Zero-Balance Savings Accounts in India: The 2026 Guide

From 1 April 2026, RBI's revamped BSBD accounts must stay truly zero-balance with no hidden charges

BSBD perks: free debit card, 25 free cheque leaves a year, free e-statement and at least 4 free cash withdrawals monthly

UPI, NEFT, RTGS and IMPS no longer count against your free-withdrawal limit on a BSBD account

Digital zero-balance accounts like Kotak 811 pay ~2.5%; small finance banks go up to ~7% but carry higher risk

Deposits are insured only up to Rs 5 lakh per bank under DICGC, so spread large balances