Author
LoansJagat Team
Read Time
12 Min
09 Apr 2025
A Zero Balance Account is a special type of savings account that allows customers to access essential banking services without maintaining a minimum balance. Indian Bank provides this facility to promote financial inclusion, making banking accessible to students, pensioners, low-income groups, and salaried individuals.
Let’s understand this with an example of Amit, a retail store employee.
Amit earns a monthly salary of ₹18,000. Previously, he had a regular savings account that required him to maintain a minimum balance of ₹5,000. Due to his regular expenses, he often struggled to maintain this amount, leading to penalties and unnecessary charges.
To avoid these fees, Amit switched to an Indian Bank Zero Balance Account, which allowed him to manage his salary.
Income/Expense Category | Amount (₹) |
Salary (Credited on 1st of the month) | 18,000 |
House Rent | 6,000 |
Food & Groceries | 4,000 |
Electricity & Internet Bills | 1,500 |
Transport (Fuel/Public Transport) | 2,000 |
Miscellaneous & Shopping | 2,000 |
Savings (Remaining Balance) | 2,500 |
Here is a table listing the types of Indian Bank Zero Balance Accounts:
Account Type | Description |
IND GURUDEV | The target group includes individuals working as teachers, professors, and lecturers in schools, colleges, educational institutes, and universities |
New SB Product for Pensioners IND PENSION PRIME | All retired employees of the Central/State Government, PSUs, and PSEs are eligible. Joint accounts can be opened only with a spouse under the Former/Survivor clause. |
Savings Bank Account for Pensioners | State, Central, and EPF Pensioners |
BSBDA AND SMALL ACCOUNT | Only for individuals |
Step 1: Type Indian Bank on Google, and the first thing that will appear on your screen will be Indian Bank's Website. Below that, you will see a Savings Bank A/C hyperlink. Click on that.
Step 2: After clicking on that, you will see different types of accounts provided by the Indian Bank to the customers. Scroll down and find any of the accounts mentioned above. Suppose you want an account in BSBDA AND a SMALL ACCOUNT. Then scroll down and find it.
Step 3: After finding that particular account, you will see a button “Read more.” Click on that.
Step 4: Fill in all the details and submit them carefully.
Step 5: Your Indian Bank Zero Balance Account will be opened.
Once activated, you can start using your Indian Bank Zero Balance Account for transactions.
Period / Tenor | Interest Rate (% per annum) |
7 days to 14 days | 2.80% |
15 days to 29 days | 2.80% |
30 days to 45 days | 3.00% |
46 days to 90 days | 3.25% |
91 days to 120 days | 3.50% |
121 days to 180 days | 3.85% |
181 days to less than 9 months | 4.50% |
9 months to less than 1 year (excluding 300 days) | 4.75% |
300 days (Ind Supreme Product) | 7.05% |
1 year | 6.10% |
400 days (Ind Super Product) * | 7.30% |
Above 1 year to less than 2 years (excluding 400 days) | 7.10% |
2 years to less than 3 years | 6.70% |
3 years to less than 5 years | 6.25% |
5 years | 6.25% |
Above 5 years | 6.10% |
Rahul recently opened an Indian Bank Zero Balance Account to manage his savings efficiently while earning interest on his balance. Since Indian Bank follows a flat interest rate structure, interest is calculated on the entire balance at the applicable rate.
Interest Calculation on ₹12,00,000
End of balance slab (₹) | Interest rate (₹) | Amount in Slab (₹) | Annual Interest Earned (₹) |
Up to ₹12,00,000 | 2.80% | 12,00,000 | 33,600 |
Total Balance: ₹12,00,000 | —-- | 12,00,000 | ₹33,600 per year |
Since Indian Bank applies a flat interest rate of 2.80% on savings account balances, the interest is calculated as:
Annual interest= 12,00,000 x 2.80 /100 = ₹33,600
So, Rahul will earn ₹33,600 per year as interest on his ₹12,00,000 balance in an Indian Bank Zero Balance Account.
