Author
Siddhanshi Sharma
Read Time
18 Min
30 Apr 2025
When Meera launched her boutique design studio with just ₹50,000 in initial capital, she needed a current account that would not eat into her funds with maintenance charges.
She opted for the AU Zero2One Program, which waived the average monthly balance (AMB) requirement for three years and provided her with an overdraft facility of up to ₹2,00,000, precisely what she needed to manage early expenses.
AU Small Finance Bank, a trusted name in India’s financial landscape, is known for its innovative, customer-first approach and a wide range of tailored banking solutions.
AU Bank offers a variety of current accounts tailored to different business needs. Some of the key current accounts include:
Each current account variant offers distinct features that cater to specific business needs.
1. AU Zero2One Startup Current Account
Rahul, the founder of TechNova Solutions, a startup specialising in AI-powered chatbots, needs a cost-effective banking solution. He chooses the AU Zero2One Startup Current Account, which helps him manage finances efficiently.
1. AMB Waiver for Three Years
2. Overdraft Facility at 1% Spread
3. FD-Backed Corporate Credit Card
4. Free Cheque Book Issuance & Doorstep Banking
5. Visa Signature Business Debit Card with Low Forex Fees
6. No Setup & AMC Fees on Payment Gateway
Note:
By using the AU Zero2One Startup Current Account, Rahul saves over ₹1,50,000 in three years while gaining access to credit, overdraft facilities, and seamless business banking, helping his startup scale efficiently without financial stress.
2. AU Platinum Business Current Account
Amit runs Elite Electronics, a wholesale electronics business with monthly transactions exceeding ₹50,00,000. He chooses the AU Platinum Business Current Account to efficiently manage high cash deposits, payments, and business expenses.
1. AMB Requirement Waiver via AU QR/POS Transactions
Most banks require a ₹1,00,000 AMB, charging ₹1,000 per month if not maintained. However, AU Bank waives this requirement if at least ₹25,000 per month is collected via AU QR/POS transactions. Since Amit’s daily retail sales total ₹2,00,000, he comfortably collects over ₹50,000 per month via AU POS, ensuring he qualifies for the waiver. This means he avoids a monthly charge of ₹1,000, which totals:₹1,000×12=₹12,000 saved annually.
2. High Cash Deposit Limit
Amit frequently deposits large sums of cash, averaging ₹45,00,000 per month. AU Bank allows free deposits up to 20 times the previous month’s AMB, so if Amit maintains an AMB of ₹2,00,000, his free deposit limit is:₹2,00,000×20=₹40,00,000.
For the extra ₹5,00,000 deposited, AU Bank charges ₹4 per ₹1,000, leading to a monthly cost of: 5,00,000÷1,000×₹4=₹2,000.
In comparison, other banks charge ₹5 per ₹1,000, which would cost: ₹5,00,000÷1,000×₹5=₹2,500.
This results in a monthly savings of ₹500, which accumulates to ₹6,000 per year.
3. Complimentary Domestic Airport Lounge Access
Amit travels twice a month for supplier meetings and typically spends ₹800 per visit on airport lounge access. With AU Bank offering 4 free lounge visits per year, Amit’s savings from this perk amount to:₹800×4=₹3,200 annually.
4. 250 Free Cheque Leaves Per Month
As a wholesaler, Amit issues 200+ cheques every month to pay vendors. Other banks charge ₹2 per cheque after the first 100 free cheques, leading to a monthly cost of:(200−100)×₹2=₹200.
Over a year, this extra cost adds up to: ₹200×12=₹2,400.
Since AU Bank provides 250 free cheque leaves per month, Amit saves this entire ₹2,400 annually.
5. Dedicated Relationship Officer
Amit applies for a ₹10,00,000 business loan to expand inventory. Most banks charge 1.5% of the loan amount as a processing fee, which would have cost him: ₹10,00,000×1.5%=₹15,000.
With AU Bank, Amit’s dedicated relationship officer helps secure a processing fee waiver, allowing him to save this full ₹15,000.
6. Visa Platinum Business Debit Card with Enhanced Limits
Amit regularly pays international suppliers and recently made a ₹3,00,000 payment for new stock imports. With AU Bank’s Visa
Platinum Business Debit Card, he benefits from a lower forex markup fee of 1.5%, leading to a forex charge of: ₹3,00,000×1.5%=₹4,500.
