POSA
Post Office Savings Account(SB)
The objective of the Post Office Savings Account (SB) scheme is to encourage people to save money safely with the government. It offers easy access, a low minimum balance of ₹500, and steady interest, helping individuals build regular saving habits.
States / UT: All India
Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Communication
Nodal department: Department of Posts
Scheme for: Individual
Scheme profile
Categories: Banking,Financial Services and Insurance
Sub-categories: Banking and money
Target beneficiaries: Individual
Tags: Post Office, Savings Account, Interest Payable, Banking
Details
The Post Office Savings Account (SB) scheme, operated by the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, offers an interest rate of 4% per annum with interest paid periodically. It can be opened with a minimum amount of ₹500, and the account holder must be a resident citizen of India.
Deposit and Withdrawal
- All deposits/ withdrawals shall be made in whole rupees only.
- Minimum deposit amount: - ₹500 (subsequent deposit not less than- ₹10)
- Minimum withdrawal amount: - ₹501. Maximum deposit:- No maximum limit
- No withdrawal will be permitted which has effect of reducing minimum balance under ₹5001. Note: In case account balance not raised to ₹500 at the end of financial year, ₹50 will be deducted as Account Maintenance Fee and if account balance becomes Nil, the account shall stand automatically closed.
Nomination
Please refer Rule-14 of GSPGR 2018
- A Depositor in a Single Account, or the depositors in a joint account, as the case may be, shall nominate one or more individuals as nominee but not exceeding four individuals, who in the event of the death of the depositor in a Single Account or all the depositors in a joint account, shall be entitled to receive the eligible balance.
- Such nomination shall be made at the time of opening of the account by furnishing the following information in Form 10:
(a) Name(s) of the nominee(s);
(b) Percentage of share each nominee shall be entitled to;
(c) Whether the nominee shall receive the amount as a beneficiary with absolute and exclusive right of ownership, or as a trustee for the benefit of the legal heirs of depositor.
Benefits
- 1. Safe place to keep money with 4% interest. 1. Easy to open with just ₹500 minimum balance. Interest on deposits 1. Interest will be calculated based on minimum balance between 10th of the month and end of the month and allowed in whole rupees only. 1. No interest will be allowed in a month if balance at any time between 10th and last day of the month falls below ₹500/-. 1. Interest shall be credited in account at the end of each Financial Year at the interest rate prescribed by Ministry of Finance from time to time. 1. At the time of closure of account interest will be paid up to the preceding month in which account is closed. 1. u/s 80TTA of the Income Tax Act from all Savings Bank Accounts interest up to ₹10 000 earned in a Financial Year is exempted from taxable Income. Silent Account (Please refer Rule-8 of Post Office Savings Account Rules 2019) 1. If no deposit/withdrawal takes place in an account during continuous three financial years the account shall be treated as silent. 1. To revive a silent account simply apply at your Post Office along with updated KYC documents and passbook this revival process is free of charge
- Safe place to keep money with 4% interest.
- Easy to open with just ₹500 minimum balance.
Interest on deposits
Interest will be calculated based on minimum balance between 10th of the month and end of the month and allowed in whole rupees only.
No interest will be allowed in a month if balance at any time between 10th and last day of the month falls below ₹ 500/-.
Interest shall be credited in account at the end of each Financial Year at the interest rate prescribed by Ministry of Finance from time to time.
At the time of closure of account, interest will be paid up to the preceding month in which account is closed.
u/s 80TTA of the Income Tax Act, from all Savings Bank Accounts, interest up to ₹10,000 earned in a Financial Year is exempted from taxable Income.
Silent Account
(Please refer Rule-8 of Post Office Savings Account Rules 2019)If no deposit/withdrawal takes place in an account during continuous three financial years, the account shall be treated as silent.
To revive a silent account, simply apply at your Post Office, along with updated KYC documents and passbook, this revival process is free of charge.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a resident citizen of India.
- The applicant can be a single adult opening an individual account.
- The applicant can open a joint account with up to three adults.
- The applicant can choose Joint ‘A’ type (operated jointly) or Joint ‘B’ type (operated by any holder).
- The applicant can be a guardian opening an account on behalf of a minor.
- The applicant can be a guardian opening an account for a person of unsound mind (Authorised Account).