Feature | Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) | Small Account | ||
Target Customers | Only for individuals Holders of a BSBDA cannot open another savings account in the bank. If an existing savings account exists, it must be closed within 30 days. Joint accounts allowed (max 2 holders) under ‘Either or Survivor’ clause. | Individuals who produce valid KYC documents, like an NREGA job card or an Aadhaar letter. Can also be opened with a self-attested photo and thumbprint, certified by a branch officer. | ||
KYC Requirement | As applicable to a normal savings account. | Minimal KYC; can be opened with Aadhaar, NREGA job card, or self-attested photo and thumbprint. | ||
Average Monthly Minimum Balance | NIL | NIL | ||
| NIL | NIL | ||
Cheque Book | 20 free personalized cheque leaves per calendar year. | Withdrawals are allowed only via withdrawal slips with the passbook. | ||
SMS Alerts | No charges for mandatory SMS alerts. | No charges for mandatory SMS alerts. | ||
Net/Mobile Banking | Facility available. | Not available. | ||
Transaction Limits at the Branch | No limit on deposits. Max 4 withdrawals per month, including ATM withdrawals. | Operations only via withdrawal slips. Credits in a financial year must not exceed ₹1 lakh. Withdrawals & transfers per month must not exceed ₹10,000. Balance at any time must not exceed ₹50,000. | ||
Maximum Withdrawals at ATMs | Max 4 withdrawals per month (including ATM withdrawals) are free; charges apply beyond that. | Not available. | ||
Conversion of Account | To avail value-added services, account holders must complete full KYC and meet minimum balance requirements. | Same as BSBDA—requires full KYC and minimum balance compliance. | ||
Additional Concessions | No account closure charges. | No account closure charges. | ||
Service Charges | As per the latest service charge notification. | As per the latest service charge notification. |
Feature | Details |
Target Group | Resident individuals working as Teachers, Professors, and Lecturers in Schools, Colleges, Educational Institutions, and Universities (Govt. & Private) with a minimum monthly gross salary of ₹15,000. |
Age Group | Entry Age: 21 years Exit Age: 62 years or the date of superannuation, whichever is earlier. |
Initial Deposit | NIL |
Average Minimum Balance | NIL |
Nature of Operation | Single |
Auto Sweep Facility | Available in multiples of ₹10,000 above the cutoff limit of ₹25,000 every week. MOD period: 7 days to 180 days (as per depositor’s choice). Premature closure penalty applies as per the bank rules. |
Cheque Book | 50 free leaves per calendar year. |
Demand Draft (DD) | 10 free DDs per calendar year. |
SMS Alert | Free |
Statement | Free |
RTGS/NEFT/IMPS | 5 free transactions per month if done through a branch. Free for all transactions through Internet & Mobile Banking. |
Debit Card | Rupay Platinum Debit Card 1st-year AMC Free Airport Lounge Benefits as per the Rupay Platinum Card offer. |
ATM Withdrawals (Own & Other Bank ATMs) | Unlimited free transactions at all ATMs (Indian Bank & other banks). |
Excess Withdrawal Charges | 70 free transactions per half-year, excluding online transactions (previously 50). |
Accidental Insurance Cover on Debit Card | ₹2,00,000 coverage (subject to Rupay Platinum Debit Card terms & conditions). |
Demat & Trading Account | Free Demat & Trading Account 1st-year AMC waived if opened through the bank’s mobile app, Ind Oasis. |
Maximum Transaction Limit at POS | ₹1,00,000 (Applicable for Rupay Platinum Debit Card). |
Credit Card | Eligible as per bank norms. |
Insurance Coverage | Personal Accidental Insurance: ₹40,00,000 (Death Cover) Permanent Total Disability Cover: ₹40,00,000 Permanent Partial Disability Cover: ₹20,00,000 Air Accident Death Cover: ₹80,00,000 Eligibility: Must maintain an Average Monthly Balance (AMB) of ₹10,000. Validity: Insurance is valid for one year and applicable only while the account remains in the eligible salary scheme. |
Concessions on Retail Loans | Special discounts on Interest Rates & Processing Fees for Personal Loans, Home Loans, Car Loans, Education Loans, and Jewel Loans. |
Pre-Approved Personal Loan | Eligible as per existing bank guidelines. |
Locker Rent Discount | 50% discount on locker rent for the first year (for Medium/Small-sized lockers). |
Other Benefits | Zero Balance Savings Account for the Spouse & Minor Children of the account holder. NIL charges for Signature Verification, Photo Attestation, and Other Certifications. |
Feature | Details |
Eligible Customers | Pensioners (Age ≥ 60 years) (All retired employees of Central/State Government, PSUs, and PSEs) |
Joint Account | Only with Spouse under Former/Survivor Clause |
Initial Deposit | ₹1,000 (One Thousand Only) |
Mode of Withdrawal | Cheque / Non-Cheque |
Average Monthly Minimum Balance | NIL |
Nomination | Mandatory |
Cheque Book | Free |
SMS Alert Charges | Free |
Passbook Charges | Free |
NEFT/RTGS/IMPS | Free if done through Internet / Mobile Banking |
ATM Debit Card | Platinum Rupay Debit Card |
Maximum Withdrawal at Other Bank ATMs | 5 Free Transactions per month |
