How to Open Bank Account Online in India — Savings Account, Zero Balance Account

Why Open a Bank Account?

A bank account is essential for every Indian citizen. You need it to receive salary, save money, get government subsidies (DBT), apply for loans, and build your financial history. Under RBI rules, every person in India has the right to open at least a basic savings account — even with zero balance.

Types of Savings Accounts in India

1. Regular Savings Account

The most common type. You deposit money, earn interest (3%–7% per year), and get a debit card, cheque book, and net banking. Most banks require a minimum balance — usually ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 depending on the bank and branch location (rural/urban).

2. Zero Balance Account (BSBD Account)

As per RBI guidelines, every bank must offer a Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) Account with:

• No minimum balance requirement
• Free ATM-cum-debit card
• Free electronic fund transfers (NEFT/RTGS)
• Passbook and account statement free of cost
• Up to 4 cash withdrawals per month free

Note: BSBD accounts have some limits — you may not get a cheque book, and there could be limits on deposits and withdrawals per month. But it is perfect for people who want a no-frills account.

3. Jan Dhan Yojana Account (PMJDY)

A special zero balance account under the PM Jan Dhan Yojana scheme launched by the Government of India. Benefits include:

• Zero minimum balance
• Free RuPay debit card with ₹2 lakh accident insurance
• ₹30,000 life insurance (for accounts opened before a specified date)
• Overdraft facility up to ₹10,000 (after 6 months of satisfactory operation)
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of government subsidies
• Can be opened by any Indian citizen above 10 years of age

This is ideal for people from low-income families who want to enter the banking system.

4. Salary Account

Opened by your employer for depositing your monthly salary. Benefits:

• Zero minimum balance (as long as salary is credited)
• Higher transaction limits
• Often comes with premium debit card
• May convert to regular savings account if salary stops for 3 months

5. Minor's Account (for Children)

• Below 10 years: Account opened by parent/guardian who operates it
• 10 years and above: Child can operate the account independently
• Requires child's Aadhaar or birth certificate
• Available as savings or recurring deposit
• Some banks allow online opening with parent's existing account

6. Senior Citizen Savings Account

For Indian residents aged 60 years and above (55 for retired defence personnel):

• Higher interest rate — usually 0.25% to 0.50% more than regular savings
• Priority banking services at many banks
• Some banks offer special FD rates too

7. NRI Accounts (NRE / NRO)

For Indians living abroad:

• NRE (Non-Resident External) Account: For parking foreign earnings in India. Fully repatriable. Interest earned is tax-free in India.
• NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) Account: For managing income earned in India (rent, pension, etc.). Partially repatriable. Interest is taxable.
• Both can be opened online with many private banks like ICICI, HDFC, and SBI.

Documents Required to Open a Bank Account

Mandatory Documents

Additional Documents (if applicable)

• For NRI accounts: Passport, visa, overseas address proof
• For minor's account: Birth certificate, parent's KYC documents
• For salary account: Employer's letter / company ID

Video KYC (V-KYC)

RBI now allows Video-based Customer Identification Process (V-CIP) for opening bank accounts. This means:

• No need to visit the branch
• A bank representative video-calls you
• You show your Aadhaar and PAN on camera
• Account is activated after successful verification

Most major banks — SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Kotak, Axis — now support Video KYC for fully digital account opening.

Tip: Keep your documents uploaded on DigiLocker for quick verification during the online process.

How to Open a Bank Account Online — Step-by-Step

General Process (Works for Most Banks)

1. Visit the bank's website or download their mobile app
2. Click on "Open Savings Account" or "Apply Now"
3. Enter your mobile number — you'll receive an OTP
4. Fill in personal details — name, date of birth, address, occupation
5. Enter Aadhaar and PAN details — Aadhaar OTP verification will happen
6. Upload photo and signature (or complete Video KYC)
7. Choose account type — regular, zero balance, etc.
8. Set your nomination — very important, don't skip!
9. Submit the application
10. Receive account number and welcome kit — usually within 24–72 hours

SBI YONO (State Bank of India)

SBI's YONO app lets you open an Insta Savings Account completely online:

1. Download YONO by SBI app from Play Store / App Store
2. Tap "New to SBI" → "Insta Savings Account"
3. Enter Aadhaar number → verify with OTP
4. Enter PAN details
5. Fill personal and address details
6. Upload photo and complete Video KYC
7. Account is opened instantly with a virtual debit card
8. Physical debit card and welcome kit delivered later

Minimum balance: ₹0 initially; ₹1,000–₹3,000 after full KYC depending on variant.

HDFC Bank

1. Visit hdfc.com or download HDFC Bank Mobile Banking app
2. Select "Open a Savings Account"
3. Enter PAN → verify Aadhaar with OTP
4. Fill details and upload documents
5. Complete Video KYC
6. Account activated within 24 hours

Minimum balance: ₹2,500–₹10,000 (varies by city — metro/urban/rural).

ICICI Bank

1. Visit icicibank.com or use iMobile Pay app
2. Select "Open Savings Account Instantly"
3. Aadhaar OTP + PAN verification
4. Video KYC or Aadhaar biometric
5. Get instant account number

Minimum balance: ₹2,500–₹10,000 (varies by variant and city).

