Zero-Balance Savings Accounts in 2026: What Actually Changed

From 1 April 2026, RBI's BSBD account must come with a free debit card, free chequebook and free net banking — no minimum balance, ever.

Digital payments like UPI, NEFT, IMPS and PoS no longer count toward your free monthly withdrawal limit.

A BSBD account is one-per-person; you must close any other savings account in the same bank within 30 days.

Flagship 'zero-balance' digital accounts (Kotak 811, IDFC First) pay more interest but aren't BSBD accounts and carry conditions.

Big banks have cut savings rates to 2.50%; chase higher tiers only if you'll actually park a large balance.