What is basic savings bank account? How it is different from regular savings account? (2024)

Normally a savings bank account is required to maintain a certain minimum average balance and if the same is not maintained the bank imposes a penalty. But if a zero minimum balance sounds attractive to you, Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) is right for you. Contrary to maintaining any minimum average balance, BSBDA requires a maximum account balance. The upper limit to the balance that can be maintained in this account is Rs. 50,000 i.e one can not maintain an average balance of more than 50,000 in the account.

What is BSBDA?

The Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account or BSBDA is a savings account that does not have a minimum balance even at the time of opening the account. You will get an ATM-cum-debit card without any fees, not even the annual maintenance fee. Deposit and withdrawal services are free of cost, and so is the passbook facility. Also, the bank cannot levy charges for non-operation or activation of an inoperative account. The bank allows a certain number of deposits and withdrawals in the month that are free of cost.

Banks may provide other facilities such as a chequebook, email statements, Demand Drafts, cheque collection and other facilities either free of cost or at a nominal charge. Banks offer the same rate of interest on these accounts as they do for a Regular Savings Account.

It is important to note that these accounts are primarily aimed towards enhancing financial inclusion among the economically weaker sections of society. The earlier no-frills accounts also come under BSBD accounts.

Who can open BSBDA account?

Anyone can open BSBDA account using regular KYC (know-your-customer) documents. Even, you can request your bank to convert your existing savings bank account into a BSBD.

How to open BSBDA Account?

A BSBDA account can be opened using regular KYC (know-your-customer) documents and would be subject to provisions of PML Act and Rules and RBI instructions on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) for opening of bank accounts. BSBDA can also be opened with simplified KYC norms. However, if BSBDA is opened based on Simplified KYC, the accounts would additionally be treated as “BSBDA-Small Account".

In case a customer has a regular Savings Account, he will have to give an undertaking if he wants to convert it to a BSBDA Account. The regular Savings Account will get shut and a BSBDA Account will be opened. The customer can, however, open fixed and recurring deposits with the bank with the funds from the BSBDA Account.

Restrictions on a BSBDA account

Since the BSBDA is a no-frills zero balance account, there are a few conditions imposed on it. Here are the restrictions:

  • Total credits in such accounts should not exceed one lakh rupees in a year.
  • The maximum balance in the account should not exceed fifty thousand rupees at any time
  • Remittances from abroad cannot be credited to Small Accounts without completing normal KYC formalities
  • The total of debits by way of cash withdrawals and transfers will not exceed ten thousand rupees in a month
  • Small accounts are valid for 12 months initially which may be extended by another 12 months if the person provides proof of having applied for an Officially Valid Document.
  • Small Accounts can only be opened at CBS-linked branches of banks or at such branches where it is possible to manually monitor the fulfilment of the conditions.
  • A maximum of 4 withdrawals in a particular month
  • In case the account doesn’t satisfy these conditions, the bank can convert it to a Regular Savings Account as well.
  • An account holder cannot have a regular Savings Account and a BSBDA Account in the same bank. The bank can convert a regular Savings Account to a BSBDA Account if the account holder follows the conditions and rules.

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Published: 28 Dec 2023, 06:10 AM IST

What is basic savings bank account? How it is different from regular savings account? (2024)

FAQs

What is basic savings bank account? How it is different from regular savings account? ›

The Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account or BSBDA is a savings account that does not have a minimum balance even at the time of opening the account. You will get an ATM-cum-debit card without any fees, not even the annual maintenance fee. Deposit and withdrawal services are free of cost, and so is the passbook facility.

What is the difference between basic saving account and regular saving account? ›

This savings account has all the features and benefits offered by the Regular Savings Account (except that it allows only four cash withdrawals in a month). The aim of the basic savings account is to provide primary banking services at a very nominal charge.

What is the difference between a savings bank and a regular bank? ›

Banks are community, regional or national for-profit business corporations owned by private investors and governed by a board of directors chosen by the stockholders. Savings institutions (also called savings & loans or savings banks) specialize in real estate financing.

What is the difference between a normal bank account and a savings account? ›

A big difference between a savings account vs a current account is how often you access your money. The idea of a savings account is that it's a pot of money you leave alone, gradually building up over time. You'll also earn interest at an agreed rate.

What does a basic savings account do? ›

A savings account is a type of bank account designed for saving money that you don't plan to spend right away. Like a checking account, you can make withdrawals and access the money as needed. But with savings accounts, the bank pays you compounding interest just for keeping funds in your account.

What is a regular savings account? ›

With a regular savings account, you commit to paying in a certain amount each month. In return, the bank or building society gives you a higher interest rate than you'd get with their current account or ordinary savings account.

What is a basic account? ›

A basic bank account is a banking option for those who are facing financial difficulty or have a poor credit history, which means they may not be eligible to open a standard current account.

What are the differences between savings account? ›

A savings account is most suitable for people who are salaried employees or have a monthly income, whereas, Current Accounts work best for traders and entrepreneurs who need to access their accounts frequently. Savings accounts earn interest at a rate of around 4%, while there is no such earning from a Current Account.

What is the difference between a savings account and a current account in the UK? ›

A current account is usually a better choice for the everyday management of money, and for transactions such as withdrawing cash and paying your bills. A savings account, as the name implies, makes an ideal home for your spare cash and lets you earn interest on it.

What is the difference between a savings account and a current savings account? ›

Current and savings accounts are made for different things, and they offer different benefits. Current accounts are designed for routine transactions of businesses and companies, whereas savings accounts are for people who desire to save. Interest rates in Savings Accounts are higher than those in current accounts.

What is the difference between a basic savings account and a time deposit? ›

You can also add to your savings account whenever you like – either on a regular basis or when you have extra money to put in it. With a term deposit on the other hand, once you've made the initial deposit you won't be able to add any more to the balance until the agreed term has ended.

What is the disadvantage of basic saving account? ›

Disadvantages of Savings Account
  • Interest rates can change. Savings account interest rates in India can fluctuate, leading to variable returns. ...
  • Minimum balance requirements. ...
  • Withdrawal limits. ...
  • Inflation. ...
  • Compounded interest.
Jan 18, 2024

Which bank is best for basic savings account? ›

Best Savings Bank Accounts of 2024
Sr.No.Bank NameRates of Interest(p.a.)
1State Bank of India2.70% - 3.00%
2Union Bank of India2.75% - 3.55%
3HDFC Bank3.00% - 3.50%
4ICICI Bank3.00%
6 more rows
Jun 5, 2024

What are the two basic types of savings accounts? ›

Banks typically have three kinds of savings accounts: Regular savings account: earns interest and offers quick access to funds. Money market account: earns interest and may provide check-writing privileges and ATM access.

What is the difference between a digital savings account and a basic savings account? ›

Accessibly: A Digital Savings Account provides its holders with complete access to all features, at any time of the day, from the comfort of their homes or office. However, to manage or operate a Regular Savings Account, the customer has to visit the bank branch within the working hours.

How do I convert my basic savings account to a regular account? ›

Conversion of Small account to regular Savings Bank account or BSBD account (at the option of the customer) would be done by the home branch manually on full compliance with KYC requirement. After such conversion, the same account number will continue.

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