What you need to open a PNB savings account
Punjab National Bank (PNB) is one of India's largest public sector banks. To open a savings account there, you will need to visit a branch in person with two types of documents: proof of identity and proof of address. The bank will not open an account by phone or online alone — you must complete the process at a physical location.
Proof of identity can be a passport, driver's license, voter ID, Aadhaar card, or PAN card. Proof of address can be a utility bill, rental agreement, bank statement, or government-issued document showing your current address. If your address on your identity document matches your current address, one document can serve both purposes. Bring originals and be prepared to show copies as well.
You will also need to bring a completed account opening form, which the bank provides at the branch. Some branches have the form available online on the PNB website, so you can fill it at home and bring it completed — this speeds up the process. You do not need to bring an initial deposit to open the account, though the bank may require a minimum balance to keep it active after opening.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a PNB branch in person with proof of identity and proof of address to open a savings account.
- Acceptable identity documents include Aadhaar, passport, driver's license, voter ID, or PAN card.
- Acceptable address documents include utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements showing your current address.
- The bank provides the account opening form at the branch, though some branches post it online so you can complete it beforehand.
- Minimum balance requirements vary by branch and account type, so ask the bank staff what applies to your account once it opens.
Step-by-step process at the branch
When you arrive at the PNB branch, go to the new accounts desk or ask staff where to begin. Tell them you want to open a savings account. They will give you the account opening form if you do not already have one, or take the completed form you brought.
Fill out the form with your name, address, date of birth, occupation, and contact details. The form will ask whether you want internet banking and a debit card — you can say yes to both or decline. You will also choose a four-digit PIN for your account. Hand the completed form to the staff member along with your identity and address documents.
The staff will make copies of your documents and verify the information on your form. They may ask you questions about your employment or the source of money you plan to deposit. This is routine — the bank is following anti-money-laundering rules. Answer honestly and clearly. Once the staff member is satisfied, they will process your account opening, which usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Before you leave, ask for a receipt showing your new account number. You will need this number to deposit money or set up transfers. The bank will issue a debit card and passbook within one to two weeks, which they will either mail to your address or ask you to collect from the branch.
Documents to bring: a checklist
| Document type | Examples | Original or copy |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Aadhaar, passport, driver's license, voter ID, PAN card | Original and copy |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, rental agreement, bank statement, government letter | Original and copy |
| Account opening form | PNB form (provided at branch or downloaded online) | Completed original |
| Passport-sized photograph | Recent colour photo, 4x6 cm | Original (usually 2 copies) |
Bring two passport-sized photographs as well. Most branches ask for these even though they are not always listed on the form. Having them ready saves time and prevents a second trip.
Minimum balance and account fees
PNB savings accounts have a minimum balance requirement, but the amount varies. Some branches require a minimum of 1,000 rupees, while others may ask for more. Ask the staff at your branch what the minimum is for the account type you are opening. If your balance falls below the minimum, the bank may charge a penalty fee each month.
The bank does not charge a fee to open the account. However, there may be charges for services like issuing a new debit card, using an ATM outside the PNB network, or requesting a duplicate passbook. Ask about these fees when you open your account so you know what to expect.
If you are a student, a senior citizen, or a person with a disability, PNB may offer accounts with lower or no minimum balance requirements. Tell the staff your situation when you arrive, and ask whether a special account type would suit you better.
Internet banking and mobile access
When you open your account, the form will ask whether you want internet banking. Say yes. Internet banking lets you check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from a computer or phone without visiting the branch.
To use internet banking, you will need to register on the PNB website using your account number and other details. The bank will send you a temporary password by SMS or email. You log in, change the password to something only you know, and then you can use the service.
PNB also has a mobile app called PNB ONE. You can read it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store once your account is open. The app works the same way as the website but is often faster on a phone. You will use the same login details for both the website and the app.
What happens after you leave the branch
The bank will mail your debit card and passbook to the address you provided on the form. This usually takes one to two weeks. Do not throw away any mail from PNB during this time — it may contain your card or important account information.
When your debit card arrives, it will come with a PIN (personal identification number) printed separately in a sealed envelope. Keep this PIN secret. You will use it to withdraw money from ATMs and to make purchases at shops. Change the PIN to something only you know the first time you use the card.
Your passbook is a small book that records every deposit and withdrawal you make. Some branches still issue paper passbooks, while others offer digital passbooks that you can view online. Ask the staff which type you will receive.
Once your account is open, you can deposit money by visiting any PNB branch, using an ATM, or transferring money from another bank account using the account number and IFSC code. The IFSC code is a unique identifier for your branch — the bank will give it to you when you open the account, or you can find it on the PNB website.
If you cannot visit a branch in person
PNB requires you to visit a branch to open a savings account — there is no way around this step. However, if you live far from a branch, you can visit any PNB branch, not just the one closest to your home. Some people travel to a branch in a nearby city or town to open an account.
If you are unable to visit a branch yourself, a family member or trusted person can go on your behalf, but they will need a signed letter from you giving them permission, along with a copy of your identity document. The bank may ask additional questions in this situation, so it is simpler to go yourself if you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a PNB savings account if I do not have an Aadhaar card?
Yes. You can use a passport, driver's license, voter ID, or PAN card instead. The bank needs one form of government-issued identity and one proof of your current address. If you have none of these documents, ask the bank staff what alternatives they accept — rules can vary slightly by branch.
How much money do I need to deposit when I open the account?
You do not need to deposit anything to open the account. However, once the account is open, you must keep a minimum balance in it. If your balance falls below the minimum, the bank charges a monthly penalty. Ask the staff what the minimum is for your account type when you open it.
What if my address on my ID document is old?
Bring a separate proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement. The bank will use the new address for your account. You do not need to update your ID document first.
Can I open the account online instead of visiting the branch?
No. PNB requires you to visit a branch in person and show your original documents. You cannot open a savings account entirely online, though you can read and complete the form beforehand to save time at the branch.
How long does it take to get my debit card after opening the account?
The bank usually mails your debit card and passbook within one to two weeks. If you do not receive them after three weeks, visit the branch and ask them to check the status. In the meantime, you can withdraw money from any PNB ATM using your account number and the temporary PIN the bank gives you.