What you need to open an SBI savings account
State Bank of India (SBI) is India's largest public sector bank. To open a savings account with them, you need to provide proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of income or employment. The exact documents depend on whether you walk into a branch or open the account online, and whether you are a salaried person, self-employed, or a student.
SBI offers two main routes: opening in person at a branch, which takes one visit and produces an account the same day or within a few days, and opening online through their website or mobile app, which takes 10 to 15 minutes but requires you to verify your identity through a video call with an SBI representative.
You do not need a minimum balance to open the account, though SBI does charge a small monthly fee if your balance falls below a certain threshold (this threshold varies by account type and changes periodically, so check the current rate on the SBI website).
Key Takeaways
- SBI requires proof of identity (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driver's license), proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, or Aadhaar), and proof of income or employment before opening an account.
- Opening in a branch takes one visit and your account is active within a few days; opening online takes 15 minutes but includes a mandatory video verification call with an SBI officer.
- Students can open accounts with a school or college ID and an address proof; self-employed people need to show business registration or tax returns.
- SBI charges a monthly maintenance fee if your balance drops below the threshold for your account type, though no minimum balance is required to open the account.
- After your account opens, you receive a debit card within 7 to 10 days and can set up online banking when ready through the SBI website or app.
Opening an SBI account in person at a branch
Walk into any SBI branch with your documents and ask for a savings account form. The staff will hand you a printed form (or you can read it from the SBI website before you go). Fill in your name, address, phone number, email, and employment details. Bring two copies of your identity proof and two copies of your address proof.
The branch staff will verify your documents, take your signature on the form, and sometimes take your photograph on the spot. They will also ask you to sign a declaration confirming the information you provided is correct. Once this is done, your account number is generated when ready, and you walk out with a temporary account number. Your debit card and passbook arrive by post within 7 to 10 days.
The entire process takes 20 to 30 minutes if the branch is not busy. You can start using your account for deposits and withdrawals as soon as you receive your debit card, though some branches allow you to withdraw cash using your temporary account number before the card arrives.
Opening an SBI account online
Go to the SBI website (sbi.co.in) or read the SBI mobile app. Look for the "Open Savings Account" or "New to SBI" option. You will be asked to enter your mobile number and email address, then create a login ID and password.
Next, you fill in your personal details: full name, date of birth, address, employment status, and income range. You will be asked to upload a photo of your identity document (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport) and a photo of your address proof. The system checks these documents automatically.
After you submit your documents, SBI schedules a video call with you within 24 hours. During this call, an SBI officer will verify your identity, ask you questions about the information you provided, and may ask you to show your original documents to the camera. The call takes 5 to 10 minutes. Once the call is complete, your account is activated, and you receive your account number by email and SMS.
Your debit card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 days. You can log into SBI's online banking portal when ready after your account is activated, even before your card arrives.
Documents you need for each type of account holder
| Account Holder Type | Identity Proof | Address Proof | Additional Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salaried employee | Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driver's license | Utility bill, lease agreement, or Aadhaar | Salary slip from the last three months, or an employment letter from your employer |
| Self-employed or business owner | Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driver's license | Utility bill, lease agreement, or Aadhaar | Business registration certificate, GST certificate (if registered), or income tax returns from the last two years |
| Student | School or college ID, Aadhaar, or passport | Utility bill, lease agreement, or Aadhaar | School or college enrollment letter or ID card |
| Retired person or pensioner | Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driver's license | Utility bill, lease agreement, or Aadhaar | Pension payment order or bank statement showing regular pension deposits |
| Homemaker or dependent | Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driver's license | Utility bill, lease agreement, or Aadhaar | A letter from a family member confirming your relationship and source of funds (if any) |
What happens after your account opens
Your account is active as soon as you receive your account number, whether you opened it in person or online. You can deposit money when ready by visiting a branch or using an ATM. If you opened the account online, you can set up online banking right away by logging into the SBI website or app with your login credentials.
Your debit card arrives within 7 to 10 days. When it arrives, you must set up it by visiting an ATM or calling the SBI customer service number printed on the card. After set up, you can use it to withdraw cash, make purchases, and pay bills.
SBI also offers a mobile banking app that lets you check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by photographing them. You can read this app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store once your account is open.
Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements
SBI does not charge a fee to open a savings account, and there is no minimum balance required to keep the account open. However, SBI does charge a monthly maintenance fee if your average balance falls below a certain amount. For most savings accounts, this threshold is between 3,000 and 10,000 rupees, depending on the account type and your location (urban or rural). If your balance falls below this threshold, SBI charges a fee of 100 to 200 rupees per month.
Students and senior citizens may have different fee structures or may be exempt from maintenance fees. Check the SBI website or ask at your branch for the current rates, as these change periodically.
You can avoid the maintenance fee by keeping your balance above the threshold, or by setting up a standing instruction to transfer money from another account each month. Some branches also waive the fee if you maintain a certain number of transactions per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an SBI account if I don't have an Aadhaar?
Yes. You can use your PAN, passport, or driver's license as proof of identity instead. However, if you have an Aadhaar, SBI prefers it because the verification process is faster. If you don't have any of these documents, contact your nearest SBI branch to ask about alternative documents they may accept.
How long does it take to open an account online?
The form takes 10 to 15 minutes to fill out and submit. SBI then schedules a video verification call within 24 hours, which takes another 5 to 10 minutes. Your account is activated when ready after the call, so the total time from start to finish is usually one business day.
Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?
Yes. You can deposit money at any SBI branch or ATM using your account number, and you can withdraw cash at an ATM using your temporary account number (which you receive when you open the account in person) or by visiting a branch. Once you open an online account, you can transfer money using the online banking portal before your card arrives.
What if I don't have a permanent address?
SBI requires an address proof, but it does not have to be a permanent address. A utility bill, rental agreement, or even a letter from your employer confirming your current address can work. If you are staying temporarily, ask your branch which documents they will accept.
Can a minor open an SBI savings account?
Yes, but a parent or legal guardian must open the account on their behalf until the minor turns 18. After that, the minor can operate the account independently. Some SBI branches offer special accounts for minors with lower fees and restrictions on withdrawal amounts.