If he had used another bank with a 3.5% markup, the fee would have been: ₹3,00,000×3.5%=₹10,500.
This means Amit saves ₹6,000 per transaction. Assuming he makes three such transactions per year, his total forex savings are: ₹6,000×3=₹18,000.
Note:
By using the AU Platinum Business Current Account, Amit saves over ₹56,000 per year while enjoying seamless banking services, waived fees, premium travel perks, and higher transaction limits. These benefits allow him to reduce operational costs, improve
cash flow management, and focus on expanding his business.
3. AU Royale Business Program - Agri
Ravi, a large-scale agricultural trader, manages multiple farms and a grain distribution business. His operations require frequent cash deposits, access to credit, and smooth financial transactions. He opens an AU Royale Business Program - Agri account, which offers features tailored to agribusiness needs.
1. AMB Requirement Across Grouped Accounts
Most banks require maintaining a ₹1,00,000 AMB per individual account, which can create cash flow strain. However, AU Bank allows the grouping of current and savings accounts to meet the ₹1,00,000 AMB requirement. This flexibility helps Ravi optimise liquidity across multiple accounts and avoid non-maintenance penalties of ₹1,000 per month. Over a year, this results in a total savings of ₹12,000 (₹1,000 × 12 months).
2. High Cash Deposit Limit
Ravi sells crops to wholesalers, receiving ₹1.2 crore in cash monthly. Many banks offer a lower free deposit limit of only 10-15 times the AMB, forcing businesses to pay additional charges. AU Bank, however, allows deposits up to 25 times the AMB. Since Ravi maintains an AMB of ₹4,00,000, his free deposit limit is ₹1 crore (₹4,00,000 × 25).
For the ₹20,00,000 that exceeds the free limit, AU Bank charges ₹4 per ₹1,000, leading to a monthly deposit fee of ₹8,000 (₹20,00,000 ÷ 1,000 × ₹4). Other banks charge ₹5 per ₹1,000, which would have cost him ₹10,000 (₹20,00,000 ÷ 1,000 × ₹5). This means Ravi saves ₹2,000 per month, or ₹24,000 annually, in cash deposit fees.
3. Complimentary Domestic Airport Lounge Access
Since Ravi frequently travels for supplier meetings and agricultural expos, he often pays ₹1,000 per visit for airport lounge access. With AU Bank offering 8 free lounge visits per year, he saves ₹8,000 annually (₹1,000 × 8 visits).
4. Overdraft Facility for Financial Flexibility
During harvest season, Ravi needs ₹15,00,000 to buy seeds and fertilizers but expects payments from buyers in 45 days. Instead of taking a high-interest business loan, he uses AU Bank’s overdraft facility at an 8% interest rate (1% spread over the base rate of 7%). The interest cost for 45 days is ₹14,794 (₹15,00,000 × 8% × 45/365).
If Ravi had taken a business loan at 12% interest, the cost would have been ₹22,191 (₹15,00,000 × 12% × 45/365). By choosing AU Bank’s overdraft, he saves ₹7,397 in interest costs.
5. Free Cheque Book Issuance
Ravi issues 150 cheques per month to pay suppliers. Many banks provide only 100 free cheques and charge ₹2 per cheque beyond that limit, meaning he would pay ₹100 per month (50 cheques × ₹2). Over a year, that adds up to ₹1,200 (₹100 × 12 months). With AU Bank offering unlimited free chequeleaves, he avoids this cost entirely.
6. Special Processing Fees on Loans
To expand operations, Ravi applies for a ₹50,00,000 loan. Other banks charge a processing fee of 1.5%, which would cost him ₹75,000 (₹50,00,000 × 1.5%). AU Bank offers preferential processing fees, reducing the fee to ₹50,000, saving him ₹25,000 on the loan.
Note:
By using the AU Royale Business Program - Agri, Ravi saves over ₹77,000 per year, benefiting from high free deposit limits, reduced loan processing fees, free cheque issuance, overdraft flexibility, and premium banking services. These savings and features help him manage cash flow efficiently and grow his agribusiness without financial strain.