Kotak 811 (Kotak Mahindra Bank)

One of the easiest digital accounts to open:

1. Download Kotak Mobile Banking app
2. Select "Open 811 Account"
3. Enter Aadhaar → OTP verification
4. PAN verification
5. Selfie and Video KYC
6. Instant zero balance account opened in minutes!

Minimum balance: ₹0 (811 variant). This is one of the best zero balance accounts from a private bank.

Airtel Payments Bank

1. Visit nearest Airtel retail store or use the Airtel Thanks app
2. Provide Aadhaar for biometric verification
3. Account opened within minutes
4. Get virtual debit card instantly

Note: Airtel Payments Bank is a payments bank — maximum deposit limit is ₹2 lakh. Best for everyday digital payments and small savings.

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)

1. Download IPPB Mobile Banking app
2. Enter Aadhaar → OTP/biometric verification
3. Visit nearest post office for full KYC (or use doorstep service by postman)
4. Get account number and linked savings account

Minimum balance: ₹0. Ideal for rural areas and people who are comfortable with the post office network.

How to Open a Post Office Savings Account

India Post also runs a traditional Post Office Savings Account (separate from IPPB):

1. Visit your nearest post office
2. Fill the Account Opening Form (SB-3)
3. Submit Aadhaar + PAN + 2 photos
4. Minimum deposit: ₹500 (₹20 for minor accounts)
5. Interest rate: 4.0% per annum (as of 2025–26)
6. You get a passbook; ATM card available on request

Post office savings accounts can now also be linked with internet banking through India Post Internet Banking portal.

Minimum Balance Comparison — Major Banks

Note: Interest rates and minimum balance requirements change from time to time. Always check the bank's official website for the latest rates.

Jan Dhan Yojana Account — How to Open

The PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) account can be opened:

Online

• Through bank's website/app (SBI YONO, etc.) — select "BSBD" or "Jan Dhan" option

Offline (Recommended for first-time users)

1. Visit any bank branch or Bank Mitra (Banking Correspondent)
2. Carry Aadhaar card (if no Aadhaar, carry any government ID + self-declaration)
3. Fill the account opening form
4. No initial deposit required
5. Get RuPay debit card with ₹2 lakh accident insurance
6. Start receiving DBT subsidies directly into this account

Who should open: Anyone who doesn't have a bank account and wants free banking with insurance benefits.

Bank Account for Minors — How to Open

For children below 10 years:

• Parent or legal guardian opens and operates the account
• Documents needed: Child's Aadhaar or birth certificate + Parent's KYC

For children aged 10–18 years:

• Child can open and operate the account independently
• Documents: Child's Aadhaar + photo
• Some banks allow online opening if parent has an account with same bank

Features:

• Savings account with debit card (limited daily withdrawal)
• Some banks offer special "Kids Savings Account" with financial literacy tools
• Account automatically converts to regular savings account at age 18

Tips for Opening a Bank Account Online

• Keep Aadhaar mobile number active — most verifications use Aadhaar OTP
• Have PAN card ready — needed for full KYC
• Choose the right account type — don't pay minimum balance charges if you only need basic banking
• Set up a nominee — this is very important for your family's safety
• Enable SMS and email alerts — for transaction security
• Download the bank's official app — for easy mobile banking

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I open a bank account without going to the branch?

Yes! Most major banks now allow fully online account opening through Video KYC. Banks like Kotak 811, SBI YONO, HDFC, and ICICI offer instant digital account opening with Aadhaar OTP and Video KYC.

What is the minimum age to open a bank account in India?

There is no minimum age. For children below 10, a parent/guardian operates the account. Children aged 10 and above can independently operate their account.

Can I open a bank account without PAN card?

Yes, you can open a BSBD/Jan Dhan account without PAN. However, for a regular savings account with full KYC, PAN is mandatory if your annual transactions exceed ₹50,000. You can submit Form 60 as a temporary alternative.

How many bank accounts can one person have?

There is no legal limit. You can have accounts in multiple banks. However, having too many accounts with low balance can lead to maintenance charges. It is advisable to keep 1–2 active accounts.

What is the difference between zero balance account and Jan Dhan account?

Both are zero balance accounts. BSBD account is a basic savings account that any bank must offer to all customers. Jan Dhan account is specifically under the government's PMJDY scheme and comes with additional benefits like ₹2 lakh accident insurance and ₹30,000 life cover.

Can NRIs open a bank account online from abroad?

Yes. Banks like ICICI, HDFC, SBI, and Kotak allow NRIs to open NRE/NRO accounts online. You will need your Indian passport, visa/OCI card, and overseas address proof. Video KYC is available for select banks.

Is Video KYC safe?

Yes, Video KYC is regulated by RBI and follows strict data protection guidelines. The video call is recorded and encrypted. It is as valid as in-person KYC verification.

Related Guides

• PM Jan Dhan Yojana — Complete Guide
• DigiLocker — How to Use for Document Storage