RBI’s 2025 Interest Rate Framework for Commercial Banks: Key Points Explained
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued updated directions (2025) governing how commercial banks must set and pay interest on domestic deposits, NRE/NRO deposits, and FCNR(B) deposits. The circular emphasises transparency, uniformity, and customer protection. 1. Uniform, Transparent Interest-Rate Framework – Board-approved interest-rate policy. – Uniform, non-discriminatory rates across branches. – No negotiated rates;…
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How to Claim Overdue Domestic, NRE, and FCNR(B) Deposits Transferred to RBI’s DEA Fund
When Domestic, NRE, or FCNR(B) deposits remain inoperative for 10 consecutive years, banks are required to classify them as unclaimed and transfer the balances to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund maintained by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). To reclaim these deposits, the customer (or their legal heir) must approach the bank where…
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NRE (Non-Resident External) Accounts in India: Purpose, Eligibility, Rules & Operating Procedures.
Quick summary An NRE account is a rupee account for NRIs/OCIs to park overseas earnings in India with full repatriation and tax‑free interest while they remain non‑resident under FEMA, subject to specific opening, operation, and conversion rules on change in residency status. What is an NRE account Purpose and use-cases Eligibility Key features Tax…
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NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) Accounts in India: Purpose, Eligibility, Rules & Operating Procedures
NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) deposits are rupee-denominated accounts that allow NRIs/OCIs to hold and manage income accruing in India (such as rent, dividends, pension, interest), with repatriation of current income permitted and repatriation of principal subject to limits and documentation. These deposits can be opened as savings/current/term deposits, are subject to Indian taxation, and follow FEMA/RBI…
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Opening of FCNR(B) Deposits in India: Rules, Procedures, and Conditions
Foreign Currency Non-Resident [Bank] deposits, commonly called FCNR(B) deposits, are term deposits maintained in designated foreign currencies with Indian banks by eligible non-residents, offering full repatriability of principal and interest and insulation from INR exchange risk during the tenor. These deposits can generally be opened for tenors from 1 to 5 years, with interest payment/compounding…
Closure of FCNR(B) Deposits in India: Rules, Procedures, and Conditions
Closing a Foreign Currency Non-Resident [Bank] [FCNR(B)] deposit in India is governed by RBI’s FCNR(B) Scheme and bank-specific policies, with distinct rules for premature closure, closure at maturity, repatriation, and treatment upon return to India for permanent settlement. The key principles are: premature closure is permitted with penalties and, if closed before one year, no…
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