IDBI Bank vs Citibank: Children’s Savings Accounts

IDBI Bank vs Citibank: Children’s Savings Accounts

IDBI Bank offers two accounts called Power Kidz Account and Being Me while Citibank offers a single dedicated children’s savings account called Citibank Junior Account.

Children’s Savings Accounts from IDBI Bank Limited

IDBI Bank offers the Power Kidz Account for children. It also has a savings account targeted at the youth called the IDBI Being Me Account.

Power Kidz Account

From a reading of the website, it seems the account is not meant for kids below 10 years of age.

Features

  • Can be opened by a minor in her own name if she is over 10 years of age, or by the parent or guardian in case she is below that age
  • The minimum average balance in the account is Rs. 500 but there are no charges if the minimum balance criterion is not met
  • Kids above 10 years who have opened the Power Kidz Account in their own name will get an exclusively designed debit card with their name
  • The bank gives a personalised chequebook to the child
  • The ATM withdrawal or POS transaction limit is Rs. 2,000
  • The bank offers up to 5 free transactions at non-IDBI Bank ATMs in non-metro locations

Being Me Account

A savings account designed to help the youth cultivate financial common sense.

Features

  • There are no details on the site on minimum or maximum age to open and operate the account
  • A minimum amount of Rs. 2,500 is needed to open the account
  • The daily limit for ATM transactions and merchant (POS) purchases is Rs. 25,000 for the Being Me Account
  • The bank offers preferential rates on educational loans and gives preference to account holders to take up educational project work at the bank, provided there are seats available
  • It even gives discounts on opening share trading accounts with IDBI Capital Markets & Securities

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

  • IDBI Bank Website: www.idbi.com
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Call Centre Number: 1800 200 1947, 1800 221 070
  • Citibank N.A. Website: www.online.citibank.co.in
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Call Centre Number: 1860 210 2484, +91 22 4955 2484 (from outside India)