4. AU Royale Business Program - Doctors
Dr Mehta, a renowned cardiologist, runs a multi-speciality clinic and frequently handles high-value transactions, cash deposits, and equipment financing. To streamline his financial operations, he opened an AU Royale Business Program - Doctors account, which provides premium banking services tailored for medical professionals.
1. AMB Requirement Across Grouped Accounts
Most banks require maintaining ₹1,00,000 AMB per individual account, increasing the financial burden. AU Bank, however, allows the grouping of current and savings accounts to meet the ₹1,00,000 AMB requirement, enabling Dr Mehta to optimise liquidity and avoid non-maintenance charges of ₹1,000 per month. Over a year, this saves him ₹12,000 (₹1,000 × 12 months).
2. High Cash Deposit Limit
Dr. Mehta’s clinic receives ₹25,00,000 in cash every month from patient fees and insurance reimbursements. AU Bank allows free deposits up to 25 times the AMB, so if he maintains an AMB of ₹2,00,000, his free cash deposit limit is ₹50,00,000 (₹2,00,000 × 25). Since his deposits are below this limit, he pays zero cash deposit fees.
If he were using another bank with a lower limit of 15 times the AMB, his free deposit limit would only be ₹30,00,000, and for the ₹5,00,000 excess deposits, he would pay ₹5 per ₹1,000, leading to a monthly charge of ₹2,500 (₹5,00,000 ÷ 1,000 × ₹5). This means with AU Bank, he saves ₹30,000 annually (₹2,500 × 12 months) in cash deposit fees.
3. Complimentary Domestic Airport Lounge Access
Dr. Mehta frequently travels for medical conferences and workshops, where lounge access at airports typically costs ₹1,000 per visit. With 8 free lounge visits per year, he saves ₹8,000 annually (₹1,000 × 8 visits).
4. Preferential Loan Rates and Special Pricing on Banking Services
To expand his clinic, Dr Mehta takes a ₹50,00,000 loan to purchase new medical equipment. While other banks charge 10% annual interest, AU Bank offers him a preferential rate of 8%, reducing his annual interest cost by ₹1,00,000 (₹50,00,000 × (10% - 8%)). Additionally, AU Bank offers a discounted loan processing fee, allowing him to save ₹25,000 on upfront costs.
5. Exclusive Visa Signature Business Debit Card with High Spending Limits
Dr. Mehta regularly purchases medicines and medical supplies, spending ₹5,00,000 per month on his Visa Signature Business Debit Card. Most banks charge a 2% forex markup on international transactions, while AU Bank offers a lower 1.5% markup. If he spends ₹1,50,000 annually on international purchases, his forex charges are ₹2,250 (₹1,50,000 × 1.5%) instead of ₹3,000 (₹1,50,000 × 2%) at other banks. This helps him save ₹750 per year.
6. Rewards Program: Earn Points on Transactions
Dr. Mehta uses his AU Bank debit card for business expenses, earning 1 reward point per ₹200 spent. With monthly spending of ₹5,00,000, he accumulates 2,500 points per month (₹5,00,000 ÷ 200). Over a year, he earns 30,000 points (2,500 × 12 months), which he redeems for flight tickets, further saving ₹10,000 on travel expenses.
7. Dedicated Relationship Manager for Business and Family Financial Planning
Managing both business and personal finances is time-consuming, so Dr. Mehta benefits from AU Bank’s dedicated relationship manager, who assists with investments, loan approvals, and business expansion strategies. The personalised service helps him save time, avoid unnecessary charges, and optimise tax benefits, indirectly adding value to his financial planning.
Note:
By using the AU Royale Business Program - Doctors, Dr Mehta saves over ₹1,85,000 annually while enjoying premium benefits like higher cash deposit limits, preferential loan rates, free lounge access, exclusive debit card perks, and financial planning assistance. These advantages allow him to focus on growing his clinic while optimising his financial management.
5. AU Swadesh Current Account
Rajesh owns a small grocery store and handles daily transactions, cash deposits, and supplier payments. He chooses the AU Swadesh Current Account to efficiently manage his finances with zero AMB maintenance charges, cashback rewards, and high free deposit limits.
