Savings Bank Account

Savings Bank Accounts are meant to promote the habit of saving among the citizens while allowing them to use their funds when required. The main advantage of Savings Bank Account is its high liquidity and safety. On top of that Savings Bank Account earn moderate interest too. The rate of interest is decided and periodically reviewed by the Government of India. Presently, the rate of interest is 3.5% compounded half yearly.

Savings Bank Account can be opened in the name of an individual or in joint names of the depositors. Savings Bank Accounts can also be opened and operated by the minors provided they have completed ten years of age. Accounts by Hindu Undivided Families (HUF) not engaged in any trading or business activity, can be opened in the name of the Karta of the HUF.

The minimum balance to be maintained in an ordinary savings bank account varies from bank to bank. It is less in case of public sector banks and comparatively higher in case of private banks. In most of the public sector banks, minimum balance to be maintained is Rs. 100. In accounts where cheque books are issued, a minimum balance of Rs. 500/- has to be maintained. For Pension Savings Accounts, minimum balance to be maintained is Rs. 5/- without cheque facility and Rs. 250/- with cheque facility.