Best NRI Account in India – Complete Guide

If you’re an NRI, you might be wondering what are some of the best NRE Saving account providers for NRIs. If this is the case, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to understand everything about choosing the best NRI account in India.

NRIs should have an NRE account for a number of reasons. First, it allows them to maintain their Indian citizenship while living abroad.

Second, it gives them access to Indian financial markets and allows them to participate in the country’s economic growth. Third, it provides a safe and convenient way to send money back to India.

Finally, it gives NRIs a way to save for their future and provide for their families back home.

An NRE account is a Non-Resident External account that is maintained in Indian rupees. It is used for the purpose of holding foreign earnings which are brought into India.

The main advantage of an NRE account is that it allows easy conversion of foreign currency into Indian rupees. This is because the NRE account is maintained in Indian rupees.

Another advantage of an NRE account is that the interest earned on this account is exempt from income tax.

The best NRE savings account for NRIs will offer a high-interest rate, no monthly fees, and easy access to your money.

You’ll also want to consider the bank’s customer service and whether it has branches in India.

Best NRI Account in India

Let’s check out each bank and compare them for their NRE services.

✈️ Traveling? Get Covered. Get Insurance 👉 Recommended Plans

HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank’s NRE services are designed to help NRIs manage their finances while living abroad. The bank offers a range of services including NRE account opening, NRE deposits, NRE transfers and NRE remittances.

HDFC Bank also offers a number of value-added services such as online banking, mobile banking and 24-hour customer service.

HDFC Bank’s NRE services are a great way to save money on your banking needs while living in India. However, there are some downsides to using HDFC Bank’s NRE services.

One downside is that you cannot open an account with HDFC Bank if you are not an Indian resident. Another downside is that you will need to maintain a balance in your account in order to avoid paying any fees.

Axis Bank

Axis Bank’s NRE services are a great way to save money on your international transfers. However, there are some downsides to using them. First of all, they can be quite expensive. The exchange rate they offer is not always the best available, and you may have to pay a fee for each transfer.

Additionally, it can take a long time for your money to arrive in your account, sometimes up to a week.

Axis Bank’s NRE services:

  • Axis Bank provides an NRE account for customers who want to maintain their foreign currency earnings.
  • Customers can make overseas transfers to their Axis Bank NRE account without any charges.
  • Axis Bank also offers an NRE term deposit account which offers higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.

Kotak Mahindra Bank

Kotak Mahindra Bank’s NRE services are a great way to save money on your international transactions. However, there are some pros and cons to using this service.

Pros:

  • You can save a lot of money on international transactions with Kotak Mahindra Bank’s NRE service.
  • The service is very convenient and easy to use.
  • You can make international payments in Indian rupees, which can be a great way to save on currency conversion fees.

Cons:

  • There is a limit to the amount of money you can transfer per day with Kotak Mahindra Bank’s NRE service.
  • The service may not be available in all countries.
  • You may have to pay a fee to use Kotak Mahindra Bank’s NRE service.

HSBC Bank

HSBC Bank’s NRE services are a great way to save on foreign exchange conversion fees and to earn interest on your deposits in Indian rupees. However, there are some downsides to using HSBC Bank’s NRE services.

First, you will need to maintain a minimum balance in your account, which can be difficult if you are not a frequent user of the account. Second, HSBC Bank charges a service fee for each transaction you make, which can add up over time.

Standard Chartered Bank

Standard Chartered Bank’s NRE services are a great way to send money back to India. The pros of using this service include the fact that you can send money back to India without having to worry about exchange rates or losing money in the process. Additionally, the process is quick and easy to use.

The cons of using this service include the fact that you may have to pay fees for sending money back to India, and the exchange rate may not be as favorable as it could be.

Yes Bank

Yes Bank’s NRE services are a great way to save money on your international money transfers. However, there are some downsides to using Yes Bank’s NRE services.

First, Yes Bank’s NRE services can be expensive. If you are sending a large amount of money, you may want to consider using a different service.

Second, Yes Bank’s NRE services can take a long time to process your transfer. If you need your money quickly, you may want to use a different service.

Third, Yes Bank’s NRE services may not be available in all countries. If you are sending money to a country that is not supported by Yes Bank’s NRE services, you will need to use a different service.

Fourth, Yes Bank’s NRE services may not be available in all currencies. If you are sending money in a currency that is not supported by Yes Bank’s NRE services, you will need to use a different service.

Overall, Yes Bank’s NRE services are a good way to save money on your international money transfers. However, there are some downsides to using Yes Bank’s NRE services. If you are sending a large amount of money, you may want to consider using a different service. Yes Bank charges a fee for each transaction you make, which can add up over time.

DBS Bank

DBS Bank’s NRE services offer a number of advantages, including the ability to save money in a foreign currency, earn interest on your deposits, and enjoy the convenience of online banking. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider, such as the potential for exchange rate fluctuations and the need to maintain a minimum balance.

