Indian Overseas Bank vs Fincare Small Finance Bank: Children’s Savings Accounts

Indian Overseas Bank vs Fincare Small Finance Bank: Children’s Savings Accounts

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) offers the SB – Little Star account for young children while Fincare Small Finance Bank does not offer a dedicated children’s account though it is likely to offer its Smart Saver or Priority Accounts to minors as a joint account with a parent or guardian.

Children’s Savings Accounts from Indian Overseas Bank

SB – Little Star Account

The account has been designed for all children – from 1 day old babies to up to 18 year old young adults.

Features

  • The account can be opened by any child aged 1 day to less than 18 years
  • The minimum balance needed in the account is Rs. 100, while the maximum amount that can be kept is Rs. 50,000
  • IOB offers free collection facility for cheques or draft instruments gifted to the child and valued up to Rs. 25,000 per annum
  • It also offers a Sweep-In, Sweep-Out facility where any amount in the account in excess of Rs. 10,000 is taken out of the account and turned into fixed deposits of Rs. 2,000 each. If the balance falls below Rs. 10,000 then the most recent fixed deposits are put back in the SB – Little Star Account so the balance is back to being at least Rs. 10,000
  • Parents also have the option to invest in other options such as recurring deposits, insurance, mutual funds and so on

Children’s Savings Accounts from Fincare Small Finance Bank Limited

Fincare Small Finance Bank does not offer a dedicated children’s account but it is likely that it allows guardians to open a minor account under its Smart Saver or Priority Accounts.

Smart Saver Account

This is the standard savings account of the bank.

Features

  • Needs an average monthly balance of Rs. 1,000
  • Fincare Bank offers a RuPay Silver debit card to account holders
  • The card entitles the shareholder to a personal insurance cover of Rs. 1 lakh
  • Smart Saver accountholders also get access to 5 free transactions at non-metro ATMs and 3 complimentary transactions in metros

Priority Account

The priority account is a step above the Smart Saver Account.

Features

  • The account needs an average monthly balance of Rs. 10,000 or at least Rs. 1 lakh in fixed deposit
  • There are no mentions in the website of whether the Priority account can be opened by a minor or on behalf of a minor but considering the standard procedure in other banks, it is likely that any minor account that has a minimum balance of Rs. 10,000 as balance would qualify as a Priority Savings Account

Reference Facts

  • Indian Overseas Bank Website: www.iob.in and www.iobnet.co.in (net banking)
  • Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  • Call Centre Number: 1800 425 4445
  • Fincare Small Finance Bank Website: www.fincarebank.com
  • Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
  • Call Centre Number: 1800 3010 0111