Andhra Bank vs Citibank: Children’s Savings Accounts

Andhra Bank offers three children’s savings accounts called AB Kiddy Bank, AB Little Stars and AB Teens while Citibank offers a single dedicated children’s savings account called Citibank Junior Account.

Children’s Savings Accounts from Andhra Bank

AB Kiddy Bank

This is the standard savings account for children and is available for all minors below the age of 18 years.

Features

  • AB Kiddy Bank account can be opened by any minor up to the age of 18 years
  • Kids above the age of 10 years (and below 18) can open and operate the account without the need for an adult guardian if they can produce proof of their date of birth
  • Children receive a piggy bank doll on opening the account. This doll can be unlocked only at the branch where the account is held ensuring the money remains safe in the doll
  • This AB Kiddy Bank account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Rs. 100

AB Little Stars

This account is meant for children in the 10-15 years age group.

Features

  • The account can only be operated by the parent or guardian
  • The minimum balance requirement is Rs. 250 for rural and semi-urban branches and Rs. 500 for urban and metropolitan branches
  • Andhra Bank issues a passbook with a photo and a special withdrawal booklet with the AB Little Stars account. The parent or guardian can withdraw money for the child on production of the savings banks passbook or any other ID proof
  • No NEFT or RTGS withdrawals can be made from the account

AB Teens

This account is for teenagers in the 15-18 years age category. Most features are similar to the Little Stars account.

Features

  • The AB Teens account can only be operated by the child provided he or she can sign for the account
  • The minimum balance requirement is same as Little Stars, i.e. Rs. 250 for rural and semi-urban branches and Rs. 500 for urban and metropolitan ones
  • Account holders get the passbook (with photo) and the special withdrawal booklet as with the Little Stars account
  • Again, no NEFT or RTGS withdrawals can be made from the account
  • The account holder gets a Rupay ATM card with her photo and internet and mobile banking facilities

Children’s Savings Accounts from Citibank

Citibank offers the Citibank Junior Account as a children’s savings account.

Citibank Junior Account

The account is available for all children below the age of 18 years.

Features

  • Need at least two accountholders of whom the first is the minor and the second the parent or guardian
  • Comes with Systematic Investment Plans that helps the parent plan the child’s future
  • Children above the age of 15 years also get a debit card
  • The Citibank Junior Account comes with two insurance plan options – BSLI Classic Child Plan and Dream Child Plan – that allow the parent to plan for the child’s education. The bank offers 10 different investment funds under the Classic Child Plan
  • Accountholders can open their children’s Investment Services Accounts with the bank. They get online access to the investments and also get comprehensive reports on financial markets

Reference Facts

  • Andhra Bank Website: www.andhrabank.in and www.onlineandhrabank.net.in (net banking works only from the main site’s internet login link)
  • Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
  • Call Centre Toll-Free Number: 1800 425 1515
  • Citibank Website: www.online.citibank.co.in
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Call Centre Number: 1860 210 2484, +91 22 4955 2484 (from outside India)