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PPF Account Opening Banks

The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed savings scheme introduced under the Public Provident Fund Act, 1968. Known for offering stable returns and tax benefits, it remains one of the most commonly chosen long-term investment options among Indian citizens. Individuals can open PPF accounts with authorised banks and post offices.

This article provides a detailed overview of the banks offering PPF accounts, including procedures for opening them offline and online, eligibility criteria, account transfer processes, and important considerations to keep in mind.

List of Banks Offering PPF Account

Several public and private sector banks are authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to offer PPF accounts. These banks act as agents of the Government of India for the PPF scheme. Below is a list of banks where individuals can open a PPF account:

Public Sector Banks

  • State Bank of India (SBI)

  • Punjab National Bank (PNB)

  • Bank of Baroda (BoB)

  • Canara Bank

  • Union Bank of India

  • Indian Bank

  • Bank of India

  • Central Bank of India

  • UCO Bank

  • Indian Overseas Bank

  • Punjab & Sind Bank

  • Bank of Maharashtra

Private Sector Banks

  • ICICI Bank

  • HDFC Bank

  • Axis Bank

  • IDBI Bank (classified as private from January 2019)

According to BankBazaar, these banks are authorised by the Ministry of Finance to open and maintain PPF accounts across India. Customers can open an account either online or by visiting a bank branch.

Offline Account Opening

Opening a PPF account offline involves visiting an authorised bank branch and submitting the necessary documentation. The process is simple and generally uniform across banks.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Visit the Branch: Go to the nearest authorised bank with which you have an account.

  2. Fill in the Application Form: Request and complete Form A for PPF account opening.

  3. Submit Required Documents: Provide KYC documents including:

    • Aadhaar card or any valid identity proof

    • PAN card

    • Passport-size photograph

    • Proof of address

  4. Deposit Initial Amount: Deposit a minimum of ₹500 to activate the account. The maximum deposit per financial year is ₹1.5 lakh as per RBI guidelines.

  5. Receive Passbook: A physical passbook is issued in most offline account openings for record-keeping.

  6. Nomination Facility: You may also nominate a person at the time of account opening.

Online Account Opening

Many authorised banks now allow the opening of PPF accounts through internet banking or mobile apps, making the process convenient for users with an existing savings account.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Log in to Internet Banking: Access your bank’s internet banking portal.

  2. Select PPF Account Option: Navigate to the “Open PPF Account” section under services.

  3. Fill in the Details: Pre-filled details such as name and PAN will appear. Confirm and proceed.

  4. Set Nominee and Choose Branch: Provide nomination details and select the preferred bank branch.

  5. Deposit Initial Amount: Use net banking to make the initial contribution (minimum ₹500).

  6. Account Confirmation: You’ll receive a virtual PPF passbook or a confirmation message after your account is successfully opened.

Note: Customers need a savings account and activated internet banking to use this facility.

Source: ICICI Bank

Eligibility Criteria to Open PPF Account

Only specific categories of individuals are eligible to open and operate PPF accounts under the scheme guidelines.

Who Can Open a PPF Account?

  • Indian residents aged 18 years or above

  • Parents/legal guardians on behalf of a minor child

  • Only one PPF account is allowed per individual (except for a minor account)

Who Cannot Open a PPF Account?

  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not permitted to open new accounts.

  • Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) are also ineligible.

Note: If a resident becomes an NRI after opening a PPF account, it can be maintained till maturity, but cannot be extended beyond 15 years.

Source: ClearTax

How to Transfer PPF Account to a Different Bank?

PPF account holders can transfer their accounts from one bank or post office to another without affecting the account’s maturity or benefits. This is especially useful when individuals change cities or banks.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

  1. Visit the Existing Bank/Post Office: Submit a written request for transfer, along with your passbook and KYC documents.

  2. Transfer Application Processing: The bank will process and forward the documents (including account details and a cheque/DD for the balance) to the new branch.

  3. Visit the New Bank Branch: After the documents are sent, visit the new bank and complete a new account opening form.

  4. Submit KYC Documents Again: Identity and address proofs may be required again for verification.

  5. Receive Confirmation: Once processed, your PPF account will continue seamlessly with the new bank.

Important Considerations for Opening a PPF Account

While the PPF scheme is straightforward, certain important aspects should be considered before and after opening an account.

Key Points to Keep in Mind

  • Minimum and Maximum Deposit: Minimum annual deposit is ₹500; maximum is ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year.

  • Lock-in Period: The PPF has a fixed maturity period of 15 years. Partial withdrawals are allowed from the 7th year onward.

  • Loan Facility: Loan against PPF can be availed between the 3rd and 6th year for up to 25% of the account balance.

  • Tax Benefits: Contributions to PPF qualify for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The interest earned and maturity proceeds are tax-free.

  • Premature Closure: Permitted only after five years for specific reasons like higher education or medical treatment.

  • PPF Interest Rates: The interest rate is notified quarterly by the Ministry of Finance. For Q1 FY 2025–26, the rate stands at 7.1% p.a. (Source: Economic Times).

  • Age Criteria: There is no upper age limit; however, the minimum age for self-operated accounts is 18 years.

  • Nomination Facility: Ensure a nominee is added to your account for ease in future claims.

Conclusion

The Public Provident Fund remains one of the long-standing savings instruments for individuals seeking secure, long-term wealth preservation. With the availability of PPF accounts through both public and private sector banks, as well as the flexibility of offline and online account opening, managing one’s PPF investments has become increasingly accessible.

Before opening a PPF account, it is essential to assess one’s deposit capacity, the lock-in period, tax benefits, and transfer procedures. Understanding the rules and comparing the features offered by different banks can help maintain a compliant and well-managed PPF account over the long term.

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