Bank of India vs North East Small Finance Bank: Children’s Savings Accounts

Bank of India has a youth-oriented account called BOI Star Yuva Account while North East Small Finance does not offer a dedicated savings bank account for minors. However, its standard and premium savings accounts may be available to minors, possibly jointly and to be operated by the parent or guardian.

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 North East Small Finance Bank Limited

North East Small Finance Bank does not offer a dedicated savings bank account for minors though its standard and premium savings accounts may be available to minors, possibly jointly and to be operated by the parent or guardian.

Regular Savings Account

This is the standard savings account of the bank.

Features

  • The account has a minimum balance requirement of Rs. 500 in rural areas, Rs. 1,000 in semi-urban and Rs. 2,000 in urban areas
  • Accountholders get access to personalised debit cards
  • The bank offers doorstep banking facilities
  • The Regular Savings Account comes with free passbooks
  • Accountholders can manage and access their account details through the SMS facility or through online banking

Premium Savings Account

This savings account is one step up from the regular savings account.

Features

  • The account has a minimum average quarterly balance requirement of Rs. 25,000
  • Accountholders can get five demand drafts made in a month without any charge
  • The bank also offers two free NEFT, RTGS or IMPS transactions per month
  • Like the standard account, the Premium Savings Account also offers free passbooks, an SMS facility and online banking options

Reference Facts

  • Bank of India Website: www.bankofindia.co.in
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Call Centre Toll-Free Number: 1800 220 229, 1800 103 1906
  • North East Small Finance Bank Website: www.nesfb.com
  • Headquarters: Guwahati, Assam
  • Call Centre Number: 1800 121 1905