1. No AMB Non-Maintenance Charges
Most banks require maintaining a minimum balance of ₹10,000 to ₹25,000, charging a ₹500 monthly penalty if not maintained. AU Bank, however, allows Rajesh to skip the AMB requirement by simply making at least 5 transactions totalling ₹25,000 per month. Since he pays suppliers and deposits customer cash daily, he easily meets this condition, saving ₹6,000 per year (₹500 × 12 months) in non-maintenance charges.
2. High Cash Deposit Limit
Rajesh’s store earns ₹6,00,000 in cash every month. AU Bank offers free cash deposits up to 15 times the previous month’s AMB, so if he maintains an AMB of ₹20,000, his free deposit limit is ₹3,00,000 (₹20,000 × 15).
For the ₹3,00,000 excess deposit, AU Bank charges ₹4 per ₹1,000, leading to a monthly cost of ₹1,200 (₹3,00,000 ÷ 1,000 × ₹4). At other banks charging ₹5 per ₹1,000, he would pay ₹1,500 (₹3,00,000 ÷ 1,000 × ₹5). This means Rajesh saves ₹300 per month, or ₹3,600 annually, in cash deposit fees.
3. Monthly Cashback on Debit Card Spends
Rajesh frequently buys store supplies using his debit card. AU Bank offers 2% cashback up to ₹100 per month on non-fuel spends above ₹2,500. Since he spends ₹5,000 monthly on inventory purchases, he earns the full ₹100 cashback every month, which totals ₹1,200 per year (₹100 × 12 months).
4. 150 Free Cheque Leaves Per Month
Rajesh issues 120 cheques monthly to suppliers. Many banks provide only 50 free cheques and charge ₹2 per additional cheque, meaning he would pay ₹140 per month (70 cheques × ₹2). Over a year, this adds up to ₹1,680 (₹140 × 12 months). Since AU Bank offers 150 free cheque leaves per month, Rajesh avoids this cost entirely.
5. Extended Banking Hours & Doorstep Banking
Running a grocery store keeps Rajesh busy, and visiting the bank during standard hours is inconvenient. AU Bank’s extended banking hours and doorstep banking services allow him to schedule cash pickups and deposits, saving him at least ₹500 per month in travel costs. Over a year, this convenience saves ₹6,000 (₹500 × 12 months).
Note:
By using the AU Swadesh Current Account, Rajesh saves over ₹18,000 annually, and benefits from zero balance requirements, high free deposit limits, cashback rewards, free cheque issuance, and doorstep banking. This account helps him manage his grocery store’s finances efficiently while minimising banking costs.
AU Bank's current accounts offer a range of benefits designed to help businesses reduce costs, enhance cash flow, and streamline financial transactions. From high deposit limits to preferential merchant services, these features support businesses of all sizes.
Anita runs a chain of retail stores and processes ₹30,00,000 in transactions monthly. She chooses AU Bank’s Platinum Business Current Account for its high cash deposit limits, overdraft facilities, and premium digital banking services.
Since AU Bank allows deposits up to 25 times the AMB, Anita, maintaining an AMB of ₹2,00,000, can deposit ₹50,00,000 for free. Other banks cap free deposits at ₹30,00,000, meaning she would have paid ₹10,000 per month (₹20,00,000 × ₹5 per ₹1,000) elsewhere. This saves her ₹1,20,000 annually.
She also uses the AU QR and POS system to collect ₹5,00,000 monthly. With AU Bank’s 0.1% lower merchant fees, she saves ₹500 per month (₹5,00,000 × 0.1%), totalling ₹6,000 per year.
To restock inventory, she takes a ₹10,00,000 overdraft at AU Bank’s 8% interest rate instead of another bank’s 10%. Over 60 days, this saves her ₹3,287 (₹10,00,000 × 2% × 60/365) in interest costs.
With her business debit card, she earns ₹8,000 annually in cashback and saves ₹4,000 on airport lounge access. Additionally, her dedicated relationship manager helps secure a lower loan processing fee, saving ₹15,000 on a ₹50,00,000 loan.
