Utkarsh Small Finance Bank vs Kotak Mahindra Bank: Children’s Savings Accounts

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank offers a children’s savings account, simply called the Minor Savings Account. Likewise, Kotak Mahindra Bank offers a dedicated account called Junior – The Savings Account for Kids.

Children’s Savings Accounts from Utkarsh Small Finance Bank

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank offers a dedicated savings account for children.

Minor Savings Account

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

Features

  • The account has a minimum average quarterly balance requirement of Rs. 5,000 in metro and urban locations and Rs. 1,000 in semi-urban or rural locations
  • The bank offers a Classic RuPay Debit Card with the Minor Savings Account
  • Accountholders get unlimited free ATM access at both the bank’s own branches or other bank branches
  • The ATM withdrawal and POS limits is Rs. 5,000, with a single transaction limit (ATM withdrawal or POS) also set at Rs. 5,000
  • Accountholders get a complimentary chequebook of 20 leaves every quarter
  • In addition, Utkarsh offers a free SMS facility

Children’s Savings Accounts from Kotak Mahindra Bank

Kotak Mahindra Bank offers a children-focussed account called Junior – The Savings Account for Kids. Here is a look at some features of the account.

Junior – The Savings Account for Kids

The account comes in two variants, the standalone account and a bundle pack that includes the Junior Savings Account and a Guardian Savings Account.

Features

  • The account offers one of the higher interest rates for children’s accounts at 5% (as of November 2018)
  • Bundled plan accountholders get access to a Recurring Deposit (RD) or a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). The RD starts from as little as Rs. 2,000 and tenures that start from 36 months, while in the case of SIP the guardian can choose the amount and tenure
  • The standalone Junior Account comes in different variants such as Platina, Ace, Pro, Classic, Edge and Nova. The distinction between these is the minimum balance required in the account and the customer segment to which the account is offered. For instance, the Platina account is a continuation of a portfolio of plans that Kotak Mahindra Bank acquired from its purchase of ING Vysya, while the Classic account is targeted at semi-urban and rural areas, and so on
  • There is no minimum balance requirement for bundled Nova accounts provided they have an RD or a SIP in place. Otherwise, an average monthly balance of Rs. 5,000 is needed for Junior accounts. For non-junior accounts, the average monthly balance required is Rs. 5,000 (Nova), Rs. 10,000 (Edge and Classic), Rs. 50,000 (Ace) and Rs. 1 lakh (Platina)
  • The charges for non-maintenance of the average balance ranges from Rs. 150 to Rs. 600 per month depending on the balance and the type of account.
  • The Junior Savings Account offers personalised debit cards with daily withdrawal limits of Rs. 5,000 for kids above 10 years of age
  • The bank offers certain children-centric privileges such as Junior Foodie, Junior Day Out, Junior Shopper, Junior Learner and Junior Angel

Reference Facts

  • Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Website: www.utkarsh.bank
  • Headquarters: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Call Centre Number: 1800 123 9878, 1800 208 1788
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank Website: www.kotak.com
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Call Centre Number: 1860-266-2666, 1860-266-0811 (for 811 Digital Bank Customers)