Accidental Insurance Cover on Debit Card | ₹2,00,000 (Subject to terms & conditions of Debit Card Company & NPCI) |
Credit Card | Available (Subject to fulfillment of the bank’s eligibility criteria) |
Personal Accidental Insurance | Free Group Personal Accidental Insurance of ₹10,00,000 for pensioners (60-75 years) availing an OD facility of more than ₹25,000 |
Overdraft (OD) Facility | Minimum Age: 60 years Maximum Age: 75 years (at the time of sanction) Co-Borrower: Spouse must be a co-borrower Eligibility: At least 2 months’ pension must be credited in the IND Pension Prime account Family Pensioners: Not eligible for OD facility Maximum OD Limit: ₹2,00,000 or 2 months’ pension, whichever is lower Minimum NTHP (Net Take Home Pension after OD interest): 40% Validity of OD Limit: 1 year Interest Payment: Monthly OD interest to be served and regularised from the pension credited |
Additional Services | Free Signature Verification, Photo Attestation & All Certifications for pensioners Dedicated Senior Citizen Desk at branches for special assistance Doorstep Banking for Senior Citizens (Age ≥ 70 years) at applicable charges |
If you have any inquiries regarding Indian Bank's Zero Balance Account, you can reach out to their customer care team through the following contact options:
1. Toll-Free Customer Care Helpline
1800-425-00000 (Available 24/7)
2. WhatsApp Banking
WhatsApp Number: 8754424242
3. Online Complaint Portal
CGRS Portal:
4. Email Support
For specific queries, you can find dedicated email addresses on the official website of Indian Bank.
5. SMS Service for Blocking Digital Transactions
To block digital transactions via SMS:
When you open a Zero Balance Account with Indian Bank, you will receive a Welcome Kit that contains essential banking materials to help you manage your account. Here’s what the welcome kit typically includes:
1. Account Welcome Letter
2. Passbook
3. ATM/Debit Card
4. Debit Card PIN
5. Internet & Mobile Banking Activation Details
6. Cheque Book (if applicable)
7. Customer Care & Banking Services Guide
If any item from the Indian Bank Zero Balance Account Welcome Kit is missing, you can visit your home branch or contact customer support for assistance. This welcome kit ensures a smooth banking experience and helps you get started with your Indian Bank Zero Balance Account effortlessly.
Indian Bank offers a range of zero-balance savings accounts tailored to different customer segments, including pensioners, salaried individuals, and general account holders. These accounts provide essential banking services without the requirement of maintaining a minimum balance, making them accessible and cost-effective.
Key benefits include free cheque books, SMS alerts, NEFT/RTGS facilities, and Rupay debit cards with accidental insurance coverage. Additionally, pensioners and salaried individuals can avail of exclusive perks like overdraft facilities, concessional loan offers, and special insurance coverage.
The Indian Bank Zero Balance Accounts are designed to promote financial inclusion, ensuring that individuals from various backgrounds can access secure and hassle-free banking with no hidden charges.
With features like easy account opening, paperless transactions, and government subsidy credits, Indian Bank Zero Balance Accounts cater to individuals who require simple and efficient banking. These accounts are particularly beneficial for students, daily wage earners, and small business owners, ensuring financial inclusion with no hidden charges.
Who can open an Indian Bank Zero Balance Account?
Any individual, including pensioners, salaried employees, and low-income groups, can open this account based on eligibility criteria and KYC compliance.
Is there any charge for non-maintenance of balance?
No, Indian Bank Zero Balance Accounts do not have any penalties for non-maintenance of balance.
Does the account offer online banking services?
Yes, Net Banking and Mobile Banking facilities are available for account holders, allowing easy fund transfers and bill payments.
Can I get a debit card with a Zero Balance Account?
Yes, account holders receive a Rupay Debit Card, which can be used for ATM withdrawals and online transactions.
Are there any transaction limits on Zero Balance Accounts?
Some accounts, like the Small Account, have limits on withdrawals and deposits, while others offer unlimited transactions based on eligibility.
What services are available with an Indian Bank Zero Balance Account?
It offers free cheque books, ATM withdrawals, fund transfers (NEFT/RTGS), SMS alerts, and a Rupay debit card with accidental insurance, ensuring seamless banking without minimum balance requirements.
Other Zero Balance Accounts | |||
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LoansJagat Team
We are a team of writers, editors, and proofreaders with 15+ years of experience in the finance field. We are your personal finance gurus! But, we will explain everything in simplified language. Our aim is to make personal and business finance easier for you. While we help you upgrade your financial knowledge, why don't you read some of our blogs?
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