IDFC First Bank was the only bank that offered 6% interest rates to small depositors – those who maintained a balance below ₹1,000,000. The bank would offer it to all depositors maintaining a balance of up to ₹1 crore. But from May 1, the bank lowered its interest rates on the savings account.
Taking inspiration from its counterpart, the bank now has different levels. It will offer 4% for those who maintain balances below ₹1,000,000. Those who maintain a balance between ₹1 lakh and under ₹10 lakh, the interest rate will be 4.5%. The highest interest rate of 5% is granted to those who maintain a balance between ₹10 lakh and below ₹2 crores.
So which banks now offer higher interest rates on a savings account?
Large private sector banks, such as ICICI Bank, offer an interest rate of 3 to 3.5%. Public sector banks also offer similar rates. Some, like the State Bank of India, offer even lower rates of 2.7%.
Some medium-sized private banks and small finance banks offer better savings account rates.
FOR SALES UP TO RS 1 LAKH
Fincare Small Finance Bank: 5%
RBL Bank: 4.75%
Small ESAF corporate bank: 4%
First IDFC bank: 4%
Suryoday Small Finance Bank: 4%
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank: 4%
AU Small Financial Bank: 3.5%
Equitas Small Finance Bank: 3.5%
Jana Small Finance Bank: 3.5%
Bandhan Bank: 3%
FOR SALES OVER RS 1 LAKH
Equitas Small Finance Bank: 7%
(Above ₹1 lakh and up ₹2 crore)
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank: 7%
(Above ₹1 lakh and up ₹25 millions)
Fincare Small Finance Bank: 6.25%
(Above ₹1 lakh and up ₹5,000,000)
Suryoday Small Finance Bank: 6.25%
(Above ₹1 Lakh and up ₹10,000,000)
Bandhan Bank: 6%
(Above ₹1,000,000 ₹10 crore)
Jana Small Finance Bank: 6%
(Above ₹1 lakh and up ₹10,000,000)
RBL Bank: 6%
(Above ₹1 lakh and up ₹10,000,000)
Small ESAF Corporate Bank: 5.5%
(Above ₹1 lakh and up ₹10,000,000)
AU Small Financial Bank: 5%
( ₹1 lakh less than ₹5,000,000)
First IDFC bank: 4.5%
( ₹1 lakh and below ₹10,000,000)
Keep in mind that most banks have a tiered system for offering interest rates. Take the example of IDFC Bank. If your account balance is ₹25,000, the interest to be paid will be 4% on the total ₹25,000.
If the account balance is ₹5 lakh, the bank will calculate the interest payable in two parts. He will pay 4% interest on ₹1,000,000. The remaining amount ( ₹4 lakh) will earn 4.5% interest.
(Have questions about personal finance? Send them to mintmoney@livemint.com and get answers from industry experts)
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