Post Office Savings Account- Interest Rates & Features

How to open Post Office Savings Account

Post Office Savings Account is similar in many ways to a regular savings account. It is considered to be a highly secure instrument to deposit funds into and offers the option of full or partial liquidation of funds at very short notice in case the need arises. These accounts generally offer a guaranteed return on investment and are ideal for senior citizens and people who are looking to earn a regular income without exposure to risk

Post Office savings accounts are also best suited for those individuals living in rural and semi-rural areas, which have limited exposure to banking. Due to the large network of post offices in India, the government introduced the concept of opening savings accounts through post offices, especially since the country-wide reach of post offices is far greater than banks.

A Post Office savings account can be opened at any post office with a minimum balance of Rs 20. Single account holders can deposit a maximum of Rs one lakh while joint account holders can deposit a maximum of Rs two lakhs. One of the main features of a Post Office savings account is that there is no lock-in or maturity period. Opening an account of this kind is relatively hassle-free, since one can walk into any post office, complete the formalities with the clerk, and open an account immediately.

Interest rate for the first quarter of Financial year 2018-19

Who is eligible to open post office savings account

The following individuals are eligible to open a Post Office savings account

• Adults
• Minors with a minimum age of ten years
• A guardian on behalf of a minor
• A person of unsound mind
• Two or three adults can open a joint account

However, Group Accounts, Institutional Accounts and other accounts like Security Deposit Accounts & Official Capacity Accounts are not permissible.

Withdrawal of money from post office savings account

In a Post Office savings account the amount deposited can be withdrawn at anytime as per the depositor’s needs. The withdrawal is, however, subject to the maintenance of a minimum balance of Rs. 50 in a simple account and Rs. 500 for cheque facility accounts.

Post office savings account Interest Rates

Post Office savings account interest rate is decided by the Central Government from time to time and is generally between 3% to 4%. Interest is calculated on monthly balances and credited annually.

Features of post office savings account

The main features of a Post Office savings account are:

• The depositor can choose to close the account at any time of his or her choosing
• The account can be opened by cash only
• Nomination facility is available at the time of opening the account as well as after opening the account
• Interest earned is tax free up to Rs 10,000 per year from financial year 2012 - 13
• Income tax relief is available on the amount of interest under the provisions of section 80L of the Income Tax Act.
• The account can be transferred from one post office to another
• Single accounts can be converted to joint accounts and vice versa
• Deposits and withdrawals can be done through any electronic mode in CBS Post offices.

Benefits of post office savings accounts

Customers who wish to open these accounts have access to cheque and ATM facilities. Some attractive Benefits of Post Office Savings Accounts have been listed below:

• Cheque facility

Cheque facility is available and can be request for existing accounts as well.

• ATM/Debit card

For those account holders who have maintained the prescribed minimum balance on the day of issuance of the debit card, CBS Post Offices can grant ATM/Debit cards.

• Minor Accounts

Post Office Savings Account is available to minors. For minors below the age of 10, an account can be opened in their name, but the parent or guardian will be given rights to operate the account on their behalf. Minors of 10 years and above can operate the account on their own.

• Portability

If you shift your residence or are not happy with the services of the post office branch or for any other reason, you can shift your Post Office Savings Account to a branch of your choice. Only one account can be opened in one post office.

• Nomination

The facility to nominate someone is made available under these accounts at the time of opening the account. The account holder can also choose to nominate a person to receive the proceeds of this account after their demise at any time.

• Joint Holdings

Two or three adults are allowed to hold an account together under the joint account facility. A single account can be converted to a joint account and vice versa.

• Tax Exemptions

Under the provisions of section 80L of the Income Tax Act, interest earned from the savings in these accounts are exempt from tax for up to Rs.10,000 earned per year.

• Electronic Facilities

Customers can make withdrawals and deposits through any electronic mode in CBS Post offices.

• Long period for Inactivity

In order to keep the account active you only need to carry out one transaction of a deposit or withdrawal in 3 financial years. The account will not be deemed inactive unless there are no transactions for 3 financial years.

Interest rate post office savings accounts

Post Office Savings Accounts earn a fixed rate of interest through the year, subject to change from time to time, as declared. Currently, the interest rate is as given below:

Charges and Requirements of Post Office Savings Accounts

Income Tax Benefit

Income tax relief against the interest earned from the savings in these accounts is available on under the provisions of section 80L of Income Tax Act, 1961.

FAQ’s

1. What happens to the amount in the event of the death of the depositor?

If the depositor dies the amount shall go to the nominee. In case the account is without a nomination at the time of the depositor’s death and the amount due is not exceeding Rs 60,000, the Department of Post Office may pay the same to a person appearing before him, who is entitled to receive it or to administer the estate of the deceased.

2. How many accounts can be opened at one post office?

Only one single account and one joint account can be opened at one post office

3. How can a person avail of the cheque system facility for a post office savings account?

Application for availing the facility of Cheque System be submitted on Form SB/CQE-4 and requisition for fresh Cheque Book for Savings Account on Form SB/CQE-4A.

4. What is the procedure for opening a Post Office Savings Account?

Opening a Post Office Savings Account is very simple.

• Procure a form from the post office or online.
• Submit the duly-filled and signed form along with the required KYC documents and a photograph.
• Pay the amount you would like to deposit subject to a minimum of Rs.20.
• Your deposit will be opened for you.
• For senior citizens, there are separate forms available.

5. What are the documents required to open a Post Office Savings Account?

You need to comply with the KYC norms according to your risk category. Generally, to open a savings account at the post office, you need to submit the following:

• ID Proof such as Electoral Photo Identity card, Aadhaar or the letter issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Ration Card with photograph, Passport, Driving License, Photo Identity Card issued by recognized, University/ Education Board/ /College/School, Identity card from Central/State Government or PSU.
• Address Proof such as Bank or Post Office Passbook/Statement with current address Passport, Ration Card with current Address, Electricity Bill, Telephone Bill of not more than three months old, Salary Slip of reputed Employer with current address, Aadhaar or the letter issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
• One (two in case of EDBO) recent Passport Size Photographs are to be given. In case of Joint Account, photograph of all joint holders should be given.

6.Can I apply for a duplicate passbook?

You can get a duplicate passbook from the sub post offices only. To apply for a duplicate passbook, fill up an application in the prescribed form or manuscript application and submit it along with the prescribed fee, if any, in the form of postage stamp.

7.What are the norms for issuing a Cheque Book?

To be eligible for a cheque book at the time of opening an account, you must make an initial deposit of Rs.500. If you wish to get a cheque book at any other time, you must maintain a minimum balance of Rs.500 in your account and request the post office to issue a cheque book.