the latest SBI forex rates on their website or through a corporate relationship manager. For heavy users, API access or FX desk support works even better.

What factors cause SBI forex rates to change intraday?

    • Fast shifts in interbank rates like USD/INR.

    • Market spread and margin tweaks.

    • Global market mood swings.

    • Mid-day revaluation changes by SBI.

Are SBI forex rates different for outward and inward remittances?
  • Yes. For inward, you’ll see TT buying rates. Outward transfers use TT selling. The difference covers SBI’s costs and helps them stay in the green.

How do SBI forex rates affect Letters of Credit and Export Bills?

    • Bill rates directly hit trade settlement values.

    • High-value LCs feel the swing more.

    • Forward premiums can ease future payouts.

    • Currency swaps may help level the field.

Can forward booking protect me from volatile SBI forex rates?
  • Totally. Locking in a rate now helps avoid surprises later. It’s useful when the interest rate gap between countries could mess with your numbers next week.

Which economic indicators impact SBI forex rate trends the most?

    • Crude Oil Prices – Big effect on INR.

    • Interest Rate Differentials – Drive capital in or out.

    • Forex Reserves – Give INR its backing.

    • Trade Balance – Shows import-export flow.

    • Monetary Policy – RBI’s rate moves guide the trend.

What’s the difference between TT rates and cash rates at SBI?

    • TT rates are for online money transfers.

    • Cash rates are for physical exchanges at branches.

    • TT is better for corporate deals.

    • Cash rates usually carry higher margins.

How do SBI forex rates compare with interbank rates?
  • SBI adds a spread to the interbank rate for costs and risk buffer. So, while it’s close, the final rate depends on what you’re doing and how big the deal is.