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LoansJagat Team

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16 Dec 2025

SBI Joint Account: Types, Benefits, and How It Works

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 Key Takeaways

 

  • At State Bank of India, a joint account allows two or more individuals to share control while maintaining the SBI joint account minimum balance required by the chosen savings option (which is usually NIL).

 

  • The bank's particular SBI joint account rules, such as selecting the mode of operation (“either or,” “both jointly,” etc.), must be followed by you and your co-holder. 

 

  • Both of you get shared access without worrying about high balance requirements when you choose a variant that supports SBI joint account opening zero balance. This boosts your joint savings power and enhances the benefits of an SBI joint account.

 

“A joint account helps couples, siblings, or parents coordinate money smoothly without juggling multiple accounts.”

 

At SBI, a joint account works like having two or more people share one account, with each person getting access as per the SBI joint account rules they select during opening. The joint account holders choose “either or survivor” so that either person can conduct transactions independently. This also ensures the surviving holder can continue operating the account if one passes away.

 

My sister and I selected “either or survivor” mode when we opened an account at SBI. Either of us could make deposits or withdrawals, and the survivor could keep using the money in case one of us was unavailable. Together, we used it to accumulate a trip fund and pay utility bills.

What are the features & Benefits of an SBI Joint Account?

 

Joint accounts work only when the features match your lifestyle. This table shows how every SBI option supports smarter saving and smoother access.

 

The features and advantages of opening a joint account at SBI vary depending on the type of savings account you select.

 

SBI Account Type

Features (for Joint Holders)

SBI Joint Account Benefits 

Regular Savings Account

  • Joint ownership allowed 
  • Multiple operation modes like “either or”, “both jointly.” 
  • Internet banking for all holders 
  • Nomination & survivorship facility
  • Easy shared access for daily banking 
  • Smooth transactions even if one holder is unavailable. 
  • Useful for managing household and family expenses

BSBDA (Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account)

  • Joint holders allowed 
  • Zero minimum balance 
  • Basic banking services included 
  • Limited free withdrawals as per RBI rules
  • No stress of maintaining balance. 
  • Great for new users or those with low usage.
  • Good for students, elderly parents, or dependents

BSBDA Small Account

  • Joint account allowed 
  • Simplified KYC requirements 
  • Upper balance and transaction limits applied
  • Good for holders without full KYC documents 
  • No minimum balance requirement. 
  • Encourages basic saving habits

Savings Plus (Auto Sweep Account)

  • Joint holding supported
  • Auto-sweep and reverse sweep enabled 
  • FD-linked savings
  • Helps both holders earn more interest on the extra balance 
  • Useful for couples or partners maintaining higher balances

Minor Joint Account (With Guardian)

  • Joint account between minor + guardian 
  • Guardian operates an account. 
  • Converts to a regular account when the minor turns 18
  • Helps parents manage child savings 
  • Builds early saving habits 
  • Easy transition to an independent account

NRE/NRO Joint Accounts

  • Joint account allowed with eligible individuals 
  • International banking enabled 
  • Repatriation rules applied
  • Useful for families where one member lives abroad 
  • Allows convenient inward remittances 
  • Supports joint financial planning

 

Joint holders can benefit from a variety of SBI account types. You can select the account that best suits your comfort level, usage requirements, and financial goals by weighing these features and advantages.

 

Bonus Tip: Do you know? SBI has increased the auto-sweep threshold from ₹35,000 to ₹50,000. This means joint account holders with higher balances can earn better interest through automatic sweep-ins while still keeping access to their money.

How to Open an SBI Joint Account?

 

It is easy to open a joint account at SBI. Each step is explained in detail in the table below:

 

Step

What You Need to Do

Step 1: Gather Documents

Both applicants collect identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence), address proof, and passport-size photographs. You must complete KYC as required by SBI.

Step 2: Choose the Mode of Operation

You decide whether the account will run as “either or”, “both jointly”, or “former or survivor”. This choice decides how each holder can operate the account.

Step 3: Fill the Account Opening Form

Both applicants fill the Account Opening Form (AOF), select “joint account”, mention the mode, attach documents, and sign the form.

Step 4: Submit the Form at the Branch

You visit the SBI branch together and submit the form with all documents. The bank verifies everything and opens the joint account.

Step 5: Activate and Start Using the Account

Once the account becomes active, the branch gives the passbook and debit cards (if applicable). Both holders can register for internet banking and start using the account.

 

You and your co-holder can make an SBI joint account opening online or offline by following these steps.

SBI Joint Account Fees & Charges 

 

You and your co-holder have the same charge structure as any other savings account holder when you open a joint savings account at SBI.

 

Fee Type

Amount

Cheque Book Charges

First 10 leaves per year: Free 

10 leaves after free limit: 40 + GST 

25 leaves: 75 + GST

Emergency Cheque Book

10 cheque leaves (or part thereof): 50 + GST

Account Closure Charges

Closed within 14 days of opening: Free 

Closed after 14 days up to 1 year: 500 + GST

Minimum Balance/Penalty

Many SBI savings accounts have a NIL Monthly Average Balance

Penalty for non-maintenance in these accounts: Nil

Duplicate Passbook

Duplicate passbook: 100 + GST 

Additional pages (40 entries per page): 50 + GST per page

 

You enjoy the same savings account fee structure as individual holders when you are a co-holder in a joint account at SBI. There isn't an extra "joint account surcharge."

Conclusion

 

You and a partner can have control, transparency, and flexibility over your finances with a joint account at SBI. The benefits are significant, the opening process is transparent, and the costs are reasonable. If you're prepared to collaborate financially, visit your SBI branch, explore the SBI joint account opening online process, and speak with your co-holder to start the process.

FAQs Related to SBI Joint Account

How can I close an SBI joint account?

You must submit a joint written request signed by all account holders at your SBI branch. The bank will verify your identity, clear any pending dues, and close the account. All holders must be present or must submit signatures as required.

Can I convert my SBI joint account to a salary account?

Yes, but only if your employer is registered with SBI for salary accounts. Visit the branch and submit a request along with employer confirmation. All joint holders must agree to the conversion.

Will opening an SBI joint account with my partner affect my credit score or borrowing ability?

No, an SBI joint savings account does not affect your credit score or borrowing ability. Your credit is impacted only if you jointly take loans or credit products, not by holding a shared savings account.

How to open a joint bank account in SBI?

Visit your nearest SBI branch with the KYC documents of all applicants. Fill the account opening form, choose the mode of operation (such as “either or survivor”), attach documents, and submit the form together. The bank will verify details and activate the joint account.

Are there extra SBI joint account minimum balance requirements compared to single accounts?

No. SBI does not charge a higher minimum balance for joint accounts. The required balance is the same as the regular savings account variant you choose. Many SBI savings accounts have a NIL minimum balance, so joint holders do not pay anything extra.


 

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LoansJagat Team

‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.

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