Bank of India vs Catholic Syrian Bank: Children’s Savings Accounts

Bank of India has a youth-oriented account called BOI Star Yuva Account while Catholic Syrian Bank allows parents and guardians to open its various savings accounts – Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum -on behalf of minors.

Children’s Savings Accounts from Bank of India

Bank of India does not have a specific children’s savings account, though it does have an account for the youth called BOI Star Yuva Account. Minors can open a standard savings account.

BOI Star Yuva Account

The account was conceptualised to inculcate saving habits among the youth. The website does not specifically provide a minimum age for account opening but from reading of the features it seems to be young adults aged 18 years or above.

Features

  • The minimum quarterly balance requirement is Rs. 2,500 in rural and semi-urban areas and Rs. 5,000 in urban areas and metros
  • BOI offers a complimentary insurance of Rs. 50,000 for account holders in the 18-21 years age category and of Rs. 5,00,000 (Rs. 5 lakh) for account holders above 21 years
  • The bank also offers reward points for every time the account debit card is used for cash withdrawals in its ATMs. 20 reward points are given at BOI Star Yuva Account opening

Savings Bank Ordinary Account

The account is the standard savings account that can be opened for a minor, usually under joint names.

Features

  • Being a nationalised bank, BOI is able to offer its Savings Bank Ordinary Account with considerable low balance requirements. The initial deposit and average quarterly balance is Rs. 500 if the minor / guardian needs a chequebook and Rs. 100 if the account is operated without a chequebook
  • The bank offers certain benefits to customers of the savings account. For instance, an online income tax filing facility, free payment of utility bills and a BOI-National Swasthya Bima Policy floater mediclaim policy in collaboration with National Insurance at a low premium. A point to note is that kids usually do not need these services

Children’s Savings Accounts from Catholic Syrian Bank Limited

Catholic Syrian Bank is one of the oldest banks in the country having been established in 1920. The bank does not offer a dedicated children’s savings bank account but its Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum savings accounts can be opened on behalf of minors by their parents or guardian.

Blue Savings Account

This savings account comes one step up the InstaDigital Savings Account but offers lesser number of features than the Gold and Platinum accounts.

Features

  • Offers up to 5 free use of other bank ATMs
  • Allows up to Rs. 40,000 in withdrawals from ATMs per day
  • The Blue Savings Account comes with the RuPay Platinum Debit Card
  • Minimum quarterly balance needed is Rs. 1,000 for urban areas and Rs. 500 for rural regions

Silver Savings Account

The Silver Savings Account is one step up the Blue Savings Account and comes with the following features.

Features

  • Unlimited free access to any ATMs in India
  • Allows up to Rs. 75,000 in withdrawals from ATMs every day
  • Users get 20% discount on locker rentals
  • The Silver Savings Account comes with the VISA Platinum Debit Card and offers all its benefits
  • Minimum quarterly balance needed is Rs. 5,000 for urban and rural areas

Gold Savings Account

The Gold savings account from Catholic Syrian falls between the Silver and Platinum accounts. Most of its benefits are similar to the Silver account.

Features

  • Unlimited free access to any bank ATM in the country
  • Allows customers to withdraw up to Rs. 75,000 from ATMs every day
  • Users get 30% discount on locker rentals
  • The Gold Savings Account comes with the VISA Platinum Debit Card
  • Minimum quarterly balance requirement is Rs. 25,000 for urban and rural areas

Platinum Savings Account

The top savings account from Catholic Syrian Bank portfolio.

Features

  • Users have unlimited free access to any ATMs in India
  • Customers can take out up to Rs. 75,000 from any ATM every 24 hours
  • The customers also get 50% discount on locker rentals
  • Platinum Savings Account comes with the VISA Platinum Debit Card like the Silver and Gold accounts
  • Minimum quarterly balance requirement is Rs. 1 lakh for both urban and rural branches

Reference Facts

  • Bank of India Website: www.bankofindia.co.in
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Call Centre Toll-Free Number: 1800 220 229, 1800 103 1906
  • Catholic Syrian Bank Website: www.csb.co.in
  • Headquarters: Thrissur, Kerala
  • Call Centre Number: 1800 266 9090