Bank Account Full Information
Introduction
A bank account is a service offered by banks that lets individuals and businesses deposit, withdraw, and manage money securely. With the advancement of digital banking, opening and managing accounts has become easier than ever. In India, having a bank account is crucial for accessing government benefits, salary credit, online services, and financial growth.

Types of Bank Accounts
There are several types of bank accounts, each serving a unique purpose:
1. Savings Account
- Most common for individuals.
- Offers interest on savings.
- Used for everyday banking needs.
- May have a minimum balance requirement.
2. Current Account
- Designed for businesses or frequent transactions.
- No interest offered.
- Higher transaction limits, no cap on withdrawals.
3. Fixed Deposit (FD)
- Lump sum deposit for a fixed period.
- Higher interest rates than savings accounts.
- Ideal for long-term savings.
4. Recurring Deposit (RD)
- Regular monthly deposits for a fixed term.
- Offers guaranteed returns with interest.
5. Salary Account
- Provided by employers for salary credit.
- Functions like a savings account with zero balance benefit.
- Automatically converted to savings account after 3 months of no credit.
6. NRI Accounts (NRE/NRO)
- For Non-Resident Indians.
- NRE: Repatriable, tax-free in India.
- NRO: For income earned in India, taxable.
Importance of Bank Accounts
- Secure place for money.
- Enables digital payments and online transactions.
- Required for salary, government schemes, subsidies, pensions.
- Makes you loan-eligible.
- Supports savings through RD/FDs and investment plans.
Required Documents (KYC)
To open a bank account, these documents are essential:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport-size Photos
- Proof of Address (Electricity bill, Driving License, etc.)
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
How to Open a Bank Account
Offline Method:
- Visit bank branch.
- Fill out the application form.
- Submit KYC documents.
- Provide initial deposit (if required).
- Receive ATM card, cheque book, passbook.
Online Method:
- Visit bank website or app.
- Fill out online form.
- Authenticate using Aadhaar OTP or video KYC.
- Account activated digitally (especially for zero balance or digital savings accounts).
Popular Banks in India
- SBI (State Bank of India)
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
- Canara Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Union Bank of India
Services Offered with a Bank Account
- Debit/ATM Card
- Cheque Book
- Passbook
- Net Banking
- Mobile Banking
- UPI and QR Payments
- Account Alerts via SMS
- Loan Pre-approval
- Insurance & Investment Access
Using Your Bank Account
Deposits:
- Cash deposit at branch or ATM
- Online via UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS
Withdrawals:
- ATM
- Cheque
- Over-the-counter
- UPI-based withdrawal (limited banks)
Transfers:
- NEFT – up to ₹10 lakh, settled in batches
- RTGS – for high-value transfers (₹2 lakh+)
- IMPS – instant transfer, 24×7
- UPI – fastest mode using mobile apps
Internet and Mobile Banking
Internet Banking:
- Login via bank website.
- Services: transfers, bill pay, FD/RD, account summary.
Mobile Banking:
- Use apps like SBI Yono, HDFC App, PhonePe, Google Pay.
- Instant access to balance, mini-statement, UPI, etc.
Account Balance Check Methods
- Missed call alerts (each bank has a dedicated number)
- ATM balance enquiry
- Internet banking dashboard
- Mobile app or UPI app
- Passbook update
Minimum Balance Requirements
Bank | Minimum Balance |
---|---|
SBI | ₹1000 (rural), ₹3000 (metro) |
HDFC | ₹5000 |
ICICI | ₹10,000 |
Axis | ₹10,000 |
Canara, BOB | ₹1000–5000 (varies) |
Note: Jan Dhan and digital savings accounts have no minimum balance.
Jan Dhan Yojana – Zero Balance Scheme
Launched by the Government of India to ensure financial inclusion:
- No balance requirement
- Free RuPay debit card
- ₹2 lakh accidental insurance
- Eligible for DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)
- Can get an overdraft up to ₹10,000
🔷 Bank Charges & Fees
- Non-maintenance penalty
- Cheque bounce charges
- SMS alert fee
- NEFT/RTGS (usually free now)
- ATM usage beyond free limit
- Debit Card annual fees
- Dormant account reactivation charges
Savings vs Current Account
Feature | Savings Account | Current Account |
---|---|---|
Target Users | Individuals | Businesses, Traders |
Interest Earned | Yes (3%–7% p.a.) | No or very low |
Transactions | Limited/month | Unlimited |
Overdraft | Not available | Available |
Minimum Balance | Low | High |
Joint and Minor Accounts
- Joint Account – Two or more people operate account together. Access can be joint or either/or survivor.
- Minor Account – For children under 18, operated by a guardian.
FD and RD Accounts Explained
Fixed Deposit (FD):
- Lump sum amount deposited.
- Fixed term from 7 days to 10 years.
- Interest up to 8.5% p.a.
- Safe investment option.
Recurring Deposit (RD):
- Small monthly deposits.
- Earns interest like FD.
- Term: 6 months to 10 years.
- Ideal for salaried people.
Dormant & Inactive Accounts
- Inactive: No transaction for 12 months.
- Dormant: No transaction for 24 months.
- To reactivate: Submit KYC again.
Closing a Bank Account
- Visit the branch
- Fill and submit the closure form
- Return ATM, cheque book
- Withdraw balance via cash or cheque
- Account is closed within 1–5 working days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I open more than one savings account?
✅ Yes, across different banks.
Q2. Is online account opening safe?
✅ Yes, if done through official bank websites or apps.
Q3. What happens if I don’t maintain the minimum balance?
⛔ Bank may deduct a penalty.
Q4. What is UPI?
✅ Unified Payments Interface – fast and free method for instant bank-to-bank transfers via mobile apps.
Q5. Can I convert my savings account to a zero balance account?
✅ In some banks, yes, through Jan Dhan or Basic Savings Account request.
Tips for Bank Account Safety
- Don’t share PIN, OTP, or password.
- Use bank’s official app or site only.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Avoid logging into your account on public computers.
- Regularly check statements for unauthorized transactions.
Conclusion
Bank accounts form the foundation of personal financial management. They offer safety, accessibility, convenience, and financial growth opportunities. With modern digital banking tools, managing money has become more effortless than ever before.
Whether you’re a student, employee, senior citizen, or entrepreneur – choosing the right type of account, understanding features, and maintaining good banking habits can ensure financial health and peace of mind.