DBS Bank’s NRE services:

  • DBS provides a dedicated NRE account for customers who want to maintain their foreign currency earnings.
  • Customers can make overseas transfers to their DBS NRE account without any charges.
  • DBS also offers an NRE term deposit account which offers higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.

More NRE accounts reviewed.

  1. RBL – Ratnakar Bank NRE Services
  2. Bank of Baroda NRE Services
  3. ICICI Bank NRE Account

NRE and NRO Accounts

NRE account stands for Non-Resident External account. It is a type of savings account that can be opened by Indian citizens who live outside of India. The money in this account is not subject to Indian currency regulations, which makes it a popular choice for people who want to send money to India.

An NRO account is a non-resident ordinary account that is used by individuals who are not residents in India but still want to invest in the country. This account allows for the repatriation of funds back to the account holder’s home country.

There are three major differences between NRE and NRO account:

  1. NRE account is a rupee account whereas NRO account is a foreign currency account.
  2. NRE account can be opened by NRIs only whereas NRO account can be opened by both NRIs and PIOs.
  3. Interest earned on NRE account is tax-free in India whereas interest earned on NRO account is taxable.

How to Compare NRE Savings Account Interest Rates

When comparing NRE savings account interest rates, it’s important to look at the annual percentage yield (APY). The APY is the total amount of interest you’ll earn on your deposit over the course of a year, including any compounding interest.

It’s also important to compare the minimum deposit requirements and any fees associated with the account. Some NRE savings accounts have higher minimum deposit requirements than others, and some may charge monthly maintenance fees or transaction fees.

To compare NRE savings account interest rates, visit the websites of several banks and credit unions that offer these accounts. Use a tool like the one below to compare APYs, minimum deposit requirements, and fees.

Figuring out Which is the Best NRI Account in India – Tips

Better Interest Rates

Banks offer NRE savings account facilities to attract deposits from NRIs. The interest rates on these accounts are generally higher than the rates on regular savings accounts. NRE accounts also offer certain tax benefits.

NRE accounts offer very good interest rates. The interest rate on an NRE account is determined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is currently set at 7.25%. This is a very good interest rate, especially when compared to other interest-bearing accounts such as savings accounts. NRE accounts also offer the benefit of being able to hold funds in foreign currency, which can be useful for those who travel frequently or have family members living abroad.

Monthly Average Balances

There is no monthly average balance requirement for NRE accounts for most banks (not all). However, some banks may offer interest on the account if the balance is above a certain amount. For example, ICICI Bank offers 0.5% interest on NRE savings accounts if the balance is above Rs. 10,000.

Tax Implications

The interest earned on NRE accounts is tax-free in India. However, the interest earned on NRO accounts is taxable. This means you have to pay taxes on the interest income in your home country, even if you are a non-resident and do not reside or spend any money in India.

Investments

NRE and NRO accounts help individuals invest in the Indian market without being subject to its regulations. These accounts provide an alternative investment option for people who want to keep their investments low-risk.

Foreign Currency

NRE accounts offer foreign currency exchange rates that are very competitive. They offer some of the best rates in the market, and they are always updating their rates to ensure that they are offering the best possible deal to their customers. NRE account holders can always count on getting a great rate when they need to exchange their currency.

Summary

There are a few things to consider when choosing an NRE bank account:

  • The interest rate offered by the bank
  • The fees associated with the account
  • The bank’s reputation
  • The location of the bank
  • The convenience of the bank’s branches and ATMs
  • The client service received

There are a few things to consider when opening an NRI account with a bank in India:

1. The type of account you want:

There are different types of NRI accounts, including savings accounts, current accounts, and term deposits. Each account has different features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

2. The bank you want to use:

There are many banks in India, so it’s important to do your research to find the one that offers the best interest rates, fees, and features for NRIs.

3. The documents you need:

When opening an NRI account, you’ll need to provide some documents, such as your passport, proof of address, and proof of income.

4. The currency you want to use:

India has two official currencies, the Indian rupee and the US dollar. You can choose to hold your account in either currency, or in a combination of both.

5. The purpose of the account:

Before opening an NRI account, it’s important to think about why you’re doing it. Are you looking to save money, make investments, or send money back to family in India? Knowing the purpose of the account will help you choose the best NRE bank and credit union.

6. The importance of maintaining a good credit score:

Maintaining a good credit score while living in another country can be difficult, but it’s important if you want to rent an apartment, buy a car, or get a loan in the future.

7. A guarantor:

If you’re opening an NRI account without a Branch, you may need to hire a Guarantor. A Guarantor is a civilian who promises to pay the bank if you default on your loan.

Source – RBI

All the best!

Having lived in the USA for almost 7 years, I got bored and returned back to India. I created this website as a way to curate and journal my experiences. Today, it's a movement with a large community behind it. Feel free to connect! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn |

Leave a Comment

Not Sure?
Take Your Time.

Join City Groups