- The applicant can be a minor above 10 years who can open and operate the account.
- The applicant can have only one single account in their name.
- The applicant cannot convert a single account into a joint account or vice versa.
- The applicant (in joint account) becomes the sole owner if other holders pass away, subject to rules.
Note: Upon reaching the age of 18 years, account holders must submit a new Account Opening Form (AOF) and fresh KYC documents at their Post Office to convert their minor account into an adult account.
Application Process
Offline
Step 1: Visit the nearest Post Office and collect the Account Opening Form and KYC Form.
Step 2: Fill out the forms carefully and attach required documents (PAN, Aadhaar or valid ID proof, etc.).
Step 3: Submit the completed forms along with documents at the Post Office counter.
Step 4: Deposit the minimum amount (₹500) through cheque.
Step 5: After verification, the account will be opened and details will be provided.
Clarifications
Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).
- What is the Post Office Savings Account (SB)?
The Post Office Savings Account is a government-backed savings scheme that allows individuals to deposit money safely and earn interest at 4% per annum.
- Who is eligible to open this account?
Any resident citizen of India can open this account, including single adults, joint account holders (up to three), minors above 10 years, and guardians on behalf of minors or persons of unsound mind.
- What is the minimum amount required to open the account?
The account can be opened with a minimum deposit of ₹500, making it easily accessible for all individuals.
- Is there any maximum limit for deposits?
No, there is no maximum limit for deposits in this account, allowing flexible savings.
- What is the minimum balance that must be maintained?
A minimum balance of ₹500 must be maintained in the account to keep it active.
- What are the minimum deposit and withdrawal rules?
The minimum deposit allowed is ₹10, and the minimum withdrawal amount is ₹50. All transactions must be in whole rupees only.
- How is interest calculated in this scheme?
Interest is calculated on the minimum balance available between the 10th and the last day of every month.
- When is the interest credited to the account?
The interest is credited to the account at the end of each financial year as per government rates.
- What happens if the balance falls below ₹500?
If the balance falls below ₹500, no interest is paid, and a maintenance fee of ₹50 may be charged.
- Is the interest earned taxable?
Yes, but interest up to ₹10,000 per financial year from all savings accounts is exempt under Section 80TTA of the Income Tax Act.
- Can nomination be done in this account?
Yes, the account holder can nominate up to four individuals and specify their share and entitlement.
Official links
References
- Guidelines
- https://www.indiapost.gov.in/banking-services/savings
Apply
Apply nowOpens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of Post Office Savings Account(SB)?
- Post Office Savings Account(SB) is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Banking,Financial Services and Insurance, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
- Who can apply for Post Office Savings Account(SB)?
- Eligibility for Post Office Savings Account(SB) may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
- What benefits are offered under Post Office Savings Account(SB)?
- Benefits under Post Office Savings Account(SB) may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
- Which department manages Post Office Savings Account(SB)?
- Post Office Savings Account(SB) is managed by Department of Posts and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
- Can users apply online for Post Office Savings Account(SB)?
- Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Post Office Savings Account(SB) through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
- Is Aadhaar mandatory for Post Office Savings Account(SB)?
- Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
- Where can users apply for Post Office Savings Account(SB)?
- Applications for Post Office Savings Account(SB) may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
- What documents may be required for Post Office Savings Account(SB)?
- Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
- Is Post Office Savings Account(SB) a central government scheme?
- Yes, Post Office Savings Account(SB) is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
- Does Post Office Savings Account(SB) provide healthcare or insurance support?
- Post Office Savings Account(SB) may provide healthcare assistance, insurance coverage, cashless treatment support, medical reimbursement, or hospital-related benefits depending on the scheme structure.
- Can beneficiaries use Post Office Savings Account(SB) at government hospitals?
- Eligible beneficiaries may be able to access services at empanelled hospitals, government healthcare facilities, or authorised healthcare providers depending on scheme participation rules.
- Can CSC centres help users apply for Post Office Savings Account(SB)?
- Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
- How can users check the latest updates for Post Office Savings Account(SB)?
- Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
- Can beneficiaries track application status for Post Office Savings Account(SB)?
- Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
- Where can users get help for Post Office Savings Account(SB) in All India?
- Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
- Which nearby public services may help with Post Office Savings Account(SB) applications?
- Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.