Opening of Bank Accounts in the Names of Minors

RBI/2014-15/225
RPCD.CO.RCB.BC.No.29/07.51.010/2014-15

September 09, 2014

All State Co-operative Banks and Central Co-operative Bank

Dear Sir/Madam,

Opening of Bank Accounts in the Names of Minors

Please refer to our circular RPCD.No.RF.DIR.BC.32/D.1-85 dated January 8, 1985 wherein State / Central Co-operative Banks (StCBs / DCCBs) were advised to allow minors’ accounts (fixed and savings deposit accounts) with mothers as guardians to be opened subject to safeguards in allowing operations in such accounts by ensuring that the minors’ accounts opened with guardian are not allowed to be overdrawn and that these always remain in credit.

2. Further, with a view to promote the objective of financial inclusion and also to bring uniformity among banks in opening and operating minors’ accounts, StCBs / DCCBs are advised as under:

1. A savings /fixed / recurring bank deposit account can be opened by a minor of any age through his/her natural or legally appointed guardian.

2. Minors above the age of 10 years may be allowed to open and operate savings bank accounts independently, if they so desire. StCBs / DCCBs may, however, keeping in view their risk management systems, fix limits in terms of age and amount up to which minors may be allowed to operate the deposit accounts independently. They can also decide, in their own discretion, as to what minimum documents are required for opening of accounts by minors.

3. On attaining majority, the erstwhile minor should confirm the balance in his/her account and if the account is operated by the natural guardian / legal guardian, fresh operating instructions and specimen signature of erstwhile minor should be obtained and kept on record for all operational purposes.

3. StCBs / DCCBs are free to offer additional banking facilities like ATM/debit card, cheque book facility etc., subject to the safeguards that minor accounts are not allowed to be overdrawn and that these always remain in credit.

Yours faithfully,

(A. Udgata)
Principal Chief General Manager