Charge Type | AU Zero2One (Startup) | AU Platinum Business | AU Royale Agri | AU Royale Doctors | AU Swadesh |
Minimum AMB | Waived (3 years) | ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,00,000 | ₹10,000 |
Cash Deposit Limit | 15x AMB | 20x AMB | 25x AMB | 25x AMB | 15x AMB |
Cash Withdrawal | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
ATM Transactions | Free (AU Bank ATMs) | Free (AU Bank ATMs) | Free (AU Bank ATMs) | Free (AU Bank ATMs) | 10 free transactions |
NEFT/RTGS/IMPS | Free | Free | Free | Free | NEFT/RTGS at branch chargeable |
Cheque Book Issuance | Free (Unlimited) | 250 free/month | Free | Free | 150 free/month |
Overdraft Facility | Available | Available | Available | Available | Not Available |
Eligibility
Required Documents
Feature | AU Bank | ICICI Bank | HDFC Bank |
Minimum AMB | ₹10,000 - 1,00,000 | ₹25,000 - 1,00,000 | ₹10,000 - 1,00,000 |
Scenario: How Minimum AMB Affects Business Owners Vikram, a small business owner, maintains ₹15,000 in his current account. Since AU Bank’s minimum AMB starts at ₹10,000, he avoids any penalty. However, if he had an ICICI Bank account requiring ₹25,000, he would face a non-maintenance fee of ₹1,000 per month, costing him ₹12,000 annually (₹1,000 × 12 months). | |||
Overdraft Facility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free Cash Deposit Limit | Up to 25x AMB | 12x AMB | 10x AMB |
Scenario: How Free Cash Deposit Limits Impact Business Owners Arun, who runs a wholesale business, maintains an AMB of ₹50,000. With AU Bank’s 25x AMB limit, he can deposit ₹12,50,000 for free (₹50,000 × 25), while at HDFC Bank (10x AMB), his free limit would be only ₹5,00,000, forcing him to pay ₹7,500 per month (₹7,50,000 × ₹5 per ₹1,000) in extra deposit fees. | |||
Digital Banking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Dedicated Relationship Manager | Yes | Yes (for premium accounts) | Yes (for premium accounts) |
Free Cheque Leaves | Up to 250/month | Up to 200/month | Up to 150/month |
Scenario: How Free Cheque Leaves Impact Business Owners Ravi, a contractor, issues 220 cheques per month for supplier payments. With AU Bank’s 250 free cheques, he pays nothing, but at HDFC Bank (150 free cheques), he pays ₹140 per month (70 extra cheques × ₹2 per cheque), totalling ₹1,680 annually. | |||
Business Debit Card Benefits | Premium perks, lounge access | Standard | Standard |
Merchant Services | Special pricing on AU QR and POS | Limited | Limited |
AU Bank offers a range of current accounts tailored to meet the needs of different businesses and professionals. Whether you are a startup, SME, agricultural business, or medical professional, AU Bank provides comprehensive banking solutions with high flexibility, premium services, and competitive fee structures. Choosing the right AU Bank current account can help businesses manage their financial operations efficiently while enjoying numerous benefits.
1. What is the minimum balance requirement for AU Bank's current accounts?
The minimum balance requirement varies from ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000, depending on the account type.
2. Can I open an AU Bank current account online?
Yes, you can apply online through AU Bank’s official website.
3. What is the overdraft facility available on AU Bank's current accounts?
Eligible account holders can avail of an overdraft facility with competitive interest rates.
4. Are there any special offers for startups?
Yes, the AU Zero2One program offers an AMB waiver for three years, along with special banking benefits for startups.
5. What documents are required to open an AU Bank current account?
PAN card, KYC documents, entity proof, authorized signatories' documents, and initial funding cheque.
6. Does AU Bank offer free NEFT/RTGS transactions?
Yes, most digital transactions are free, while branch transactions may have nominal charges.
7. How does AU Bank compare with other banks for business accounts?
AU Bank provides competitive features like high cash deposit limits, preferential merchant services, and premium banking benefits, making it a strong choice for businesses.
About the Author
Siddhanshi Sharma
Siddhanshi Sharma is a reader's writer, like there is a director's actor. She has trained herself to understand the reader's intent and their queries. With over 4+ years of experience in the content writing industry. Siddhanshi has authored many blogs and articles for several BFSI organisations. While you are reading this blog, she is probably reading her blogs to identify some more mistakes that she overlooked.
Quick Apply Loan
Subscribe Now
Related Blog Post