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 basic account and normal account? ›

Zero Balance or Basic Savings Account

This is similar to the regular Savings Account, but unlike that account, you are not required to maintain any minimum balance for this account. It does, however, come with an ATM/Debit Card for your daily transactions.

What does a basic savings account do? ›

A savings account is a good place to keep money for a later date, separate from everyday spending cash, because it offers safety, liquidity and interest-earning potential for your funds. These accounts are a great place for your emergency fund or savings for shorter-term goals, such as a vacation or home repair.

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 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

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 bank account? ›

If you don't qualify for a standard bank account, such as having a poor credit history, you might be offered a basic bank account instead. This has the same features, just without a cheque book or overdraft – so you won't be able to borrow money.

What is the disadvantage of a basic account? ›

Basic bank accounts don't provide an overdraft, meaning you won't be a credit risk to your provider. You have no credit history – sometimes having no credit history can be just as damaging, as providers have no record of your ability to reliably borrow or spend responsibly.

What is the difference between standard and basic current account? ›

Basic current accounts usually offer the same basic services you get with a standard account, but without a chequebook or arranged overdraft facility.

Who is eligible for basic savings account? ›

The following people are eligible to open a Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account: Resident Individuals (sole or joint account) Hindu Undivided Families. Customer should not be having existing BSBD Account with any other Bank.

Which bank is best for basic savings account? ›

Banks such as HDFC, ICICI, and SBI typically offer it with a low minimum balance and negligible interest. It is the best savings account India as it is a simple and easily accessible option for regular banking needs because it may be used for minor savings, bill payments, and recurring transactions.

What are the three 3 types of savings accounts? ›

There are different types of savings accounts to choose from, and they're not all alike. The options include traditional savings accounts, high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, cash management accounts and specialty savings accounts.

What is difference between regular and basic saving 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 makes a savings account different? ›

The interest rate is higher, but unlike a checking account, a savings account typically does not have a debit card or checkbook. In terms of similarities, both accounts are flexible and protected by FDIC insurance.

What is the major disadvantage of having a regular savings account? ›

Savings account benefits include safety for your savings, interest earnings and easy access to your money. However, savings accounts may have drawbacks, such as variable interest rates, minimum balance requirements and fees.

Which type of savings account is best? ›

Types of savings accounts: Choosing the best option
  • Traditional savings account: Best if you want to bank in person.
  • High-yield savings account: Best if you want to bank digitally.
  • Money market account: Best if you want a debit card or paper checks tied to your savings.
Feb 26, 2024

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.

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.

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