PM Jan Dhan Yojana ā How to Open Account (Step-by-Step Guide
Complete guide to open a Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana bank account. Zero balance, free insurance, eligibility, and benefits.
Official Links
What is PM Jan Dhan Yojana?
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a national financial inclusion mission launched by the Government of India. It provides zero-balance bank accounts to every unbanked household in India, along with free insurance cover and access to credit.
Key Benefits
- Zero balance bank account
- Free RuPay debit card
- ā¹2 lakh accident insurance cover (with RuPay card)
- ā¹30,000 life insurance cover (for accounts opened before specified dates)
- Overdraft facility up to ā¹10,000 (after 6 months of satisfactory operation)
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ā Government subsidies credited directly
- Mobile banking facility
Who is Eligible?
- Any Indian citizen above 10 years of age
- Must not have an existing bank account (or willing to transfer existing no-frills account)
- No minimum balance required
- No income criteria ā anyone can open
- Small accounts can be opened even without standard KYC (with limited features)
Documents Required
Full KYC Account (Recommended)
Any one of the following:
- Aadhaar Card (preferred ā enables instant account opening)
- Voter ID
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- Passport
- MNREGA Job Card
Small Account (Limited KYC)
If you don't have any of the above:
- Self-attested photograph
- Signature or thumb impression in presence of bank official
- Valid for 12 months; upgrade to full KYC within this period
Aadhaar-based opening: If you have Aadhaar, the account can be opened instantly at the bank. No other document needed.
Step-by-Step Process ā At Bank Branch
Step 1: Choose a Bank
Visit any of these banks:
- Public sector banks (SBI, PNB, BOB, etc.)
- Private banks participating in PMJDY
- Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
- Find nearest bank: pmjdy.gov.in
Step 2: Get the Account Opening Form
Ask for the PMJDY account opening form at the bank counter. It's a simplified form.
Step 3: Fill the Form
- Name (as per ID proof)
- Father's/Spouse's name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Mobile number
- Nominee details
Step 4: Submit Documents
- Self-attested copy of KYC document
- Passport-size photograph (2 copies)
- Original document for verification
Step 5: Biometric Verification (if Aadhaar-based)
If using Aadhaar:
- Fingerprint/iris scan at the bank
- No photocopies needed
- Account opened instantly
Step 6: Receive Account Number and RuPay Card
- Account number provided on the spot
- Free RuPay debit card issued (may take a few days to receive)
- Passbook provided
Online Process (Limited)
PMJDY accounts are primarily opened at bank branches. However:
- Some banks allow opening via their mobile apps (SBI YONO, etc.)
- CSC (Common Service Centers): Visit nearest CSC center for assisted opening
- Banking Correspondents (BC): Village-level agents who can open accounts
Find nearest service point: pmjdy.gov.in
Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | Free |
| RuPay Debit Card | Free |
| Minimum Balance | Zero |
| Cheque Book | Free (on request, subject to bank policy) |
| Passbook | Free |
| Mobile Banking | Free |
There is absolutely no charge for opening or maintaining a PMJDY account.
Important Benefits Explained
Accident Insurance (ā¹2 lakh)
- Comes with the free RuPay card
- Covers accidental death or permanent disability
- Must use the RuPay card at least once every 90 days to keep it active
Life Insurance (ā¹30,000)
- Available for account holders who opened accounts during initial campaign
- Covers natural death
- Check with your bank branch for eligibility
Overdraft Facility
- Up to ā¹10,000 overdraft after 6 months
- Account must have satisfactory transaction history
- Useful for small emergency credit
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Government subsidies (LPG, MNREGA wages, scholarships) credited directly
- Eliminates middlemen and corruption
- Link your Jan Dhan account with Aadhaar for DBT
Important Tips
- Link Aadhaar to your Jan Dhan account ā Required for receiving DBT payments
- Use your RuPay card regularly ā At least once in 90 days to keep insurance active
- Nominate a family member ā Ensures benefits transfer in case of death
- Upgrade from Small Account ā If you opened with limited KYC, submit full KYC within 12 months
- Check your balance regularly ā Use missed call banking (bank-specific number) or mobile app
FAQs
Q: Can I open Jan Dhan account online? A: Primarily it's opened at bank branches. Some banks like SBI allow opening via their mobile app (YONO). You can also visit CSC centers.
Q: Is there any minimum balance for Jan Dhan account? A: No. It's a zero-balance account. You don't need to maintain any minimum balance.
Q: Can I open Jan Dhan account if I already have a bank account? A: PMJDY is for unbanked individuals. If you already have a savings account, you may not be eligible. However, you can convert your existing no-frills account.
Q: What is the insurance benefit with Jan Dhan account? A: ā¹2 lakh accidental insurance with RuPay card and ā¹30,000 life insurance (for eligible accounts). Use your RuPay card at least once every 90 days to keep insurance active.
Q: Can a minor open a Jan Dhan account? A: Children above 10 years can open the account independently. Below 10, a guardian can open on their behalf.
Q: What if I lose my RuPay card? A: Report immediately to your bank branch or call the bank's customer care. A replacement card will be issued (may have a small fee).